Core i3-4100M vs Core i5-750

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 i3-4100M vs Core i5-750 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 i3-4100M vs Core i5-750: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-4100M

2013

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i5-750 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,531 vs 2,546).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌
7.1% HIGHER MSRP
$225 MSRPvs$210 MSRP
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-750.

Core i5-750

2009

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $15 less on MSRP ($210 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-4100M.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4100M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-750 better than Core i3-4100M?

Yes. Core i5-750 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-750 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% more average FPS across 43 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-750 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-750 is the better buy right now. Core i5-750 comes in $15 cheaper on MSRP at $210 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 7.8% better value on MSRP (12.1 vs 11.2 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4100M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4100M vs Core i5-750 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-4100M versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-750 — the Core i3-4100M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-4100M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% 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+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4100M was priced at $225, while the Core i5-750 came in at $210. On launch pricing ($225 vs $210), Core i5-750 was $15 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4100M delivers 11.2 pts/$ vs 12.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-750 — making the Core i5-750 the 7.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4100M	Core i5-750
MSRP	$225	$210-7%
Performance per Dollar	11.2	12.1+8%
Release Date	2013	2009

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