
Core i3-10100F vs Core i7-7700

Core i3-10100F

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 i3-10100F
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-7700
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-10100F | Core i7-7700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($102) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-10100F | Core i7-7700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+106%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 i3-10100F and Core i7-7700

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.

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 i3-10100F and Core i7-7700 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-10100F versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-7700 — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-10100F (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-10100F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-7700 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10100F scores 8,714 against the Core i7-7700's 8,642 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-10100F. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i3-10100F vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7700.
| Feature | Core i3-10100F | 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 | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 8,714 | 8,642 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 1,435 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-10100F 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 i3-10100F 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: Intel 400 series (Core i3-10100F) and 100-series,200-series (Core i7-7700).
| Feature | Core i3-10100F | 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
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-10100F) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-7700). The Core i7-7700 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-10100F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-7700 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-7700 rivals Ryzen 5 1600.
| Feature | Core i3-10100F | Core i7-7700 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-10100F launched at $88 MSRP, while the Core i7-7700 debuted at $272. At current prices ($50 vs $102), the Core i3-10100F is $52 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10100F delivers 174.3 pts/$ vs 84.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-7700 — making the Core i3-10100F the 69.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-10100F | Core i7-7700 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $88-68% | $272 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-51% | $102 |
| Performance per Dollar | 174.3+106% | 84.7 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2017 |
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