Core i3-7100 vs Celeron G6900E
Core i3-7100
Celeron G6900E
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. The Core i3-7100 is positioned at rank #532 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7100
Performance Per Dollar Celeron G6900E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7100 | Celeron G6900E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($53) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7100 | Celeron G6900E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+34%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($53) |
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 i3-7100 and Celeron G6900E
Core i3-7100
The Core i3-7100 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. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,306 points. Launch price was $117.
Celeron G6900E
The Celeron G6900E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 46 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,272 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron G6900E's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 versus 3 GHz on the Celeron G6900E — a 26.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-7100 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Celeron G6900E uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100 scores 4,306 against the Celeron G6900E's 4,272 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-7100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100 vs 4 MB (total) on the Celeron G6900E.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Celeron G6900E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+30% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+30% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 4,306 | 4,272 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,563 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,631 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Celeron G6900E uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100 versus DDR5-4800 on the Celeron G6900E — the Celeron G6900E supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G6900E supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-7100) vs 20 (Celeron G6900E) — the Celeron G6900E offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Celeron G6900E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100) vs VT-x (Celeron G6900E). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7100) and UHD Graphics 710 (Celeron G6900E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop, Celeron G6900E targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G6900E rivals Pentium Gold G7400.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Celeron G6900E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | UHD Graphics 710 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Desktop | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7100 launched at $117 MSRP, while the Celeron G6900E debuted at $53. At current prices ($40 vs $53), the Core i3-7100 is $13 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7100 delivers 107.7 pts/$ vs 80.6 pts/$ for the Celeron G6900E — making the Core i3-7100 the 28.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Celeron G6900E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117 | $53-55% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40-25% | $53 |
| Performance per Dollar | 107.7+34% | 80.6 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2022 |
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