Core i3-9100T vs Core i7-3615QE

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 i3-9100T vs Core i7-3615QE 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 i3-9100T vs Core i7-3615QE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9100T

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $278 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $400 MSRP).
✅Delivers 226.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.9 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $400 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3615QE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,600 vs 5,617).

Core i7-3615QE

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 45.9 PassMark/$ ($400 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3615QE better than Core i3-9100T?

Yes. Core i7-3615QE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3615QE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.6% 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 i7-3615QE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3615QE is still the better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3615QE comes in 227.9% more expensive on MSRP at $400 MSRP versus $122 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-9100T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 5,600 PassMark with 4 cores and 4 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-9100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-9100T vs Core i7-3615QE Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9100T

The Core i3-9100T 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,600 points. Launch price was $122.

Core i7-3615QE

The Core i7-3615QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,617 points. Launch price was $149.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-9100T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3615QE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-9100T versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3615QE — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100T (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-9100T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3615QE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100T scores 5,600 against the Core i7-3615QE's 5,617 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-3615QE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100T vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3615QE.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Core i7-3615QE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+12%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+35%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,600	5,617

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9100T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3615QE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Core i7-3615QE
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100T was priced at $122, while the Core i7-3615QE came in at $400. On launch pricing ($122 vs $400), Core i3-9100T was $278 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100T delivers 45.9 pts/$ vs 14.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-3615QE — making the Core i3-9100T the 106.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Core i7-3615QE
MSRP	$122-70%	$400
Performance per Dollar	45.9+228%	14.0
Release Date	2019	2012

Search Core i3-9100T on Amazon

Search Core i7-3615QE on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.