Core i3-7102E vs FX-4100
Core i3-7102E
FX-4100
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 FX-4100 is on rank 728, so the FX-4100 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 FX-4100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7102E | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7102E | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+305%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
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 FX-4100
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.
FX-4100
The FX-4100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,630 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7102E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4100 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-7102E versus 3.8 GHz on the FX-4100 — a 57.6% clock advantage for the FX-4100. The Core i3-7102E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-4100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7102E scores 2,599 against the FX-4100's 2,630 — a 1.2% lead for the FX-4100. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7102E vs 8192 kB on the FX-4100.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.8 GHz+81% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 8192 kB+167% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 4096 kB+700% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 2,599 | 2,630+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 659 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,962 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,898 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: Yes (Core i3-7102E) / not specified (FX-4100). The Core i3-7102E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the FX-4100 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 630 | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | Yes | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7102E launched at $225 MSRP, while the FX-4100 debuted at $115. At current prices ($80 vs $20), the FX-4100 is $60 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7102E delivers 32.5 pts/$ vs 131.5 pts/$ for the FX-4100 — making the FX-4100 the 120.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $115-49% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80 | $20-75% |
| Performance per Dollar | 32.5 | 131.5+305% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2011 |
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