Core i5-7260U vs Core i3-7101TE
Core i5-7260U
Core i3-7101TE
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. The Core i5-7260U is positioned at rank 297 and the Core i3-7101TE is on rank 552, so the Core i5-7260U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7260U
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7101TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7260U | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7260U | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
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 i5-7260U and Core i3-7101TE
Core i5-7260U
The Core i5-7260U 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 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,953 points. Launch price was $304.
Core i3-7101TE
The Core i3-7101TE 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 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,956 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-7260U and Core i3-7101TE share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-7260U versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-7101TE — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). Both are built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-7260U scores 3,953 against the Core i3-7101TE's 3,956 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-7101TE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,192 vs 1,188, a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-7260U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i5-7260U vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7101TE.
| Feature | Core i5-7260U | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+55% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB+33% | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 512 kB |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 3,953 | 3,956 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,192 | 1,188 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,368 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-7260U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-7101TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2133 memory speed. The Core i3-7101TE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-7260U) vs 16 (Core i3-7101TE) — the Core i3-7101TE offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Kaby Lake-U (Core i5-7260U) and H110,B150,H170,Z170,B250,H270,Z270 (Core i3-7101TE).
| Feature | Core i5-7260U | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1356 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7260U) vs Yes (Core i3-7101TE). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Plus Graphics 640 (Core i5-7260U) and Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7101TE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7260U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7260U rivals A12-9720P.
| Feature | Core i5-7260U | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Iris Plus Graphics 640 | Intel HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | Yes |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
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