Core i3-7100 vs Core i5-3340

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 i3-7100 vs Core i5-3340 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 i3-7100 vs Core i5-3340: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7100

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $65 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
✅Delivers 57.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 36.8 vs 23.3 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
✅Draws 51W instead of 77W, a 26W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-3340

2013

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,249 vs 4,306).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.3 vs 36.8 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌51% higher power demand at 77W vs 51W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7100 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7100 better than Core i5-3340?

Yes. Core i3-7100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-7100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-7100 comes in $65 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 57.6% better value on MSRP (36.8 vs 23.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-7100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7100 vs Core i5-3340 Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-3340

The Core i5-3340 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2013 (12 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,249 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3340 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3340 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3340 — a 16.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i3-7100 is built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-7100 scores 4,306 against the Core i5-3340's 4,249 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i3-7100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100 vs 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-3340.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i5-3340
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+18%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+26%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	—
PassMark	4,306+1%	4,249

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3340 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i5-3340
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100) / not specified (Core i5-3340). The Core i3-7100 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-3340 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i5-3340
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7100 was priced at $117, while the Core i5-3340 came in at $182. On launch pricing ($117 vs $182), Core i3-7100 was $65 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7100 delivers 36.8 pts/$ vs 23.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3340 — making the Core i3-7100 the 44.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i5-3340
MSRP	$117-36%	$182
Performance per Dollar	36.8+58%	23.3
Release Date	2017	2013

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