Core i3-7100 vs Core i7-13700K
Core i3-7100
Core i7-13700K
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 Core i7-13700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7100 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7100 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+6%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
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 i7-13700K
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 i7-13700K
The Core i7-13700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 45,784 points. Launch price was $409.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-13700K offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i7-13700K has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K — a 32.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-7100 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-13700K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100 scores 4,306 against the Core i7-13700K's 45,784 — a 165.6% lead for the Core i7-13700K. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100 vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 16 / 24+700% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 5.4 GHz+38% |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+15% | 3.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 30 MB (total)+900% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+700% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 4,306 | 45,784+963% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 31,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,846 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 18,980 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-13700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100 versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13700K — the Core i7-13700K supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13700K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-7100) vs 20 (Core i7-13700K) — the Core i7-13700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR5-5600+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 192 GB+200% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-13700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100) vs true (Core i7-13700K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7100) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-13700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7100 launched at $117 MSRP, while the Core i7-13700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($40 vs $400), the Core i3-7100 is $360 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7100 delivers 107.7 pts/$ vs 114.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-13700K — making the Core i7-13700K the 6.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117-71% | $409 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40-90% | $400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 107.7 | 114.5+6% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2022 |
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