Core i3-7100U vs A6-9400

Core i3-7100U

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2016

A6-9400

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2019

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i3-7100U

2 / 4

2,721

+0.1%

2,717

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i3-7100U is positioned at rank #752 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7100U

#740

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1078%

#741

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1062%

#742

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

975%

#743

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

971%

#744

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

962%

#746

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

929%

#747

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

891%

#748

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

889%

#749

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

865%

#752

Core i3-7100U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#757

Core i7-11370H

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

100%

#761

Core i3-N300

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

99%

#767

Core i7-1250U

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The A6-9400 (2019) utilizes 28 nm technology and DDR4-2400, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i3-7100U	A6-9400
Gaming	❌ Lower gaming performance	✅ Superior gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm)	✨ Modern (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i3-7100U (2016) relies on 14 nm technology and DDR4, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i3-7100U	A6-9400
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i3-7100U Benchmark Check

A6-9400 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

No prediction data available

Valorant

No prediction data available

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-7100U and A6-9400

Core i3-7100U

The Core i3-7100U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,721 points. Launch price was $281.

A6-9400

The A6-9400 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,717 points. Launch price was $70.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-7100U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A6-9400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-7100U versus 3.7 GHz on the A6-9400 — a 42.6% clock advantage for the A6-9400 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-7100U uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the A6-9400 uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100U scores 2,721 against the A6-9400's 2,717 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-7100U.

Feature	Core i3-7100U	A6-9400
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.7 GHz+54%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.4 GHz+42%
L3 Cache	3 MB	—
L2 Cache	512 kB	1 MB (total)+100%
Process	14 nm-50%	28 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,721	2,717
Geekbench 6 Single	841	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7100U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A6-9400 uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2133 memory speed. The A6-9400 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-7100U) vs 8 (A6-9400) — the Core i3-7100U offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-7100U	A6-9400
Socket	BGA1356	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	❌	❌
PCIe Lanes	12+50%	8

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7100U) / not specified (A6-9400). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 620 (Core i3-7100U) and AMD Radeon R5 (A6-9400) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7100U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.