Core i3-7100 vs FX-6130
Core i3-7100
FX-6130
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
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7100 | FX-6130 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7100 | FX-6130 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 FX-6130
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.
FX-6130
The FX-6130 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,353 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6130 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6130 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 versus 3.9 GHz on the FX-6130 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-7100 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-6130 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100 scores 4,306 against the FX-6130's 4,353 — a 1.1% lead for the FX-6130. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100 vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-6130.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | FX-6130 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 6 / 6+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+8% | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 4,306 | 4,353+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6130 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | FX-6130 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100) / not specified (FX-6130). The Core i3-7100 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the FX-6130 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | FX-6130 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7100 launched at $117 MSRP, while the FX-6130 debuted at $0. At current prices ($40 vs $40), the FX-6130 is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7100 delivers 107.7 pts/$ vs 108.8 pts/$ for the FX-6130 — making the FX-6130 the 1.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | FX-6130 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | $40 |
| Performance per Dollar | 107.7 | 108.8+1% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2012 |
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