Core i3-7020U vs Core i3-7102E

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 i3-7020U vs Core i3-7102E 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 i3-7020U vs Core i3-7102E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7020U

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 25W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,567 vs 2,599).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7102E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-7102E

2017

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 630, while Core i3-7020U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i3-7020U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌66.7% higher power demand at 25W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7020U better than Core i3-7102E?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7020U is ahead with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7102E pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7102E is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7020U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-7020U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-7102E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-7020U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7020U vs Core i3-7102E Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7020U

The Core i3-7020U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,567 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i3-7102E

The Core i3-7102E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,599 points. Launch price was $225.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-7020U and Core i3-7102E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-7020U versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-7102E — a 9.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-7020U. Both are built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-7020U scores 2,567 against the Core i3-7102E's 2,599 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-7102E. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-7020U	Core i3-7102E
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz+10%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,567	2,599+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	659
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,962
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,898

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-7020U) / Yes (Core i3-7102E). The Core i3-7102E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-7020U requires a dedicated GPU.