Core i3-7102E vs Ryzen 9 5900X
Core i3-7102E
Ryzen 9 5900X
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. The Core i3-7102E is positioned at rank #974 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7102E
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7102E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7102E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+243%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
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 Ryzen 9 5900X
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.
Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7102E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen 9 5900X has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-7102E versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 78.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X. The Core i3-7102E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7102E scores 2,599 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 175% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 659 vs 21,000 (187.8% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,962 vs 2,174, a 10.3% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,898 vs 11,888 (144.9% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7102E vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 12 / 24+500% |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 4.8 GHz+129% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 64 MB+2033% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 2,599 | 38,955+1399% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 659 | 21,000+3087% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,962 | 2,174+11% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,898 | 11,888+526% |
Memory & Platform
Both support up to DDR4-2400 memory speed. The Ryzen 9 5900X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-7102E) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 100 Series,Intel 200 Series (Core i3-7102E) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-7102E) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). The Core i3-7102E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen 9 5900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7102E launched at $225 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900X debuted at $549. At current prices ($80 vs $350), the Core i3-7102E is $270 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7102E delivers 32.5 pts/$ vs 111.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 109.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7102E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-59% | $549 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80-77% | $350 |
| Performance per Dollar | 32.5 | 111.3+242% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2020 |
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