Core i3-7100U vs Core i5-3340M

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 i3-7100U vs Core i5-3340M 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 i3-7100U vs Core i5-3340M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7100U

2016

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 15W instead of 512W, a 497W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-3340M

2013

Why buy it

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,692 vs 2,721).
❌3313.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7100U better than Core i5-3340M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3340M is ahead with a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7100U pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7100U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-7100U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-7100U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.1% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-7100U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 2 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 i3-7100U vs Core i5-3340M Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-3340M

The Core i5-3340M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,692 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-7100U and Core i5-3340M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-7100U versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-3340M — a 34.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-3340M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i3-7100U uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3340M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100U scores 2,721 against the Core i5-3340M's 2,692 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-7100U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7100U vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3340M.

Feature	Core i3-7100U	Core i5-3340M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.4 GHz+42%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.7 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,721+1%	2,692
Geekbench 6 Single	841	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7100U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3340M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-7100U versus DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600 on the Core i5-3340M — the Core i3-7100U supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-7100U) vs 16 (Core i5-3340M) — the Core i5-3340M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-7100U	Core i5-3340M
Socket	BGA1356	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7100U) vs VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core i5-3340M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 620 (Core i3-7100U) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3340M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100U targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i5-3340M targets Professional Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7100U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U; Core i5-3340M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i3-7100U	Core i5-3340M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 620	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x / VT-d / EPT
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	Professional Laptop