Core i7-3687U vs FX-4100
Core i7-3687U
FX-4100
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 i7-3687U is positioned at rank 654 and the FX-4100 is on rank 728, so the Core i7-3687U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3687U
Performance Per Dollar FX-4100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3687U | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3687U | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 i7-3687U and FX-4100
Core i7-3687U
The Core i7-3687U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,621 points. Launch price was $69.
FX-4100
The FX-4100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,630 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3687U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4100 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3687U versus 3.8 GHz on the FX-4100 — a 14.1% clock advantage for the FX-4100 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-3687U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-4100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3687U scores 2,621 against the FX-4100's 2,630 — a 0.3% lead for the FX-4100. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3687U vs 8192 kB on the FX-4100.
| Feature | Core i7-3687U | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.8 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz+71% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 8192 kB+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 4096 kB+1500% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 2,621 | 2,630 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 640 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,240 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3687U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-4100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-3687U | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3687U) / not specified (FX-4100). The Core i7-3687U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the FX-4100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3687U targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i7-3687U rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.
| Feature | Core i7-3687U | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Enthusiast | — |
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