Core i5-7600 vs Core i3-9100E
Core i5-7600
Core i3-9100E
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. The Core i5-7600 is positioned at rank #606 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i5-7600
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9100E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7600 | Core i3-9100E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($114) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7600 | Core i3-9100E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+278%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($114) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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.
Valorant
Path of Exile 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-7600 and Core i3-9100E
Core i5-7600
The Core i5-7600 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 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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. Passmark benchmark score: 6,568 points. Launch price was $224.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-7600 and Core i3-9100E share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-7600 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-9100E — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-7600 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-7600 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-9100E uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7600 scores 6,568 against the Core i3-9100E's 6,539 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-7600. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-7600 | Core i3-9100E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+11% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+13% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 6,568 | 6,539 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,307 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Core i5-7600 | Core i3-9100E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7600) / not specified (Core i3-9100E). The Core i5-7600 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-9100E requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7600 rivals Ryzen 5 1500X.
| Feature | Core i5-7600 | Core i3-9100E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7600 launched at $224 MSRP, while the Core i3-9100E debuted at $202. At current prices ($114 vs $30), the Core i3-9100E is $84 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7600 delivers 57.6 pts/$ vs 218.0 pts/$ for the Core i3-9100E — making the Core i3-9100E the 116.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7600 | Core i3-9100E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $224 | $202-10% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $114 | $30-74% |
| Performance per Dollar | 57.6 | 218.0+278% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2018 |
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