Core i3-7100 vs Core i7-2760QM

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 i7-2760QM 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 i7-2760QM: 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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,306 vs 4,313).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core i7-2760QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-2760QM

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 51W, a 6W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7100 better than Core i7-2760QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7100 is ahead with a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2760QM pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Core i7-2760QM also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2760QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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 at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-2760QM is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (36.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7100 vs Core i7-2760QM 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 i7-2760QM

The Core i7-2760QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,313 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2760QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2760QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2760QM — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-7100 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2760QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100 scores 4,306 against the Core i7-2760QM's 4,313 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-2760QM. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2760QM.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i7-2760QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+11%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+63%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,306	4,313

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2760QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100 versus 1600 on the Core i7-2760QM — the Core i3-7100 supports 50% 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 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i7-2760QM
Socket	LGA1151	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100) vs true (Core i7-2760QM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7100) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2760QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2760QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.