Quick Verdict
A fast dual-core for its time, but outdated. Its socketed nature allows for rare mobile upgrades.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
DiscontinuedGeneration
3rd Generation
Market
Mobile
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 Core i5-3380M was a premium dual-core mobile processor in 2013. Its high 3.6 GHz turbo boost provided excellent single-threaded speed for everyday applications.
Built on the 22nm Ivy Bridge node, it featured a 35W TDP and Intel HD 4000 graphics. Today, it is obsolete, but its Socket G2 (988B) packaging made it unique among modern mobile chips.
Specifications
Performance
Handles office apps fine but chokes on heavy scripts.
VT-d helps, but 2 cores limit VM size.
Can run games from 2010-2013 on low settings.
35W TDP generates noticeable heat in older laptops.
- •HD 4000 is heavily outdated
- •No support for modern DirectX features
- •No hardware AI support
- •CPU inference is unfeasibly slow
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
3 MB
L3 Cache
35 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Built on the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, the Core i5-3380M benefits from Intel's groundbreaking 22-nanometer tri-gate transistor technology. This architectural shift from planar transistors allowed for significant reductions in power leakage, enabling higher clock speeds within the same thermal envelope as the previous generation. The die measures 118 mm² and houses the CPU cores, L3 cache, and the integrated graphics processor. The Ivy Bridge design utilizes a ring bus topology to connect the cores, cache, and graphics, ensuring low-latency data sharing. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3, providing up to 25.6 GB/s of memory bandwidth. The HD Graphics 4000 component includes 16 execution units and supports DirectX 11, a first for Intel integrated graphics. Although the 22nm process ran warmer than expected under heavy overclocking compared to Sandy Bridge, the architecture's efficiency at stock frequencies allowed the 3380M to deliver excellent performance-per-watt, setting the stage for future mobile processor innovations.
CPU Design
Dual-core layout with 4 threads, 256KB L2 per core, and 3MB shared L3.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 controller integrated on die.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; base clock tweaking only.
- Higher clocks
- Better IGPU
- Lower power leakage
Key Highlights
- High 3.6 GHz turbo for a mobile chip
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good single-thread performance for 2013
- Hardware virtualization
- Obsolete by modern metrics
- 35W TDP is high for dual-core
- Soldered alternatives are more common
- No Windows 11 support
- Weak integrated graphics
History
Introduced on January 1, 2013, the Core i5-3380M served as a premium option for mobile computing during the Windows 8 transition era. As laptops became increasingly powerful, Intel sought to bridge the gap between desktop and mobile performance. The 3380M found its way into high-end multimedia notebooks and entry-level gaming laptops, where its 3.
6 GHz turbo boost provided a noticeable advantage in single-threaded applications. It competed directly with AMD's A-Series APUs, offering superior CPU performance while maintaining competitive integrated graphics. During its active lifespan, this processor powered machines used for intensive office work, light 3D modeling, and mainstream gaming.
As the market shifted toward ultra-low voltage chips for better battery life, the 35-watt TDP of the 3380M became less desirable for thin-and-light designs. Consequently, it was phased out by Haswell processors, which offered substantially better integrated graphics and power efficiency. Today, it is a relic of the era when mobile processors were prioritizing raw frequency over thermal conservatism.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher clocks
- Better IGPU
- Lower power leakage
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop for basic use.
Avoid if…
- Buying new
- Modern gaming
- Video production
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Socketed in PGA 988B.
Can boost up to 3.6 GHz.
Built on 22nm lithography.
Part of the Ivy Bridge family.
Features HD 4000 graphics.
Has 3MB of L3 cache.
Supports VT-x and VT-d.
Launched in early 2013.
Draws 35W of power.
Supports AVX instructions.
People Also Ask
Is Core i5-3380M better than i5-3340M?
Yes, it has higher clock speeds.
Can Core i5-3380M run Windows 10?
Yes, it runs Windows 10 adequately.
Does Core i5-3380M support AES-NI?
Yes, it supports AES-NI instructions.
What is the turbo boost of Core i5-3380M?
It can boost up to 3.6 GHz.
Is Core i5-3380M good for streaming?
No, it lacks the cores for modern streaming.
What is the die size of Core i5-3380M?
The die size is 118 mm².
Does Core i5-3380M have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it has 2 cores and 4 threads.
What is the max memory for Core i5-3380M?
It supports up to 32GB DDR3.
Can I upgrade Core i5-3380M?
Yes, because it uses Socket G2 (988B).
Does Core i5-3380M support AVX?
Yes, it supports Advanced Vector Extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Core i5-3380M good for gaming?
It can run very old games, but not modern titles.
Can the Core i5-3380M be overclocked?
No, it has a locked multiplier.
What socket does the Core i5-3380M use?
It uses the Intel Socket G2 (988B).
Does the Core i5-3380M have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD Graphics 4000.
What is the TDP of the Core i5-3380M?
The thermal design power is 35 Watts.
What process node is the Core i5-3380M built on?
It uses a 22-nanometer process.
How many threads does the Core i5-3380M have?
It has 4 threads across 2 cores.
Does the Core i5-3380M support DDR3?
Yes, it supports dual-channel DDR3.
What is the base clock of the Core i5-3380M?
The base clock is 2.9 GHz.
Is the Core i5-3380M soldered?
No, this version uses a PGA socket and can be replaced.