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.
Handles embedded HMI and basic OS tasks well.
Gaming
Can run games from 2010-2013 on low settings.
Not suitable for gaming beyond basic 2D applications.
Virtualization
VT-d helps, but 2 cores limit VM size.
Stable VM performance due to ECC memory support.
Efficiency
35W TDP generates noticeable heat in older laptops.
Good efficiency for 2012, but surpassed by modern SoCs.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No hardware AI support
- CPU inference is unfeasibly slow
- No modern AI capabilities
- Inadequate compute power
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is heavily outdated
- No support for modern DirectX features
- Not intended for gaming
- HD 4000 maxes out at 950 MHz
- Dual-core bottleneck
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
- Soldered BGA design resists shock and vibration
- Supports ECC memory for data integrity
- Compact footprint for thin devices
- Good 22nm power efficiency
- Includes AES-NI and VT-d
Cons
- Permanently soldered, no upgrades possible
- Obsolete for modern software
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- No Windows 11 support
- Outdated DDR3 memory controller
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 Embedded R-464LRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i5-3317URival
Mobile BGA
- Intel Core i5-3427URival
Mobile BGA
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3517URival
Mobile BGA
- AMD A10-4655MRival
Embedded BGA
- Intel Core i5-3610ME SocketedAlt
Socket G2 version for upgradeable systems.
- Intel Celeron 1037UAlt
Budget BGA alternative for basic tasks.
- AMD A8-5557MAlt
Embedded alternative with better graphics.
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 reviewThe BGA version of the i5-3610ME offered a durable, space-saving solution for embedded systems requiring ECC memory and solid 2012-era performance.
Best for: Maintaining an unfixable 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?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3380M: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Core i5-3610ME: Intel BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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.