FX-6130 vs Core i3-7100
FX-6130
Core i3-7100
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-6130 | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-6130 | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 FX-6130 and Core i3-7100
FX-6130
The FX-6130 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,353 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i3-7100
The Core i3-7100 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 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,306 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
The FX-6130 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Core i3-7100 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the FX-6130 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the FX-6130 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The FX-6130 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-7100 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the FX-6130 scores 4,353 against the Core i3-7100's 4,306 — a 1.1% lead for the FX-6130. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-6130 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100.
| Feature | FX-6130 | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6+200% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.9 GHz+8% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+167% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+2300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,353+1% | 4,306 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-6130 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-7100 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-6130 | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (FX-6130) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100). The Core i3-7100 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the FX-6130 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop.
| Feature | FX-6130 | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The FX-6130 launched at $0 MSRP, while the Core i3-7100 debuted at $117. At current prices ($40 vs $40), the Core i3-7100 is $0 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-6130 delivers 108.8 pts/$ vs 107.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-7100 — making the FX-6130 the 1.1% better value option.
| Feature | FX-6130 | Core i3-7100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $0-100% | $117 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | $40 |
| Performance per Dollar | 108.8+1% | 107.7 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2017 |
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