Core i3-8100T vs Core i7-3610QE

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 i3-8100T vs Core i7-3610QE 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 i3-8100T vs Core i7-3610QE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8100T

2018

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $198 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $315 MSRP).
✅Delivers 170.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.9 vs 16.6 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $315 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3610QE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Core i7-3610QE

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,234 vs 5,257).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.6 vs 44.9 PassMark/$ ($315 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8100T better than Core i7-3610QE?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3610QE is ahead with a 10.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8100T pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8100T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-8100T is the better buy right now. Core i3-8100T comes in $198 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $315 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-3610QE is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 10.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 170.4% better value on MSRP (44.9 vs 16.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-8100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-8100T vs Core i7-3610QE Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8100T

The Core i3-8100T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,257 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i7-3610QE

The Core i7-3610QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,234 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8100T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3610QE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-8100T versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3610QE — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3610QE (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-8100T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3610QE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8100T scores 5,257 against the Core i7-3610QE's 5,234 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-8100T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-8100T vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3610QE.

Feature	Core i3-8100T	Core i7-3610QE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.3 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+35%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,257	5,234

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8100T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3610QE uses G2 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8100T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3610QE — the Core i3-8100T supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-8100T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-8100T	Core i7-3610QE
Socket	LGA1151	G2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-8100T) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3610QE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8100T targets Desktop, Core i7-3610QE targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i3-8100T	Core i7-3610QE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8100T was priced at $117, while the Core i7-3610QE came in at $315. On launch pricing ($117 vs $315), Core i3-8100T was $198 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8100T delivers 44.9 pts/$ vs 16.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3610QE — making the Core i3-8100T the 92% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8100T	Core i7-3610QE
MSRP	$117-63%	$315
Performance per Dollar	44.9+170%	16.6
Release Date	2018	2012

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