A8-7100 vs Core i3-2357M

A8-7100 vs Core i3-2357M Performance Spectrum

A8-7100

4 / 4

1,647

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-2357M

2 / 4

1,645

0.0%

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.

A8-7100 vs Core i3-2357M 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.

A8-7100 vs Core i3-2357M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-7100

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 17W, a 13W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Core i3-2357M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,645 vs 1,647).
❌325% higher power demand at 17W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-7100 better than Core i3-2357M?

Yes. A8-7100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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, A8-7100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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, A8-7100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

A8-7100 still makes the most sense overall. A8-7100 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

A8-7100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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.

A8-7100 vs Core i3-2357M Technical Specifications

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

A8-7100

The A8-7100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,647 points. Launch price was $90.

Core i3-2357M

The Core i3-2357M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,645 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

The A8-7100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2357M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-7100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-7100 versus 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2357M — a 79.1% clock advantage for the A8-7100 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The A8-7100 uses the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-2357M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-7100 scores 1,647 against the Core i3-2357M's 1,645 — a 0.1% lead for the A8-7100.

Feature	A8-7100	Core i3-2357M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+131%	1.3 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz+38%	1.3 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4096 kB+1500%	256K (per core)
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaveri (2014−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,647	1,645
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	440
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	440

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Memory & Platform

The A8-7100 uses the FP3 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2357M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the A8-7100 versus 1333 on the Core i3-2357M — the A8-7100 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FP3 (A8-7100) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS57,QS67,UM67 (Core i3-2357M).

Feature	A8-7100	Core i3-2357M
Socket	FP3	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+20%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16	16
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R5 Graphics (A8-7100) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2357M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A8-7100 rivals Core i3-4010U; Core i3-2357M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.