Core i3-8100T vs FX-8150

Intel

Core i3-8100T

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-8150

8 Cores8 Thrd125 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i3-8100T vs FX-8150 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-8100T vs FX-8150 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 FX-8150: 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

  • Costs $128 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $245 MSRP).
  • Delivers 107.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.9 vs 21.7 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $245 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 125W, a 90W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while FX-8150 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8150 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,257 vs 5,318).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

FX-8150

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +21.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.7 vs 44.9 PassMark/$ ($245 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • 257.1% higher power demand at 125W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-8100T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8150 better than Core i3-8100T?
Yes. FX-8150 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 21.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, FX-8150 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 21.9% 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, FX-8150 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 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?
FX-8150 is still the much better call for a fresh build. FX-8150 comes in 109.4% more expensive on MSRP at $245 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-8100T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 107.0% better value on paper (44.9 vs 21.7 PassMark/$), 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 i3-8100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8100T vs FX-8150 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

FX-8150

The FX-8150 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 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,318 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i3-8100T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8150 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8150 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-8100T versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-8150 — a 30.1% clock advantage for the FX-8150 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-8100T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8150 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8100T scores 5,257 against the FX-8150's 5,318 — a 1.2% lead for the FX-8150. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-8100T vs 8192 kB on the FX-8150.

FeatureCore i3-8100TFX-8150
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.1 GHz
4.2 GHz+35%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
3.6 GHz+16%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8192 kB+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
8192 kB+3100%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark
5,257
5,318+1%
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8100T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8150 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-8100TFX-8150
Socket
LGA1151
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
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 i3-8100T) / not specified (FX-8150). The Core i3-8100T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the FX-8150 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8100T targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i3-8100TFX-8150
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8100T was priced at $117, while the FX-8150 came in at $245. On launch pricing ($117 vs $245), Core i3-8100T was $128 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8100T delivers 44.9 pts/$ vs 21.7 pts/$ for the FX-8150 — making the Core i3-8100T the 69.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-8100TFX-8150
MSRP
$117-52%
$245
Performance per Dollar
44.9+107%
21.7
Release Date
2018
2011

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