Microsoft SQ1 vs Core i3-8100
Microsoft SQ1
Core i3-8100
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 Microsoft SQ1 is positioned at rank 877 and the Core i3-8100 is on rank 410, so the Core i3-8100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Microsoft SQ1
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-8100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($45) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+302%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($45) |
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 Microsoft SQ1 and Core i3-8100
Microsoft SQ1
The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i3-8100
The Core i3-8100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 6,073 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
The Microsoft SQ1 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-8100 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-8100 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-8100. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Core i3-8100 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Core i3-8100's 6,073 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-8100. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-8100.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+100% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB | 6 MB (total)+200% |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 6,039 | 6,073 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 3,600 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Microsoft SQ1) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-8100). The Core i3-8100 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Microsoft SQ1 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8100 targets Budget Desktop.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Budget Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Microsoft SQ1 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Core i3-8100 debuted at $117. At current prices ($180 vs $45), the Core i3-8100 is $135 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Microsoft SQ1 delivers 33.5 pts/$ vs 135.0 pts/$ for the Core i3-8100 — making the Core i3-8100 the 120.4% better value option.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $117-61% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180 | $45-75% |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.5 | 135.0+303% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2017 |
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