Core i3-10100F vs Core i7-1160G7

Intel

Core i3-10100F

4 Cores8 Thrd1 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i7-1160G7

4 Cores8 Thrd15 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2020
Similar parts
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Core i3-10100F vs Core i7-1160G7 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.

Core i3-10100F vs Core i7-1160G7 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 i3-10100F vs Core i7-1160G7: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10100F

2020

Why buy it

  • Costs $338 less on MSRP ($88 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
  • Delivers 383.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 99.0 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($88 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
  • Draws 1W instead of 15W, a 14W reduction.
  • 300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (8,714 vs 8,720).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1160G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-1160G7

2020

Why buy it

  • +100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i3-10100F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 99.0 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $88 MSRP).
  • 1400% higher power demand at 15W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-1160G7 better than Core i3-10100F?
Yes. Core i7-1160G7 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% 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, Core i7-1160G7 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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, Core i7-1160G7 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-1160G7 is still the better call for a fresh build. Core i7-1160G7 comes in 384.1% more expensive on MSRP at $426 MSRP versus $88 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-10100F only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 8,714 PassMark with 4 cores and 8 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-1160G7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB) 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 i3-10100F vs Core i7-1160G7 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-10100F

The Core i3-10100F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) 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. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,714 points. Launch price was $122.

Intel

Core i7-1160G7

The Core i7-1160G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1598. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,720 points. Launch price was $426.

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-10100F and Core i7-1160G7 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-10100F versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-1160G7 — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-1160G7 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Core i3-10100F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-1160G7 uses Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) (10 nm SuperFin). In PassMark, the Core i3-10100F scores 8,714 against the Core i7-1160G7's 8,720 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-1160G7. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i3-10100F vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-1160G7.

FeatureCore i3-10100FCore i7-1160G7
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.3 GHz
4.4 GHz+2%
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+200%
1.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB
12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache
1 MB
1.25 MB (per core)+25%
Process
14 nm
10 nm SuperFin-29%
Architecture
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021)
PassMark
8,714
8,720
Geekbench 6 Single
1,758
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10100F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-1160G7 uses FCBGA1598 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i3-10100F versus LPDDR4x-4267 on the Core i7-1160G7 — the Core i7-1160G7 supports 60.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-10100F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-10100F) vs 4 (Core i7-1160G7) — the Core i3-10100F offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 400 series (Core i3-10100F) and Tiger Lake-UP3 (Core i7-1160G7).

FeatureCore i3-10100FCore i7-1160G7
Socket
LGA1200
FCBGA1598
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
LPDDR4x-4267+60%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+300%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16+300%
4
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-10100F) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1160G7). The Core i7-1160G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i3-10100F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1160G7 targets Premium Ultrabook/Tablet. Direct competitor: Core i7-1160G7 rivals Ryzen 7 4800U.

FeatureCore i3-10100FCore i7-1160G7
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Premium Ultrabook/Tablet
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10100F was priced at $88, while the Core i7-1160G7 came in at $426. On launch pricing ($88 vs $426), Core i3-10100F was $338 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10100F delivers 99.0 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-1160G7 — making the Core i3-10100F the 131.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-10100FCore i7-1160G7
MSRP
$88-79%
$426
Performance per Dollar
99.0+383%
20.5
Release Date
2020
2020

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