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.

Core i3-10100 vs Core i7-7700 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.

Core i3-10100 vs Core i7-7700: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10100

2020

Why buy it

✅+291.1% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅Costs $150 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $272 MSRP).
✅Delivers 120.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 69.9 vs 31.8 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $272 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-7700 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-7700

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (1,435 vs 5,612).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 31.8 vs 69.9 PassMark/$ ($272 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-10100 better than Core i7-7700?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-7700 is ahead with a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-10100 pulls ahead with 291.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Core i7-7700 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-10100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 291.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-10100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-10100 comes in $150 cheaper on MSRP at $122 MSRP versus $272 MSRP, and it still gives you 291.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. The compromise is that Core i7-7700 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 120.0% better value on MSRP (69.9 vs 31.8 PassMark/$), 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 i3-10100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-10100 vs Core i7-7700 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10100

The Core i3-10100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-S (2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,526 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i7-7700

The Core i7-7700 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,642 points. Launch price was $303.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-10100 and Core i7-7700 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-10100 versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-7700 — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-10100 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-10100 uses the Comet Lake-S (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-7700 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10100 scores 8,526 against the Core i7-7700's 8,642 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-7700. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 5,612 vs 1,435 (118.5% advantage for the Core i3-10100). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-10100 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7700.

Feature	Core i3-10100	Core i7-7700
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+2%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-S (2020)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	8,526	8,642+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	5,612+291%	1,435
Geekbench 6 Single	1,430	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,300	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10100 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-7700 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i3-10100 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-7700 — the Core i3-10100 supports 11.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-10100 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: 400-series,500-series (Core i3-10100) and 100-series,200-series (Core i7-7700).

Feature	Core i3-10100	Core i7-7700
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+11%	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-10100) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i7-7700) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-10100 targets Gaming, Core i7-7700 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i3-10100 rivals Ryzen 3 3300X; Core i7-7700 rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

Feature	Core i3-10100	Core i7-7700
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Gaming	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10100 was priced at $122, while the Core i7-7700 came in at $272. On launch pricing ($122 vs $272), Core i3-10100 was $150 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10100 delivers 69.9 pts/$ vs 31.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-7700 — making the Core i3-10100 the 75% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-10100	Core i7-7700
MSRP	$122-55%	$272
Performance per Dollar	69.9+120%	31.8
Release Date	2020	2017

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