Core i3-2100 vs Core i7-740QM

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 i3-2100 vs Core i7-740QM 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 i3-2100 vs Core i7-740QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2100

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $261 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 225.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.9 vs 4.9 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-740QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-740QM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,842 vs 1,856).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.9 vs 15.9 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2100 better than Core i7-740QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-740QM is ahead with a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2100 pulls ahead with 0.8% better PassMark. Core i7-740QM also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2100 comes in $261 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-740QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 225.5% better value on MSRP (15.9 vs 4.9 PassMark/$), 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 i3-2100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2100 vs Core i7-740QM Technical Specifications

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

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 i7-740QM

The Core i7-740QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $546.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-740QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-740QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2100 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-2100 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Core i3-2100 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-740QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2100 scores 1,856 against the Core i7-740QM's 1,842 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-2100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2100 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM.

Feature	Core i3-2100	Core i7-740QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+6%	2.93 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+79%	1.73 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,856	1,842

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2100 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-740QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2100	Core i7-740QM
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	8
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-2100) / true (Core i7-740QM). Direct competitor: Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Core i3-2100	Core i7-740QM
Integrated GPU	—	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2100 was priced at $117, while the Core i7-740QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($117 vs $378), Core i3-2100 was $261 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2100 delivers 15.9 pts/$ vs 4.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-740QM — making the Core i3-2100 the 106% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2100	Core i7-740QM
MSRP	$117-69%	$378
Performance per Dollar	15.9+224%	4.9
Release Date	2011	2010

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