Core i3-7100H vs Phenom II X6 1075T

Intel

Core i3-7100H

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X6 1075T

6 Cores6 Thrd125 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Core i3-7100H vs Phenom II X6 1075T Performance Spectrum

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 i3-7100H vs Phenom II X6 1075T 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 Phenom II X6 1075T: 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

  • +48.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 35W instead of 125W, a 90W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Phenom II X6 1075T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,450 vs 3,500).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Phenom II X6 1075T.

Phenom II X6 1075T

2010

Why buy it

  • +1.4% higher PassMark.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-7100H.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (679 vs 1,011).
  • Launch MSRP is still $245 MSRP, while Core i3-7100H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 257.1% higher power demand at 125W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7100H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7100H better than Phenom II X6 1075T?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7100H is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X6 1075T pulls ahead with 1.4% better PassMark. Phenom II X6 1075T 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, Phenom II X6 1075T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 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 i3-7100H is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-7100H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $245 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Phenom II X6 1075T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (14.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-7100H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7100H vs Phenom II X6 1075T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Phenom II X6 1075T

The Phenom II X6 1075T is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Thuban (2010) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,500 points. Launch price was $260.

Processing Power

The Core i3-7100H packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X6 1075T offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Phenom II X6 1075T has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-7100H versus 3.5 GHz on the Phenom II X6 1075T — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Phenom II X6 1075T (base: 3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-7100H uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom II X6 1075T uses Thuban (2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100H scores 3,450 against the Phenom II X6 1075T's 3,500 — a 1.4% lead for the Phenom II X6 1075T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,011 vs 679, a 39.3% lead for the Core i3-7100H that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100H vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X6 1075T.

FeatureCore i3-7100HPhenom II X6 1075T
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
6 / 6+200%
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
3.5 GHz+25%
Base Clock
3 GHz
3 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake-H (2017)
Thuban (2010)
PassMark
3,450
3,500+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi
1,896
Geekbench 6 Single
1,011+49%
679
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,960
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7100H uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X6 1075T uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100H versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X6 1075T — the Core i3-7100H supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7100H 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. Chipset compatibility: HM175,QM175,CM238 (Core i3-7100H) and 880G,890GX,890FX,970,990FX (Phenom II X6 1075T).

FeatureCore i3-7100HPhenom II X6 1075T
Socket
BGA1440
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+80%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Only the Phenom II X6 1075T has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7100H) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X6 1075T). The Core i3-7100H includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Phenom II X6 1075T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100H targets Performance Laptop, Phenom II X6 1075T targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i3-7100H rivals Ryzen 3 2300U; Phenom II X6 1075T rivals Core i5-750.

FeatureCore i3-7100HPhenom II X6 1075T
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
AMD-V
Target Use
Performance Laptop
Gaming