Core i3-4100M vs Phenom II X4 B97
Core i3-4100M
Phenom II X4 B97
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 Phenom II X4 B97 is on rank 241, 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 Phenom II X4 B97
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4100M | Phenom II X4 B97 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) | ✅ More affordable ($11) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Deneb (2009−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4100M | Phenom II X4 B97 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+803%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) | ✅ More affordable ($11) |
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 Phenom II X4 B97
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.
Phenom II X4 B97
The Phenom II X4 B97 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,540 points. Launch price was $100.
Processing Power
The Core i3-4100M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 B97 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 B97 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-4100M versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 B97 — a 24.6% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 B97 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-4100M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X4 B97 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4100M scores 2,531 against the Phenom II X4 B97's 2,540 — a 0.4% lead for the Phenom II X4 B97. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4100M vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 B97.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Phenom II X4 B97 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.2 GHz+28% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.2 GHz+28% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 6 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Deneb (2009−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,531 | 2,540 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-4100M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 B97 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Phenom II X4 B97 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA946 | AM3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4100M) / not specified (Phenom II X4 B97). The Core i3-4100M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Phenom II X4 B97 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4100M targets Mobile.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Phenom II X4 B97 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4100M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Phenom II X4 B97 debuted at $100. At current prices ($99 vs $11), the Phenom II X4 B97 is $88 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4100M delivers 25.6 pts/$ vs 230.9 pts/$ for the Phenom II X4 B97 — making the Phenom II X4 B97 the 160.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-4100M | Phenom II X4 B97 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $100-56% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $99 | $11-89% |
| Performance per Dollar | 25.6 | 230.9+802% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2010 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-4100M and Phenom II X4 B97
