Phenom II X4 B97 vs Core i3-4100M
Phenom II X4 B97
Core i3-4100M
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 Phenom II X4 B97 is positioned at rank 241 and the Core i3-4100M is on rank 114, so the Core i3-4100M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Phenom II X4 B97
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4100M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom II X4 B97 | Core i3-4100M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($11) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Deneb (2009−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom II X4 B97 | Core i3-4100M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+803%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($11) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) |
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 Phenom II X4 B97 and Core i3-4100M
Phenom II X4 B97
The Phenom II X4 B97 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,540 points. Launch price was $100.
Core i3-4100M
The Core i3-4100M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,531 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
The Phenom II X4 B97 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-4100M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 B97 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 B97 versus 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-4100M — a 24.6% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 B97 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Phenom II X4 B97 uses the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-4100M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X4 B97 scores 2,540 against the Core i3-4100M's 2,531 — a 0.4% lead for the Phenom II X4 B97. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 B97 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-4100M.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 B97 | Core i3-4100M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+28% | 2.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+28% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total)+100% | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512 kB |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Deneb (2009−2011) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 2,540 | 2,531 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom II X4 B97 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-4100M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 B97 | Core i3-4100M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | PGA946 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3L-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Phenom II X4 B97) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4100M). The Core i3-4100M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Phenom II X4 B97 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4100M targets Mobile.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 B97 | Core i3-4100M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 4600 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Phenom II X4 B97 launched at $100 MSRP, while the Core i3-4100M debuted at $225. At current prices ($11 vs $99), the Phenom II X4 B97 is $88 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Phenom II X4 B97 delivers 230.9 pts/$ vs 25.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-4100M — making the Phenom II X4 B97 the 160.1% better value option.
| Feature | Phenom II X4 B97 | Core i3-4100M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $100-56% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $11-89% | $99 |
| Performance per Dollar | 230.9+802% | 25.6 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2013 |
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