
Core i3-4100M vs Core i5-750

Core i3-4100M

Core i5-750
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 i5-750 is on rank 960, 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 i5-750
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4100M | Core i5-750 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4100M | Core i5-750 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+232%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 i5-750

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 i5-750
The Core i5-750 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,546 points. Launch price was $150.
Processing Power
The Core i3-4100M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-750 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-750 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-4100M versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-750 — a 24.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-750 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i3-4100M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-750 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4100M scores 2,531 against the Core i5-750's 2,546 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-750. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4100M vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-750.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Core i5-750 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.2 GHz+28% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.66 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,531 | 2,546 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 424 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-4100M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-750 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — 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 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Core i5-750 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA946 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| 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, VT-d (Core i3-4100M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-750). The Core i3-4100M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i5-750 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4100M targets Mobile, Core i5-750 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-750 rivals Phenom II X4 965.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Core i5-750 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Mobile | Legacy Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4100M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i5-750 debuted at $210. At current prices ($99 vs $30), the Core i5-750 is $69 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4100M delivers 25.6 pts/$ vs 84.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-750 — making the Core i5-750 the 107.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Core i5-750 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $210-7% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $99 | $30-70% |
| Performance per Dollar | 25.6 | 84.9+232% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2009 |
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