Core i3-9100 vs Core i3-9100E

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 i3-9100 vs Core i3-9100E 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 i3-9100 vs Core i3-9100E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9100

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $80 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $202 MSRP).
✅Delivers 66.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 54.0 vs 32.4 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $202 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Core i3-9100E

2018

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-9100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,539 vs 6,586).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 32.4 vs 54.0 PassMark/$ ($202 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100 better than Core i3-9100E?

Yes. Core i3-9100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% 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 i3-9100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.1% 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 i3-9100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-9100 comes in $80 cheaper on MSRP at $122 MSRP versus $202 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 66.8% better value on MSRP (54.0 vs 32.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-9100 vs Core i3-9100E Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9100

The Core i3-9100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 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: 6,586 points. Launch price was $122.

Core i3-9100E

The Core i3-9100E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 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 3.7 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: 6,539 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-9100 and Core i3-9100E share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-9100E — a 12.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). Both are built on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-9100 scores 6,586 against the Core i3-9100E's 6,539 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-9100. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-9100	Core i3-9100E
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+14%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+16%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	6,586	6,539

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-9100	Core i3-9100E
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100 was priced at $122, while the Core i3-9100E came in at $202. On launch pricing ($122 vs $202), Core i3-9100 was $80 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100 delivers 54.0 pts/$ vs 32.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-9100E — making the Core i3-9100 the 50.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9100	Core i3-9100E
MSRP	$122-40%	$202
Performance per Dollar	54.0+67%	32.4
Release Date	2019	2018

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