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 i3-9100HL vs Core i7-880 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 i3-9100HL vs Core i7-880: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9100HL

2019

Why buy it

✅+60.6% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Costs $358 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 161.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.4 vs 5.9 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Draws 25W instead of 95W, a 70W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-880 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-880 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-880.

Core i7-880

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-9100HL.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,478 vs 2,373).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.9 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌280% higher power demand at 95W vs 25W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-9100HL can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100HL better than Core i7-880?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-880 is ahead with a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-9100HL pulls ahead with 60.6% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i7-880 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-9100HL is the stronger fit. You are getting 60.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9100HL is the better buy right now. Core i3-9100HL comes in $358 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you 60.6% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core i7-880 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 161.0% better value on MSRP (15.4 vs 5.9 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9100HL makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-9100HL vs Core i7-880 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9100HL

The Core i3-9100HL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 3,454 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i7-880

The Core i7-880 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,429 points. Launch price was $583.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-9100HL packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-880's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-9100HL versus 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-880 — a 25% clock advantage for the Core i7-880 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Core i3-9100HL uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-880 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100HL scores 3,454 against the Core i7-880's 3,429 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-9100HL. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,037 vs 507, a 68.7% lead for the Core i3-9100HL that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,373 vs 1,478 (46.5% advantage for the Core i3-9100HL). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100HL vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-880.

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i7-880
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3.73 GHz+29%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	3.06 GHz+91%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,454	3,429
Geekbench 6 Single	1,037+105%	507
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,373+61%	1,478

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9100HL uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-880 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i3-9100HL versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-880 — the Core i3-9100HL supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-9100HL supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 Series (Core i3-9100HL) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-880).

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i7-880
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4 2666 MHz+100%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-9100HL) vs Yes (Core i7-880). The Core i3-9100HL includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-880 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9100HL targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i7-880
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	Yes
Target Use	Embedded	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100HL was priced at $225, while the Core i7-880 came in at $583. On launch pricing ($225 vs $583), Core i3-9100HL was $358 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100HL delivers 15.4 pts/$ vs 5.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-880 — making the Core i3-9100HL the 89.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9100HL	Core i7-880
MSRP	$225-61%	$583
Performance per Dollar	15.4+161%	5.9
Release Date	2019	2010

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