
Core i3-9100E vs Core i3-9100

Core i3-9100E

Core i3-9100
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9100E
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-9100E | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-9100E | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+314%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-9100E and Core i3-9100

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.

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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-9100E and Core i3-9100 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-9100E versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100 — a 12.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). Both are built on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-9100E scores 6,539 against the Core i3-9100's 6,586 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-9100. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-9100E | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.2 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz+16% |
| 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 | 6,539 | 6,586 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Core i3-9100E | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-9100E launched at $202 MSRP, while the Core i3-9100 debuted at $122. At current prices ($30 vs $125), the Core i3-9100E is $95 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100E delivers 218.0 pts/$ vs 52.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-9100 — making the Core i3-9100E the 122.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-9100E | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $202 | $122-40% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-76% | $125 |
| Performance per Dollar | 218.0+314% | 52.7 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2019 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.












