Core i3-4100M vs Core 2 Duo SP9300
Core i3-4100M
Core 2 Duo SP9300
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 i3-4100M is positioned at rank 114 and the Core 2 Duo SP9300 is on rank 535, so the Core i3-4100M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4100M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SP9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4100M | Core 2 Duo SP9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4100M | Core 2 Duo SP9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i3-4100M and Core 2 Duo SP9300
Core i3-4100M
The Core i3-4100M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,531 points. Launch price was $225.
Core 2 Duo SP9300
The Core 2 Duo SP9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.26 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,517 points. Launch price was $284.
Processing Power
The Core i3-4100M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo SP9300's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-4100M versus 2.26 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9300 — a 10.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-4100M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core i3-4100M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo SP9300 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4100M scores 2,531 against the Core 2 Duo SP9300's 2,517 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-4100M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4100M vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9300.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Core 2 Duo SP9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz+11% | 2.26 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+11% | 2.26 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 6 MB L2 Cache+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 6 MB+1100% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,531 | 2,517 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-4100M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo SP9300 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. The Core i3-4100M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-4100M) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo SP9300) — the Core i3-4100M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Core 2 Duo SP9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA946 | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+300% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4100M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9300). The Core i3-4100M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core 2 Duo SP9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4100M targets Mobile.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Core 2 Duo SP9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
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