Core i3-8100 vs Microsoft SQ1

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 Microsoft SQ1 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 Microsoft SQ1: 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

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $183 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 157.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 51.9 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Microsoft SQ1 across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.8% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,039 vs 6,073).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.1 vs 51.9 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌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 i3-8100 better than Microsoft SQ1?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Microsoft SQ1 is ahead with a 10.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8100 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Core i3-8100 also has the bigger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i3-8100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-8100 comes in $183 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Microsoft SQ1 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 10.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 157.9% better value on MSRP (51.9 vs 20.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Microsoft SQ1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8100 vs Microsoft SQ1 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.

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.

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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	—

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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	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8100 was priced at $117, while the Microsoft SQ1 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($117 vs $300), Core i3-8100 was $183 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8100 delivers 51.9 pts/$ vs 20.1 pts/$ for the Microsoft SQ1 — making the Core i3-8100 the 88.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Microsoft SQ1
MSRP	$117-61%	$300
Performance per Dollar	51.9+158%	20.1
Release Date	2017	2019

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