Core i3-7100 vs FX-6130

Core i3-7100 vs FX-6130 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-7100

2 / 4

4,306

0.0%

4,353

+1.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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.

Core i3-7100 vs FX-6130 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 FX-6130: 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: +5.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 51W instead of 95W, a 44W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while FX-6130 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,306 vs 4,353).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while FX-6130 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

FX-6130

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌86.3% higher power demand at 95W 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 FX-6130?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7100 is ahead with a 5.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, FX-6130 pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark. FX-6130 also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, FX-6130 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 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 $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that FX-6130 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (36.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7100 vs FX-6130 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.

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)+4167%	6 MB
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	No	—
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

At launch, the Core i3-7100 was priced at $117, while the FX-6130 came in at $0. On launch pricing ($117 vs $0), FX-6130 was $117 cheaper.

Feature	Core i3-7100	FX-6130
MSRP	$117	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	36.8	—
Release Date	2017	2012

Search Core i3-7100 on Amazon

Search FX-6130 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.