Core i3-2377M vs Core i3-4100E

Intel

Core i3-2377M

2 Cores4 Thrd17 WWMax: 1.5 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-4100E

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i3-2377M vs Core i3-4100E Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-2377M 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 i3-2377M 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 i3-2377M

2012

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 17W instead of 512W, a 495W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (238 vs 550).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.4 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Core i3-4100E

2013

Why buy it

  • +131.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $25 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Delivers 11.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.2 vs 7.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,848 vs 1,850).
  • 2911.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 17W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4100E better than Core i3-2377M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-4100E is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2377M pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2377M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-4100E is the better buy right now. Core i3-4100E comes in $25 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-2377M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 11.0% better value on MSRP (8.2 vs 7.4 PassMark/$), 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 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2377M vs Core i3-4100E Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-2377M

The Core i3-2377M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 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: 1,850 points. Launch price was $250.

Intel

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 i3-2377M and Core i3-4100E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the Core i3-2377M versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4100E — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-4100E (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-2377M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-4100E uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2377M scores 1,850 against the Core i3-4100E's 1,848 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-2377M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 238 vs 550, a 79.2% lead for the Core i3-4100E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i3-2377MCore i3-4100E
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
1.5 GHz
2.4 GHz+60%
Base Clock
1.5 GHz
2.4 GHz+60%
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
32 nm
22 nm-31%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
1,850
1,848
Geekbench 6 Single
238
550+131%
Geekbench 6 Multi
546
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2377M uses the BGA1023 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 i3-2377M 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. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FCBGA1023 (Core i3-2377M) and QM87,HM86,HM87 (Core i3-4100E).

FeatureCore i3-2377MCore i3-4100E
Socket
BGA1023
BGA1364
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR3L-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-2377M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-4100E). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2377M) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4100E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4100E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-4100E rivals Embedded R-Series.

FeatureCore i3-2377MCore 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-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Embedded
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2377M was priced at $250, while the Core i3-4100E came in at $225. On launch pricing ($250 vs $225), Core i3-4100E was $25 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2377M delivers 7.4 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-4100E — making the Core i3-4100E the 10.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-2377MCore i3-4100E
MSRP
$250
$225-10%
Performance per Dollar
7.4
8.2+11%
Release Date
2012
2013

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