Core i3-2100 vs Pentium 1403

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 Pentium 1403 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 Pentium 1403: 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

✅Draws 65W instead of 80W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 5 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Pentium 1403 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Pentium 1403

2012

Why buy it

✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (5 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,851 vs 1,856).
❌23.1% higher power demand at 80W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2100 better than Pentium 1403?

Yes. Core i3-2100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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 0.3% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium 1403 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and 66.7% larger total L3 cache (5 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2100 vs Pentium 1403 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.

Pentium 1403

The Pentium 1403 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 5 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,851 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium 1403's 2 cores. The Core i3-2100 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-2100 scores 1,856 against the Pentium 1403's 1,851 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-2100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2100 vs 5 MB on the Pentium 1403.

Feature	Core i3-2100	Pentium 1403
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+19%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	5 MB+67%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	1,856	1,851