Core i3-2100 vs Phenom II X3 B77
Core i3-2100
Phenom II X3 B77
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 Phenom II X3 B77 is on rank 1057, so the Core i3-2100 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 Phenom II X3 B77
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2100 | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Heka (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2100 | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+252%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) |
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 Phenom II X3 B77
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.
Phenom II X3 B77
The Phenom II X3 B77 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,844 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X3 B77 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom II X3 B77 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2100 versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X3 B77 — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 B77 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-2100 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X3 B77 uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2100 scores 1,856 against the Phenom II X3 B77's 1,844 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-2100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2100 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 B77.
| Feature | Core i3-2100 | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 3 / 3+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.2 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.2 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 6 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Heka (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,856 | 1,844 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2100 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X3 B77 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-2100 | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2100 launched at $117 MSRP, while the Phenom II X3 B77 debuted at $281. At current prices ($10 vs $35), the Core i3-2100 is $25 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2100 delivers 185.6 pts/$ vs 52.7 pts/$ for the Phenom II X3 B77 — making the Core i3-2100 the 111.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2100 | Phenom II X3 B77 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117-58% | $281 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-71% | $35 |
| Performance per Dollar | 185.6+252% | 52.7 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2010 |
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