Core i3-8130U vs Core i7-2657M

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 i3-8130U vs Core i7-2657M 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 i3-8130U vs Core i7-2657M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8130U

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 15W instead of 17W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-2657M

2011

Why buy it

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-8130U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,491 vs 3,521).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8130U better than Core i7-2657M?

Yes. Core i3-8130U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-8130U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.7% 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 i3-8130U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-8130U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-8130U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-8130U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-8130U vs Core i7-2657M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8130U

The Core i3-8130U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,521 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i7-2657M

The Core i7-2657M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,491 points. Launch price was $317.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-8130U and Core i7-2657M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-8130U versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i7-2657M — a 23% clock advantage for the Core i3-8130U (base: 2.2 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i3-8130U uses the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2657M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8130U scores 3,521 against the Core i7-2657M's 3,491 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-8130U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,050 vs 535, a 65% lead for the Core i3-8130U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-8130U vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2657M.

Feature	Core i3-8130U	Core i7-2657M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+26%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz+38%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,521	3,491
Geekbench 6 Single	1,050+96%	535

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8130U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2657M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8130U versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2657M — the Core i3-8130U supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-8130U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-8130U) vs 16 (Core i7-2657M) — the Core i7-2657M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-8130U	Core i7-2657M
Socket	BGA1356	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 620 (Core i3-8130U) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2657M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8130U targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i7-2657M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i3-8130U rivals Ryzen 3 2200U; Core i7-2657M rivals A6-3420M.

Feature	Core i3-8130U	Core i7-2657M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 620	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	Ultrabook