Core i3-10100 vs Core i7-7700
Core i3-10100
Core i7-7700
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-10100
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-7700
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-10100 | Core i7-7700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($146) | ✅ More affordable ($102) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake-S (2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-10100 | Core i7-7700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+45%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($146) | ✅ More affordable ($102) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-10100 and Core i7-7700
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.
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 | — |
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. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Core i3-10100 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% 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 | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-10100 launched at $122 MSRP, while the Core i7-7700 debuted at $272. At current prices ($146 vs $102), the Core i7-7700 is $44 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10100 delivers 58.4 pts/$ vs 84.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-7700 — making the Core i7-7700 the 36.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-10100 | Core i7-7700 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $122-55% | $272 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $146 | $102-30% |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.4 | 84.7+45% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2017 |
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