Core i3-8100 vs Microsoft SQ1
Core i3-8100
Microsoft SQ1
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 i3-8100 is positioned at rank 410 and the Microsoft SQ1 is on rank 877, so the Core i3-8100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-8100
Performance Per Dollar Microsoft SQ1
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-8100 | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($45) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-8100 | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+302%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($45) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
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 i3-8100 and Microsoft SQ1
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.
Microsoft SQ1
The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i3-8100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Microsoft SQ1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-8100 versus 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-8100. The Core i3-8100 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Microsoft SQ1 uses Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8100 scores 6,073 against the Microsoft SQ1's 6,039 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-8100. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-8100 vs 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1.
| Feature | Core i3-8100 | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+20% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total)+200% | 2 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) |
| PassMark | 6,073 | 6,039 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,200 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,600 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-8100) / not specified (Microsoft SQ1). The Core i3-8100 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Microsoft SQ1 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8100 targets Budget Desktop.
| Feature | Core i3-8100 | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Budget Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-8100 launched at $117 MSRP, while the Microsoft SQ1 debuted at $300. At current prices ($45 vs $180), the Core i3-8100 is $135 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8100 delivers 135.0 pts/$ vs 33.5 pts/$ for the Microsoft SQ1 — making the Core i3-8100 the 120.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-8100 | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117-61% | $300 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $45-75% | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 135.0+303% | 33.5 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2019 |
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