Athlon X4 845 vs Core i3-7100T

AMD

Athlon X4 845

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-7100T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Athlon X4 845 vs Core i3-7100T Performance Spectrum

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.

Athlon X4 845 vs Core i3-7100T 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.

Athlon X4 845 vs Core i3-7100T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon X4 845

2016

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +8.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $47 less on MSRP ($70 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • Delivers 67.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 53.8 vs 32.2 PassMark/$ ($70 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7100T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-7100T.

Core i3-7100T

2017

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 630, while Athlon X4 845 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Athlon X4 845.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon X4 845 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,763 vs 3,768).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 32.2 vs 53.8 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $70 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X4 845 better than Core i3-7100T?
Yes. Athlon X4 845 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon X4 845 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.1% 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, Athlon X4 845 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?
Athlon X4 845 is the better buy right now. Athlon X4 845 comes in $47 cheaper on MSRP at $70 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 67.4% better value on MSRP (53.8 vs 32.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-7100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon X4 845 vs Core i3-7100T Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon X4 845

The Athlon X4 845 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,768 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core i3-7100T

The Core i3-7100T 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. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,763 points. Launch price was $117.

Processing Power

The Athlon X4 845 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7100T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Athlon X4 845 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Athlon X4 845 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-7100T — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Athlon X4 845 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Athlon X4 845 uses the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-7100T uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 845 scores 3,768 against the Core i3-7100T's 3,763 — a 0.1% lead for the Athlon X4 845.

FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i3-7100T
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz+12%
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+3%
3.4 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2 MB
256K (per core)+12700%
Process
28 nm
14 nm-50%
Architecture
Carrizo (2015−2018)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
3,768
3,763
Geekbench 6 Single
1,157
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,500
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 845 uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-7100T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the Athlon X4 845 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100T — the Core i3-7100T supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Athlon X4 845) vs 16 (Core i3-7100T) — the Core i3-7100T offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD FM2+ (Athlon X4 845) and B250,H270,Z270 (Core i3-7100T).

FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i3-7100T
Socket
FM2+
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-2133
DDR4-2400+13%
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
8
16+100%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon X4 845) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100T). The Core i3-7100T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Athlon X4 845 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100T targets Low Power Desktop.

FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i3-7100T
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Low Power Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon X4 845 was priced at $70, while the Core i3-7100T came in at $117. On launch pricing ($70 vs $117), Athlon X4 845 was $47 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X4 845 delivers 53.8 pts/$ vs 32.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-7100T — making the Athlon X4 845 the 50.4% better value option.

FeatureAthlon X4 845Core i3-7100T
MSRP
$70-40%
$117
Performance per Dollar
53.8+67%
32.2
Release Date
2016
2017

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