PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i3-7100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,306 points. Launch price was $117.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7100

#319

Core i9-7900X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $188

103%

#320

Athlon 64 X2 5600+

MSRP: $505|Avg: $15

103%

#321

Core i7-13700F

MSRP: $359|Avg: $345

103%

#322

Core i5-13600T

MSRP: $255|Avg: $255

103%

#323

Ryzen Threadripper 1920

MSRP: $799|Avg: $200

102%

#324

Ryzen 5 3400GE

MSRP: $149|Avg: $80

102%

#325

Core i7-12700F

MSRP: $314|Avg: $275

102%

#326

Core i5-9400

MSRP: $192|Avg: $85

102%

#327

Pentium G3220T

MSRP: $54|Avg: $15

102%

#328

Core i3-13100

MSRP: $134|Avg: $128

102%

#329

Athlon II X3 435

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

102%

#330

FX-8320

MSRP: $169|Avg: $50

102%

#331

FX-6130

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $40

101%

#332

FX-4130

MSRP: $100|Avg: $25

101%

#333

Core i3-7350K

MSRP: $179|Avg: $45

101%

#334

Core i3-7100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $40

100%

#335

Core i9-10910

MSRP: $488|Avg: $200

99%

#336

Core i7-3770

MSRP: $294|Avg: $60

99%

#337

Core i7-2600

MSRP: $294|Avg: $50

99%

#338

Core i5-14600T

MSRP: $255|Avg: $255

99%

#339

FX-8300

MSRP: $197|Avg: $50

99%

#340

FX-8150

MSRP: $245|Avg: $50

99%

#341

FX-9370

MSRP: $42|Avg: $60

99%

#342

Core i5-11500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $120

99%

#343

Core i5-6400T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $40

99%

#344

Athlon II X2 240

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

98%

#345

Ryzen 7 5700X3D

MSRP: $249|Avg: N/A

98%

#346

Core i5-4590

MSRP: $192|Avg: $51

98%

#347

Ryzen 3 8300GE

MSRP: $129|Avg: $129

98%

#348

Core i3-13100T

MSRP: $134|Avg: $122

97%

#349

A6-3650

MSRP: $115|Avg: $20

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-7100 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-7100 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-7100 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.9 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,306, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-7100
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.9 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,306

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7100 fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-7100
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1151
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 630
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-7100 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i3-7100
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-7100 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 51 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i3-7100
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	51 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $40 (MSRP: $117), the Core i3-7100 delivers 108 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1972 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-7100
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$117
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$40
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$117
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1972
Release DateLaunch date	3 January 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel