Core i3-7100H vs Core i3-9100HL

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 i3-7100H vs Core i3-9100HL 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 i3-7100H vs Core i3-9100HL: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7100H

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,011 vs 1,037).
❌Lower PassMark (3,450 vs 3,454).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌40% higher power demand at 35W vs 25W.

Core i3-9100HL

2019

Why buy it

✅+2.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 35W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i3-7100H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100HL better than Core i3-7100H?

Yes. Core i3-9100HL is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 i3-9100HL is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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 i3-9100HL is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 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 i3-9100HL is the better buy right now. Core i3-9100HL comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9100HL makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017), 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7100H vs Core i3-9100HL Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7100H

The Core i3-7100H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,450 points. Launch price was $393.

Core i3-9100HL

The Core i3-9100HL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 3,454 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7100H packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-9100HL offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i3-9100HL has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-7100H versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-9100HL — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100HL (base: 3 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i3-7100H uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-9100HL uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100H scores 3,450 against the Core i3-9100HL's 3,454 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-9100HL. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,011 vs 1,037, a 2.5% lead for the Core i3-9100HL that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100H vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100HL.

Feature	Core i3-7100H	Core i3-9100HL
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	2.9 GHz+4%
Base Clock	3 GHz+87%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-H (2017)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	3,450	3,454
Geekbench 6 Single	1,011	1,037+3%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,373

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1440 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100H versus DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i3-9100HL — the Core i3-9100HL supports 11.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM175,QM175,CM238 (Core i3-7100H) and Intel 300 Series (Core i3-9100HL).

Feature	Core i3-7100H	Core i3-9100HL
Socket	BGA1440	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4 2666 MHz+11%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7100H) vs true (Core i3-9100HL). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7100H) and Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9100HL) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100H targets Performance Laptop, Core i3-9100HL targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-7100H rivals Ryzen 3 2300U.

Feature	Core i3-7100H	Core i3-9100HL
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	Intel UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	true
Target Use	Performance Laptop	Embedded