Core i3-7102E
CPU·Budget

Core i3-7102E

Intel

PassMark

2,599

MSRP

$225

AVG Price

$80

3 January 2017 (8 years ago)
25 Watt
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

About PassMark

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 i3-7102E 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. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,599 points. Launch price was $225.

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 i3-7102E

#825
A4-3420
MSRP: $65|Avg: $30
109%
#826
Core i5-6440EQ
MSRP: $250|Avg: $150
109%
#827
Core i7-6700TE
MSRP: $303|Avg: $175
109%
#828
Core i3-6100TE
MSRP: $250|Avg: $90
108%
#829
Core i7-870S
MSRP: $300|Avg: $80
106%
#830
Core i3-9100HL
MSRP: $225|Avg: $100
106%
#831
Core i9-12900TE
MSRP: $494|Avg: $664
106%
#832
Athlon XP 2600+
MSRP: $98|Avg: $10
105%
#833
Athlon 64 X2 5000+
MSRP: $136|Avg: $42
104%
#834
Core i7-940
MSRP: $562|Avg: $90
104%
#835
Ryzen 7 5800X3D
MSRP: $449|Avg: $849.99
102%
#836
Athlon 64 FX-74
MSRP: $499|Avg: $50
102%
#837
Core i9-9940X
MSRP: $1387|Avg: $850
102%
#838
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX
MSRP: $1899|Avg: $1836
101%
#839
Celeron 2.30
MSRP: $100|Avg: $10
100%
#840
Core i3-7102E
MSRP: $225|Avg: $80
100%
#841
Ryzen Embedded V1756B
MSRP: $250|Avg: $250
100%
#842
Core i3-7300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $128
100%
#843
Pentium E2220
MSRP: $32|Avg: $32
99%
#844
Celeron G465
MSRP: $70|Avg: $37
99%
#845
Celeron G1610T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $42
98%
#846
Core i7-990X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $225
98%
#847
Athlon 64 3100+
MSRP: $100|Avg: $15
97%
#848
FX-4320
MSRP: $250|Avg: $100
97%
#849
Pentium G4600
MSRP: $82|Avg: $116
96%
#850
Core i5-4590T
MSRP: $192|Avg: $130
96%
#851
Phenom II X4 910e
MSRP: $157|Avg: $69
96%
#852
Athlon X4 970
MSRP: $85|Avg: $85
96%
#853
Athlon 64 3700+
MSRP: $272|Avg: $20
96%
#854
Pentium G4400T
MSRP: $64|Avg: $75
95%
#855
A10-6790B
MSRP: $122|Avg: $50
95%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-7102E specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i3-7102E 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 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,599, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,962, while multi-core reaches 1,898. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 659.

SpecificationCore i3-7102E
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designKaby Lake (2016−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores3 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency8 GT/s
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,599
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance659
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming1,962
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance1,898
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Memory & Platform

It supports DDR3L-1600 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). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i3-7102E
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i3
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3L-1600
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR4-2400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel HD Graphics 630
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUIntel 100 Series,Intel 200 Series
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationCore i3-7102E
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyYes
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Power & Cooling

The Core i3-7102E has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 25 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately.

SpecificationCore i3-7102E
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload25 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
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Value Analysis

At an average price of $80 (MSRP: $225), the Core i3-7102E delivers 32 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2357 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i3-7102E
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$225
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$80
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$225
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2357
Release DateLaunch date3 January 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core i3-7102E

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