Ryzen 3 3100 vs Core i7-8700B
Ryzen 3 3100
Core i7-8700B
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 Ryzen 3 3100
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-8700B
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i7-8700B |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($75) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($139) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i7-8700B |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+87%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($75) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($139) |
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 Ryzen 3 3100 and Core i7-8700B
Ryzen 3 3100
The Ryzen 3 3100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 24 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 11,928 points. Launch price was $99.
Core i7-8700B
The Core i7-8700B is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 11,795 points. Launch price was $303.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 3 3100 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-8700B offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-8700B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Ryzen 3 3100 versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i7-8700B — a 16.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-8700B (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen 3 3100 uses the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm), while the Core i7-8700B uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 3 3100 scores 11,928 against the Core i7-8700B's 11,795 — a 1.1% lead for the Ryzen 3 3100. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 3 3100 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-8700B.
| Feature | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i7-8700B |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.6 GHz+18% |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+12% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total)+33% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 11,928+1% | 11,795 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 3 3100 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-8700B uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Ryzen 3 3100 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 3 3100) vs 16 (Core i7-8700B) — the Ryzen 3 3100 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i7-8700B |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | BGA1440 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+50% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 3 3100 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 3 3100) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-8700B). The Core i7-8700B includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen 3 3100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 3 3100 targets Desktop, Core i7-8700B targets Mobile.
| Feature | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i7-8700B |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 3 3100 launched at $99 MSRP, while the Core i7-8700B debuted at $303. At current prices ($75 vs $139), the Ryzen 3 3100 is $64 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 3 3100 delivers 159.0 pts/$ vs 84.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-8700B — making the Ryzen 3 3100 the 60.8% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 3 3100 | Core i7-8700B |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $99-67% | $303 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $75-46% | $139 |
| Performance per Dollar | 159.0+87% | 84.9 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2018 |
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