Core i3-7102E vs Core i7-3687U
Core i3-7102E
Core i7-3687U
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-7102E is positioned at rank 974 and the Core i7-3687U is on rank 654, so the Core i7-3687U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7102E
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3687U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7102E | Core i7-3687U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7102E | Core i7-3687U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-7102E and Core i7-3687U
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 i7-3687U
The Core i7-3687U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,621 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-7102E and Core i7-3687U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-7102E versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3687U — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-3687U. The Core i3-7102E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3687U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7102E scores 2,599 against the Core i7-3687U's 2,621 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3687U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,962 vs 640, a 101.6% lead for the Core i3-7102E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,898 vs 1,240 (41.9% advantage for the Core i3-7102E). L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7102E vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3687U.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Core i7-3687U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.3 GHz+57% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,599 | 2,621 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 659 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,962+207% | 640 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,898+53% | 1,240 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7102E versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-3687U — 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 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 100 Series,Intel 200 Series (Core i3-7102E) and QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3687U).
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Core i7-3687U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3L-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-7102E) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3687U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7102E) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3687U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3687U targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i7-3687U rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Core i7-3687U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 630 | HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Enthusiast |
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