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 i7-7700 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 i3-10100F 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 i3-10100F

2020

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $184 less on MSRP ($88 MSRP vs $272 MSRP).
✅Delivers 211.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 99.0 vs 31.8 PassMark/$ ($88 MSRP vs $272 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.

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).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-7700 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-7700.

Core i7-7700

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i3-10100F needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i3-10100F.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,642 vs 8,714).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 31.8 vs 99.0 PassMark/$ ($272 MSRP vs $88 MSRP).
❌6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

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

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-7700 is ahead with a 7.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-10100F pulls ahead with 0.8% better PassMark. 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 i3-10100F is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-10100F is the better buy right now. Core i3-10100F comes in $184 cheaper on MSRP at $88 MSRP versus $272 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-7700 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 7.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 211.7% better value on MSRP (99.0 vs 31.8 PassMark/$), 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 i3-10100F 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 i3-10100F vs Core i7-7700 Technical Specifications

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

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	256K (per core)+25500%
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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i3-10100F versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-7700 — the Core i3-10100F supports 11.1% 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 64 GB — 100% 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+11%	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
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

At launch, the Core i3-10100F was priced at $88, while the Core i7-7700 came in at $272. On launch pricing ($88 vs $272), Core i3-10100F was $184 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10100F delivers 99.0 pts/$ vs 31.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-7700 — making the Core i3-10100F the 102.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-10100F	Core i7-7700
MSRP	$88-68%	$272
Performance per Dollar	99.0+211%	31.8
Release Date	2020	2017

Search Core i3-10100F on Amazon

Search Core i7-7700 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.