CPU
GPU
Core i3-2105
Core i3-4100E
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 i3-2105 is positioned at rank 935 and the Core i3-4100E is on rank 1127, so the Core i3-2105 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2105
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4100E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2105 | Core i3-4100E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2105 | Core i3-4100E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i3-2105 and Core i3-4100E
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.
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 |
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. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i3-2105 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% 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 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2105 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Core i3-4100E debuted at $225. At current prices ($30 vs $30), the Core i3-4100E is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2105 delivers 61.2 pts/$ vs 61.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-4100E — making the Core i3-4100E the 0.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2105 | Core i3-4100E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-39% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30 | $30 |
| Performance per Dollar | 61.2 | 61.6 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2013 |
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