Core i3-7100 vs Core i5-2450P
Core i3-7100
Core i5-2450P
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 i3-7100 is positioned at rank 532 and the Core i5-2450P is on rank 703, so the Core i3-7100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7100
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2450P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7100 | Core i5-2450P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7100 | Core i5-2450P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+32%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 Core i5-2450P
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.
Core i5-2450P
The Core i5-2450P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,273 points. Launch price was $215.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2450P offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2450P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2450P — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-7100 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2450P uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100 scores 4,306 against the Core i5-2450P's 4,273 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-7100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2450P.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i5-2450P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+11% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+22% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 6144 kB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,306 | 4,273 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 545 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,850 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2450P uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2450P — the Core i3-7100 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7100 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i5-2450P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100) vs Yes (Core i5-2450P). The Core i3-7100 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-2450P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i5-2450P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7100 launched at $117 MSRP, while the Core i5-2450P debuted at $177. At current prices ($40 vs $30), the Core i5-2450P is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7100 delivers 107.7 pts/$ vs 142.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-2450P — making the Core i5-2450P the 27.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i5-2450P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117-34% | $177 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | $30-25% |
| Performance per Dollar | 107.7 | 142.4+32% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2012 |
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