The i3-380m CPU is likely one of the last processors from Intel before they all finally move to the much hailed Sandy Bridge architecture. With recent announcements like an ultra-budget Celeron Sandy Bridge CPU it seems that it really is a case of out with the old and in with the new.

Certainly Sandy Bridge brings with it great improvements but the original i3s, I think, are a long way away from their sell by date, this is one of the best and because of its imminent replacements are turning up in some absolute bargain laptops.

The i3-380m CPU from Intel is at the top of the bottom. The i3 series is clearly aimed at all but the cheapest of laptops but this model, bar one other (the 390m) is the top. As a result you might find it in surprisingly high performing laptops.

T are a number of reasons for this. First up is that it has the integrated memory controller typical to all the i3, i5 and i7 series CPUs. This makes the CPU more efficient and tfore more powerful than some CPUs with apparently higher specifications.

For example the i3 380m easily outperforms all but the most extreme Core 2 Duo CPUs we used to hear so much about a few years ago. In large part it is this integrated memory controller that takes the credit. By having the circuits that control the flow of data, actually on the CPU, rather than in a separate logic unit significantly decreases the age old technology problem of the memory bottleneck.

Add to this a greatly improved GPU, again built on to the CPU and you have a winning combination. If you are buying an entry level laptop, perhaps for a student or the kids, rest assured they will easily be able to indulge in smooth playing multi-media and entry level gaming as well with the i3 380m.

So I guess as Intel announce the death of the first mobile i7 it wont be long before the i3 follows and is replaced probably by the i3-2xxx but for the laptop bargain hunter the time is ripe for some great deals.