Core i3-7102E vs Core i7-3687U

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 i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U: 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

✅+206.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 25W instead of 512W, a 487W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i7-3687U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3687U

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (640 vs 1,962).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,240 vs 1,898).
❌1948% higher power demand at 512W vs 25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7102E better than Core i7-3687U?

Yes. Core i3-7102E is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 53.1% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 2.9% 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 53.1% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7102E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 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 i3-7102E vs Core i7-3687U 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 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 50% 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 — 100% 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+50%	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
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.