CPU
GPU
Core i3-530
Core i3-2100T
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 i3-530 is positioned at rank 933 and the Core i3-2100T is on rank 962, so the Core i3-530 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-530
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2100T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-530 | Core i3-2100T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($127) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-530 | Core i3-2100T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+738%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($127) |
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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-530 and Core i3-2100T
Core i3-530
The Core i3-530 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,516 points. Launch price was $60.
Core i3-2100T
The Core i3-2100T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) 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 (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,531 points. Launch price was $180.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-530 and Core i3-2100T share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.93 GHz on the Core i3-530 versus 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-2100T — a 91.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-2100T (base: 2.93 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-530 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2100T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-530 scores 1,516 against the Core i3-2100T's 1,531 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-2100T. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-530 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2100T.
| Feature | Core i3-530 | Core i3-2100T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 0.93 GHz | 2.5 GHz+169% |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz+17% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,516 | 1,531 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-530 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2100T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-530 | Core i3-2100T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-530 launched at $113 MSRP, while the Core i3-2100T debuted at $127. At current prices ($15 vs $127), the Core i3-530 is $112 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-530 delivers 101.1 pts/$ vs 12.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-2100T — making the Core i3-530 the 157.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-530 | Core i3-2100T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $113-11% | $127 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-88% | $127 |
| Performance per Dollar | 101.1+736% | 12.1 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2011 |
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