
Core i3-13100 vs Core i9-10900TE

Core i3-13100

Core i9-10900TE
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 i3-13100
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10900TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-13100 | Core i9-10900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($128) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-13100 | Core i9-10900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+40%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($128) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
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 i3-13100 and Core i9-10900TE

Core i3-13100
The Core i3-13100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 14,064 points. Launch price was $134.

Core i9-10900TE
The Core i9-10900TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,159 points. Launch price was $488.
Processing Power
The Core i3-13100 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i9-10900TE offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-10900TE has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i3-13100 versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-10900TE — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.4 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i3-13100 uses the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-10900TE uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-13100 scores 14,064 against the Core i9-10900TE's 14,159 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i9-10900TE. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-13100 vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900TE.
| Feature | Core i3-13100 | Core i9-10900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 10 / 20+150% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+89% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 20 MB (total)+67% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 14,064 | 14,159 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-13100 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-10900TE uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-13100 | Core i9-10900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-13100 launched at $134 MSRP, while the Core i9-10900TE debuted at $309. At current prices ($128 vs $180), the Core i3-13100 is $52 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-13100 delivers 109.9 pts/$ vs 78.7 pts/$ for the Core i9-10900TE — making the Core i3-13100 the 33.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-13100 | Core i9-10900TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $134-57% | $309 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $128-29% | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 109.9+40% | 78.7 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2020 |
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