Core i3-9100 vs Core i5-7600

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 i5-7600 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 i5-7600: 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: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $102 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
✅Delivers 84.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 54.0 vs 29.3 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-7600.

Core i5-7600

2017

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i3-9100 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-9100.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-9100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,568 vs 6,586).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 29.3 vs 54.0 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100 better than Core i5-7600?

Yes. Core i3-9100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% 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 3.1% 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 0.3% 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 $102 cheaper on MSRP at $122 MSRP versus $224 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 84.1% better value on MSRP (54.0 vs 29.3 PassMark/$), 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 2017) 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 i5-7600 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 i5-7600

The Core i5-7600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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. Passmark benchmark score: 6,568 points. Launch price was $224.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-9100 and Core i5-7600 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100 versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-7600 — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i3-9100 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-7600 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100 scores 6,586 against the Core i5-7600's 6,568 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-9100. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-9100	Core i5-7600
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+2%	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 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)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	6,586	6,568
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,307

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-9100	Core i5-7600
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-9100) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7600). The Core i5-7600 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-9100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7600 rivals Ryzen 5 1500X.

Feature	Core i3-9100	Core i5-7600
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100 was priced at $122, while the Core i5-7600 came in at $224. On launch pricing ($122 vs $224), Core i3-9100 was $102 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100 delivers 54.0 pts/$ vs 29.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-7600 — making the Core i3-9100 the 59.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9100	Core i5-7600
MSRP	$122-46%	$224
Performance per Dollar	54.0+84%	29.3
Release Date	2019	2017

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