Core i3-9100 vs Core i7-1060NG7

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 i7-1060NG7 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 i7-1060NG7: 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.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $122 MSRP, while Core i7-1060NG7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌3150% higher power demand at 65W vs 2W.

Core i7-1060NG7

2020

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 2W instead of 65W, a 63W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-9100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,540 vs 6,586).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100 better than Core i7-1060NG7?

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 and 0.7% better PassMark, 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 0.7% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $122 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (54.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-1060NG7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2019) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-9100 vs Core i7-1060NG7 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 i7-1060NG7

The Core i7-1060NG7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 March 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake Y (2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR4-3733. Passmark benchmark score: 6,540 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-9100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-1060NG7's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-1060NG7 — a 10% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Core i3-9100 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-1060NG7 uses Ice Lake Y (2020) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100 scores 6,586 against the Core i7-1060NG7's 6,540 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-9100. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100 vs 8 MB on the Core i7-1060NG7.

Feature	Core i3-9100	Core i7-1060NG7
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+11%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+200%	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Ice Lake Y (2020)
PassMark	6,586	6,540