Core i3-2105 vs Core i3-4100E

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 i3-2105 vs Core i3-4100E 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 i3-2105 vs Core i3-4100E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2105

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $87 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 62.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.3 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,837 vs 1,848).

Core i3-4100E

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 13.3 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2105 better than Core i3-4100E?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2105 is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4100E pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4100E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2105 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2105 comes in $87 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-4100E is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 62.1% better value on MSRP (13.3 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4100E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2105 vs Core i3-4100E Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2105

The Core i3-2105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 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: 1,837 points. Launch price was $145.

Core i3-4100E

The Core i3-4100E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB + 3 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,848 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2105 and Core i3-4100E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2105 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4100E — a 25.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-2105 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-2105 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-4100E uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2105 scores 1,837 against the Core i3-4100E's 1,848 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-4100E. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-4100E
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+29%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+29%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,837	1,848
Geekbench 6 Single	—	550

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2105 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-4100E uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2105 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-4100E — the Core i3-4100E supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2105 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-4100E
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3L-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-2105) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-4100E). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2105) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4100E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2105 targets Desktop, Core i3-4100E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-4100E rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-4100E
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2105 was priced at $138, while the Core i3-4100E came in at $225. On launch pricing ($138 vs $225), Core i3-2105 was $87 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2105 delivers 13.3 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-4100E — making the Core i3-2105 the 47.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-4100E
MSRP	$138-39%	$225
Performance per Dollar	13.3+62%	8.2
Release Date	2011	2013

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