Core i3-8100 vs Core i7-4850HQ

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 i3-8100 vs Core i7-4850HQ 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 i3-8100 vs Core i7-4850HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-8100

2017

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-4850HQ needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-4850HQ.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4850HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,073 vs 6,139).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core i7-4850HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌38.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 47W.

Core i7-4850HQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 47W instead of 65W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-8100 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-8100.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4850HQ better than Core i3-8100?

Yes. Core i7-4850HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4850HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 i7-4850HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-4850HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4850HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-8100 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (51.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-8100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8100 vs Core i7-4850HQ Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-8100

The Core i3-8100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,073 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i7-4850HQ

The Core i7-4850HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,139 points. Launch price was $468.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-8100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4850HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-8100 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-4850HQ — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-8100 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-8100 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4850HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8100 scores 6,073 against the Core i7-4850HQ's 6,139 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-4850HQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-8100 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4850HQ.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Core i7-4850HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+57%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	6,073	6,139+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,200	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,600	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4850HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Core i7-4850HQ
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-8100) / not specified (Core i7-4850HQ). The Core i3-8100 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-4850HQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8100 targets Budget Desktop.