Intel Core i3-390M

Intel Core i3-390M: An Outdated Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025

Introduction

The Intel Core i3-390M processor represents the first generation of Intel Core line (2010) designed for budget laptops. In 2025, this model is viewed as archaic, yet it's still found in used devices or older corporate systems. This article will explore who might find such a CPU useful today, how it performs with modern tasks, and what to pay attention to when purchasing a device based on it.

Architecture and Process Technology: What's Inside?

A 32 nm Dual-Core "Veteran"

The Core i3-390M is part of the Westmere microarchitecture (codename — Arrandale). It was the first Intel processor to combine CPU and GPU on a single die (referred to as "Monolithic"), although the graphics core remained part of the chipset. Its key specifications are:

- 2 cores / 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.

- Base clock speed — 2.66 GHz, Turbo Boost is absent.

- L3 cache — 3 MB, shared between both cores.

- Integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (clock speed of 500–766 MHz).

By the standards of 2025, a 32 nm process looks massive (modern CPUs are manufactured using 3–5 nm), which explains the high power consumption and heat generation. The built-in GPU supported DirectX 10, but even in 2010, its power was adequate only for office tasks and video playback. In 2025, it struggles with rendering interfaces for Windows 12 or playing 4K video without hardware acceleration.

Power Consumption and TDP: Why Does the Battery Drain Quickly?

The processor's TDP is 35 W. For comparison, modern mobile CPUs (such as the Intel Core i3-1415U) have a TDP of 15 W with twice the performance.

- Reason for High TDP: outdated manufacturing process and lack of advanced power-saving technologies.

- Real-world scenarios:

- Idle (web browsing): ~10–15 W.

- Load (running Chrome with 10 tabs): up to 25–30 W.

- Maximum (PDF rendering): 35 W.

For a laptop from 2010–2012, this meant a battery life of 2–3 hours. By 2025, the batteries in such devices have deteriorated, so the actual runtime is about 1–1.5 hours even after battery replacement.

Performance: What Can the Core i3-390M Do in 2025?

Benchmark results (Geekbench 6):

- Single-Core: 357 points — comparable to Snapdragon 835 (2017).

- Multi-Core: 705 points — slightly above Apple A10 Fusion (iPhone 7, 2016).

Real-World Tasks:

1. Office Work:

- Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel) — acceptable, but with delays when opening 3–4 documents at the same time.

- Google Workspace — lag in the browser due to cache shortages and weak IPC (Instructions Per Cycle).

2. Multimedia:

- YouTube: 1080p@30fps — it works, but with CPU usage at 80–90% (without hardware decoding VP9/AV1).

- 4K video — cannot be played without third-party players with optimization (e.g., VLC).

3. Gaming:

- Old games (CS:GO, Dota 2 on low settings): 20–25 FPS.

- Modern titles (2023+) — will not launch due to mismatched system requirements.

Use Cases: Who Is This Processor Suitable For?

- Students needing a device for typing and working with PDFs.

- Seniors looking for an inexpensive device for video calls and reading news.

- IT specialists using it as a "donor" for repairing old laptops.

Important! In 2025, laptops with the Core i3-390M are no longer in production. They can only be purchased on the secondary market for $50–100. New devices in a similar price range (like the Chuwi Gemibook with Intel N100, $250) offer 3–4 times higher performance.

Battery Life: Why Does the Battery "Not Last"?

Besides TDP, the problem is exacerbated by:

- Lack of Modern Power-Saving Technologies:

- No equivalents of Intel Speed Shift (dynamic frequency management).

- Sleep modes are unstable in modern operating systems.

- Outdated Chipsets: Memory controllers and PCIe 2.0 buses consume more power.

Tip: If using such a laptop, disable all background processes, reduce screen brightness to 50%, and work in Linux (Lubuntu or Xubuntu).

Comparison with Competitors: What Did AMD and Apple Offer?

- AMD Athlon II P340 (2010): 2 cores / 2 threads, TDP 25 W. Falls short in multi-threading but excels in battery life.

- Apple A5 (2011): 2 cores / 1 GHz. Slower in synthetic benchmarks, but macOS optimization provided a smooth interface.

Modern Alternatives:

- Intel N100 (2023): 4 cores / 4 threads, TDP 6 W, starting price for laptops $250.

- AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (2023): 4 cores / 8 threads, RDNA 2 graphics, TDP 15 W.

Pros and Cons of Core i3-390M

Pros:

- Low price on the secondary market.

- Support for Windows 10 (officially) and Linux.

Cons:

- Struggles with modern browsers and applications.

- High power consumption.

- No support for USB 3.0, NVMe, Wi-Fi 6.

Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop

If you are considering a device with the Core i3-390M in 2025, check:

1. Battery Condition (better to replace it with a new one).

2. Presence of SSD (HDD slows down performance even in simple tasks).

3. Maximum RAM Capacity (8 GB is the minimum for Windows 10).

Alternatives for New Purchases:

- Budget Chromebooks (e.g., Lenovo Chromebook 3 — $180).

- Laptops with Intel N-series processors (Acer Aspire 1 — $220).

Final Conclusion

The Intel Core i3-390M is a processor for budget-conscious users seeking an inexpensive PC for basic tasks. In 2025, it should be bought only if:

- The budget is strictly limited to $100.

- Comfort in multitasking is not needed.

- The device will be used with Linux.

Key Benefit: Extremely low price. However, even budget new laptops for $200–300 offer a significantly better experience. Choose the Core i3-390M only if there are no alternatives.