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 i3-7102E vs Core i5-7Y54 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 i3-7102E vs Core i5-7Y54: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7102E

2017

Why buy it

✅+118% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $56 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 25.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.6 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌455.6% higher power demand at 25W vs 4.5W.

Core i5-7Y54

2016

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 5W instead of 25W, a 21W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (900 vs 1,962).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,700 vs 1,898).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 11.6 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7102E better than Core i5-7Y54?

Yes. Core i3-7102E is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 11.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.5% higher 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 i3-7102E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i3-7102E is the stronger fit. You are getting 11.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7102E is the better buy right now. Core i3-7102E comes in $56 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 25.5% better value on MSRP (11.6 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7102E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2016) 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 i3-7102E vs Core i5-7Y54 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7102E

The Core i3-7102E 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. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,599 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i5-7Y54

The Core i5-7Y54 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 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 2,586 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-7102E and Core i5-7Y54 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-7102E versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-7Y54 — a 41.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-7Y54. Both are built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-7102E scores 2,599 against the Core i5-7Y54's 2,586 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-7102E. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,962 vs 900, a 74.2% lead for the Core i3-7102E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,898 vs 1,700 (11% advantage for the Core i3-7102E). L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7102E vs 4 MB on the Core i5-7Y54.

Feature	Core i3-7102E	Core i5-7Y54
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	3.2 GHz+52%
Base Clock	—	1.2 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	2,599	2,586
Cinebench R23 Multi	659	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,962+118%	900
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,898+12%	1,700

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7102E versus LPDDR3-1866 on the Core i5-7Y54 — the Core i3-7102E supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7102E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-7102E) vs 10 (Core i5-7Y54) — the Core i3-7102E offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 100 Series,Intel 200 Series (Core i3-7102E) and SoC (Core i5-7Y54).

Feature	Core i3-7102E	Core i5-7Y54
Socket	—	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+29%	LPDDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16+60%	10

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-7102E) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7Y54). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7102E) and Intel HD Graphics 615 (Core i5-7Y54) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7Y54 targets Tablet/2-in-1.

Feature	Core i3-7102E	Core i5-7Y54
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 615
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Tablet/2-in-1

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7102E was priced at $225, while the Core i5-7Y54 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($225 vs $281), Core i3-7102E was $56 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7102E delivers 11.6 pts/$ vs 9.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-7Y54 — making the Core i3-7102E the 22.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7102E	Core i5-7Y54
MSRP	$225-20%	$281
Performance per Dollar	11.6+26%	9.2
Release Date	2017	2016

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