CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3380M vs Core i5-3610ME
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3380M is a high-end dual-core mobile processor launched in early 2013 under the Ivy Bridge umbrella. Targeting performance-oriented laptops, it features two cores and four threads, leveraging Hyper-Threading to maximize parallel processing capabilities. With a base clock of 2.9 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.6 GHz, it offered snappy single-threaded performance for mobile users of its era. Manufactured using Intel's 22-nanometer process, the chip incorporates 3 MB of L3 cache and operates within a 35-watt thermal envelope. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 handles graphical duties, providing modest performance for casual gaming and high-definition video playback. Unlike ultra-low voltage parts, the 3380M prioritized raw clock speed, making it a popular choice for thicker, performance-focused laptops that required robust cooling. While it has been thoroughly eclipsed by modern ultra-portable processors, the i5-3380M was a formidable chip in its day, delivering desktop-class responsiveness to the mobile space without compromising on essential feature sets.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office apps fine but chokes on heavy scripts.
Sufficient for basic office tasks running on lightweight operating systems.
Gaming
Can run games from 2010-2013 on low settings.
Not intended for gaming; HD 4000 handles only legacy 2D or very old 3D titles.
Virtualization
VT-d helps, but 2 cores limit VM size.
Good for lightweight VMs, especially with ECC memory ensuring stability.
Efficiency
35W TDP generates noticeable heat in older laptops.
22nm process offers decent efficiency, though modern embedded chips are far superior.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No hardware AI support
- CPU inference is unfeasibly slow
- No AI acceleration
- Inadequate for modern inference workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is heavily outdated
- No support for modern DirectX features
- Graphics frequency limited to 950 MHz
- Not targeted at consumer gaming
- Lacks modern API support
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High 3.6 GHz turbo for a mobile chip
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good single-thread performance for 2013
- Hardware virtualization
Cons
- Obsolete by modern metrics
- 35W TDP is high for dual-core
- Soldered alternatives are more common
- No Windows 11 support
- Weak integrated graphics
Pros
- Supports ECC memory for data integrity
- Long-term embedded availability
- Good virtualization support (VT-d)
- Solid 22nm efficiency for 2012
- AES-NI support for encryption
Cons
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- Obsolete for modern software
- No Windows 11 support
- Low graphics clock speed (950 MHz max)
- DDR3 memory is outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3380M
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-3540MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3320MRival
Mobile
Similar performance, slightly cheaper
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-2640MAlt
Older but comparable in speed
- Intel Pentium 2020MAlt
Budget mobile dual-core
- Intel Celeron 1005MAlt
Low-end mobile alternative
- AMD A6-5350MAlt
AMD mobile alternative
Core i5-3610ME
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3360MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3320MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3610ME BGAAlt
Soldered version for compact embedded systems.
Budget alternative if ECC is not required.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-3610QEAlt
Quad-core embedded alternative for higher performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A fast dual-core for its time, but outdated. Its socketed nature allows for rare mobile upgrades.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop for basic use.
Read the full reviewA specialized variant of Ivy Bridge that brought ECC memory support to mobile embedded platforms, offering great reliability for its time.
Best for: Replacing a failed CPU in a legacy industrial motherboard.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3380M or Core i5-3610ME?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-3610ME comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-3380M or Core i5-3610ME?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3380M leads with a gaming performance score of 32/100 among Intel Core i5-3380M and Core i5-3610ME.
Do Intel Core i5-3380M and Core i5-3610ME use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G2 (988B) socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3380M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3380M (3,800), Core i5-3610ME (2,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.