A6-7310 vs Core i3-7100U

A6-7310 vs Core i3-7100U Performance Spectrum

A6-7310

4 / 4

2,689

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-7100U

2 / 4

2,721

+1.2%

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.

A6-7310 vs Core i3-7100U 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.

A6-7310 vs Core i3-7100U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-7310

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 15W, a 13W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,689 vs 2,721).

Core i3-7100U

2016

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌650% higher power demand at 15W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7100U better than A6-7310?

Yes. Core i3-7100U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7100U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7100U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-7100U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-7100U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2015) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A6-7310 vs Core i3-7100U Technical Specifications

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

A6-7310

The A6-7310 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Carrizo-L (2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,689 points. Launch price was $70.

Core i3-7100U

The Core i3-7100U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,721 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The A6-7310 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7100U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A6-7310 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the A6-7310 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-7100U — identical boost frequencies (base: 2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The A6-7310 uses the Carrizo-L (2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-7100U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A6-7310 scores 2,689 against the Core i3-7100U's 2,721 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-7100U.

Feature	A6-7310	Core i3-7100U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.4 GHz+20%
L3 Cache	—	3 MB
L2 Cache	2048 kB+300%	512 kB
Process	28 nm	14 nm-50%
Architecture	Carrizo-L (2015)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,689	2,721+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	841

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Memory & Platform

The A6-7310 uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-7100U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the A6-7310 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-7100U — the Core i3-7100U supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7100U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (A6-7310) vs 2 (Core i3-7100U). PCIe lanes: 16 (A6-7310) vs 12 (Core i3-7100U) — the A6-7310 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A6-7310	Core i3-7100U
Socket	FP4	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	DDR4-2133+33%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A6-7310) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7100U). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R4 Graphics (A6-7310) and HD Graphics 620 (Core i3-7100U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: A6-7310 rivals Pentium N3700; Core i3-7100U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.