A6-9400 vs Core i3-7100U

A6-9400 vs Core i3-7100U Performance Spectrum

A6-9400

2 / 2

2,717

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-7100U

2 / 4

2,721

+0.1%

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.

A6-9400 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.

A6-9400 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.

A6-9400

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,717 vs 2,721).
❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.

Core i3-7100U

2016

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
✅50% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A6-9400 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7100U better than A6-9400?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A6-9400 is ahead with a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7100U pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

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 0.1% 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 0.1% better PassMark.

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

A6-9400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-9400 vs Core i3-7100U Technical Specifications

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

A6-9400

The A6-9400 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,717 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 A6-9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-7100U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the A6-9400 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-7100U — a 42.6% clock advantage for the A6-9400 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The A6-9400 uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-7100U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A6-9400 scores 2,717 against the Core i3-7100U's 2,721 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-7100U.

Feature	A6-9400	Core i3-7100U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+54%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+42%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB (total)+100%	512 kB
Process	28 nm	14 nm-50%
Architecture	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,717	2,721
Geekbench 6 Single	—	841

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Memory & Platform

The A6-9400 uses the AM4 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 DDR4-2400 on the A6-9400 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-7100U — the A6-9400 supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-9400 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (A6-9400) vs 12 (Core i3-7100U) — the Core i3-7100U offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A6-9400	Core i3-7100U
Socket	AM4	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+13%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	12+50%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (A6-9400) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7100U). Both include integrated graphics — AMD Radeon R5 (A6-9400) 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: Core i3-7100U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.