CPU
GPU
Core i7-965
Core i3-9100HL
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 i7-965 is positioned at rank #1086 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 i7-965
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9100HL
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-965 | Core i3-9100HL |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-965 | Core i3-9100HL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+148%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
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 i7-965 and Core i3-9100HL
Core i7-965
The Core i7-965 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,424 points. Launch price was $1,509.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-965 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i3-9100HL's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-965 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-9100HL — a 17.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-965 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i7-965 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-9100HL uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-965 scores 3,424 against the Core i3-9100HL's 3,454 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-9100HL. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-965 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100HL.
| Feature | Core i7-965 | Core i3-9100HL |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.46 GHz+19% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+100% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Bloomfield (2008−2010) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 3,424 | 3,454 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,037 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,373 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-965 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-9100HL uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-965 | Core i3-9100HL |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | BGA1440 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4 2666 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-965) / true (Core i3-9100HL). The Core i3-9100HL includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-965 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9100HL targets Embedded.
| Feature | Core i7-965 | Core i3-9100HL |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
| Target Use | — | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-965 launched at $1000 MSRP, while the Core i3-9100HL debuted at $225. At current prices ($40 vs $100), the Core i7-965 is $60 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-965 delivers 85.6 pts/$ vs 34.5 pts/$ for the Core i3-9100HL — making the Core i7-965 the 85% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-965 | Core i3-9100HL |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1000 | $225-78% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40-60% | $100 |
| Performance per Dollar | 85.6+148% | 34.5 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2019 |
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