Core i3-7101TE vs Core i5-7260U

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 i3-7101TE vs Core i5-7260U 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 i3-7101TE vs Core i5-7260U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7101TE

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core i5-7260U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.

Core i5-7260U

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7101TE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,953 vs 3,956).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7101TE better than Core i5-7260U?

Yes. Core i3-7101TE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% 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 i3-7101TE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 i3-7101TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7101TE is the better buy right now. Core i3-7101TE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (33.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7101TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i3-7101TE vs Core i5-7260U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7101TE

The Core i3-7101TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,956 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i5-7260U

The Core i5-7260U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 3,953 points. Launch price was $304.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-7101TE and Core i5-7260U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-7101TE versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-7260U — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-7101TE scores 3,956 against the Core i5-7260U's 3,953 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-7101TE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,188 vs 1,192, a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-7260U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7101TE vs 4 MB on the Core i5-7260U.

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i5-7260U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+55%	2.2 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	3,956	3,953
Geekbench 6 Single	1,188	1,192
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,368	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7101TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7260U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7101TE versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-7260U — the Core i3-7101TE supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7101TE 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-7101TE) vs 12 (Core i5-7260U) — the Core i3-7101TE offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170,B250,H270,Z270 (Core i3-7101TE) and Kaby Lake-U (Core i5-7260U).

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i5-7260U
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+13%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-7101TE) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7260U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7101TE) and Iris Plus Graphics 640 (Core i5-7260U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7260U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7260U rivals A12-9720P.

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i5-7260U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 630	Iris Plus Graphics 640
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Mainstream Laptop