Core i3-2357M vs A8-7100
Core i3-2357M
A8-7100
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 i3-2357M is positioned at rank 96 and the A8-7100 is on rank 746, so the Core i3-2357M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2357M
Performance Per Dollar A8-7100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2357M | A8-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior 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 (Kaveri (2014−2015) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2357M | A8-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| 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 i3-2357M and A8-7100
Core i3-2357M
The Core i3-2357M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,645 points. Launch price was $250.
A8-7100
The A8-7100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,647 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2357M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A8-7100 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A8-7100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2357M versus 3 GHz on the A8-7100 — a 79.1% clock advantage for the A8-7100 (base: 1.3 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i3-2357M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the A8-7100 uses Kaveri (2014−2015) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2357M scores 1,645 against the A8-7100's 1,647 — a 0.1% lead for the A8-7100.
| Feature | Core i3-2357M | A8-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 1.3 GHz | 3 GHz+131% |
| Base Clock | 1.3 GHz | 1.8 GHz+38% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 4096 kB+1500% |
| Process | 32 nm | 28 nm-13% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Kaveri (2014−2015) |
| PassMark | 1,645 | 1,647 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 440 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 440 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2357M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A8-7100 uses FP3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i3-2357M versus 1600 on the A8-7100 — the A8-7100 supports 18.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS57,QS67,UM67 (Core i3-2357M) and FP3 (A8-7100).
| Feature | Core i3-2357M | A8-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | FP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333 | 1600+20% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2357M) and Radeon R5 Graphics (A8-7100) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2357M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600; A8-7100 rivals Core i3-4010U.
| Feature | Core i3-2357M | A8-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Radeon R5 Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
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