Core i3-7100U vs Core m3-7Y32

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 m3-7Y32 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 m3-7Y32: 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

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 620, while Core m3-7Y32 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌233.3% higher power demand at 15W vs 4.5W.

Core m3-7Y32

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 5W instead of 15W, a 11W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,697 vs 2,721).
❌Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while Core i3-7100U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7100U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core m3-7Y32 better than Core i3-7100U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core m3-7Y32 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 0.9% better PassMark. Core m3-7Y32 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core m3-7Y32 is the better buy right now. Core m3-7Y32 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $281 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-7100U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.9% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 m3-7Y32 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2016) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7100U vs Core m3-7Y32 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 m3-7Y32

The Core m3-7Y32 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,697 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-7100U and Core m3-7Y32 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-7100U versus 3 GHz on the Core m3-7Y32 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core m3-7Y32 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). Both are built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-7100U scores 2,721 against the Core m3-7Y32's 2,697 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-7100U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7100U vs 4 MB on the Core m3-7Y32.

Feature	Core i3-7100U	Core m3-7Y32
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3 GHz+25%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+118%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,721	2,697
Geekbench 6 Single	841	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7100U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core m3-7Y32 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7100U	Core m3-7Y32
Socket	BGA1356	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7100U) / not specified (Core m3-7Y32). The Core i3-7100U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 620), while the Core m3-7Y32 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7100U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.