3015e vs Core i3-7102E

3015e vs Core i3-7102E Performance Spectrum

3015e

2 / 4

2,618

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-7102E

2 / 4

2,599

0.0%

Celeron J4025

Core 2 Duo T5750

Pentium Dual Core T3400

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.

3015e vs Core i3-7102E FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

3015e vs Core i3-7102E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

3015e

2020

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 1W instead of 25W, a 24W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i3-7102E

2017

Why buy it

✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,599 vs 2,618).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while 3015e mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌2400% higher power demand at 25W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is 3015e better than Core i3-7102E?

Yes. 3015e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, 3015e is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, 3015e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

3015e is still the much better call for a fresh build. 3015e comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-7102E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

3015e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2017), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

3015e vs Core i3-7102E Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

3015e

The 3015e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,618 points. Launch price was $50.

Core i3-7102E

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.

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Processing Power

Both the 3015e and Core i3-7102E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the 3015e versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-7102E — a 9.1% clock advantage for the 3015e. The 3015e uses the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-7102E uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the 3015e scores 2,618 against the Core i3-7102E's 2,599 — a 0.7% lead for the 3015e. L3 cache: 4 MB on the 3015e vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7102E.

Feature	3015e	Core i3-7102E
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz+10%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB+100%	512 kB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Pollock (Zen) (2020)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,618	2,599
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	659
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,962
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,898

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the 3015e versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7102E — the Core i3-7102E supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7102E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (3015e) vs 2 (Core i3-7102E). PCIe lanes: 8 (3015e) vs 16 (Core i3-7102E) — the Core i3-7102E offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FT5 (3015e) and Intel 100 Series,Intel 200 Series (Core i3-7102E).

Feature	3015e	Core i3-7102E
Socket	FT5	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	DDR4-2400+50%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	64 GB+300%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (3015e) vs Yes (Core i3-7102E). Both include integrated graphics — Vega 3 (3015e) and Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7102E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: 3015e rivals Celeron N4120.