CPU
GPU
Core i3-7130U
FX-8100
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 i3-7130U is positioned at rank 641 and the FX-8100 is on rank 928, so the Core i3-7130U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7130U
Performance Per Dollar FX-8100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7130U | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake-U (2017) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7130U | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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 i3-7130U and FX-8100
Core i3-7130U
The Core i3-7130U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-U (2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,055 points. Launch price was $281.
FX-8100
The FX-8100 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 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,095 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7130U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8100 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8100 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-7130U versus 3.7 GHz on the FX-8100 — a 31.3% clock advantage for the FX-8100 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-7130U uses the Kaby Lake-U (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7130U scores 4,055 against the FX-8100's 4,095 — a 1% lead for the FX-8100. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 900 vs 455, a 65.7% lead for the Core i3-7130U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7130U vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-8100.
| Feature | Core i3-7130U | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 8 / 8+300% |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz+37% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 2.8 GHz+4% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 8 MB+1500% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake-U (2017) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 4,055 | 4,095 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 900+98% | 455 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,621 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7130U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-7130U versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-8100 — the Core i3-7130U supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7130U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-7130U) vs 0 (FX-8100) — the Core i3-7130U offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-7130U | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1356 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the FX-8100 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7130U) vs AMD-V (FX-8100). The Core i3-7130U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 620), while the FX-8100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7130U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7130U rivals Ryzen 3 3250U.
| Feature | Core i3-7130U | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 620 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
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