
Core i3-2100 vs Core i7-2677M

Core i3-2100

Core i7-2677M
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. The Core i3-2100 is positioned at rank 885 and the Core i7-2677M is on rank 227, so the Core i7-2677M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2100
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2677M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2100 | Core i7-2677M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2100 | Core i7-2677M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i3-2100 and Core i7-2677M

Core i3-2100
The Core i3-2100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,856 points. Launch price was $73.

Core i7-2677M
The Core i7-2677M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,875 points. Launch price was $317.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-2100 and Core i7-2677M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2100 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2677M — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-2100 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-2100 scores 1,856 against the Core i7-2677M's 1,875 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-2677M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2100 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2677M.
| Feature | Core i3-2100 | Core i7-2677M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+7% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+72% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 4 MB+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,856 | 1,875+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 562 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2100 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2677M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-2100 | Core i7-2677M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-2100) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2677M). The Core i7-2677M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-2100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2677M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i7-2677M rivals A6-3420M.
| Feature | Core i3-2100 | Core i7-2677M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Ultrabook |
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