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Overview

The Core i3-10100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-S (2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,526 points. Launch price was $130.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-10100

#305

Core 5 120

MSRP: $340|Avg: $340

109%

#306

Core i7-12700T

MSRP: $339|Avg: $337

108%

#307

Core 3 100HL

MSRP: $306|Avg: $280

108%

#308

Core i9-11900F

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $358.87

105%

#309

Core i9-9900T

MSRP: $423|Avg: $215

105%

#310

Core i5-9500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $132

105%

#311

Ryzen 7 PRO 5750GE

MSRP: $349|Avg: $349

103%

#312

Core i9-10940X

MSRP: $784|Avg: $460

103%

#313

Core i9-10920X

MSRP: $689|Avg: $430

103%

#314

Core i7-10700

MSRP: $365|Avg: $268

103%

#315

Core i5-9600K

MSRP: $263|Avg: $178

102%

#316

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1400

102%

#317

Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

102%

#318

Core i3-10305T

MSRP: $143|Avg: $143

102%

#319

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

MSRP: $100|Avg: $60

100%

#320

Core i3-10100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $146

100%

#321

Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE

MSRP: $311|Avg: $311

100%

#322

Celeron G6900

MSRP: $52|Avg: $77

99%

#323

Core i9-11900K

MSRP: $539|Avg: $435

98%

#324

Core i7-12700TE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $350

97%

#325

Core i9-12900E

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

96%

#326

Celeron G4900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $40

96%

#327

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $452

95%

#328

Core i9-9900KS

MSRP: $513|Avg: $350

95%

#329

Core i5-11600T

MSRP: $262|Avg: $262

94%

#330

Core i9-9900K

MSRP: $488|Avg: $331

94%

#331

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

MSRP: $899|Avg: $540

93%

#332

Celeron G4930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

93%

#333

Core i9-9920X

MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464

92%

#334

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

90%

#335

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-10100 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-10100 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-10100 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Comet Lake-S (2020) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.3 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 8,526, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,430, while multi-core reaches 4,300. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 5,612.

Specification	Core i3-10100
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Comet Lake-S (2020)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	126 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	8,526
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	5,612
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,430
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	4,300

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10100 fits into the LGA1200 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-10100
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1200
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	UHD Graphics 630
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	400-series,500-series
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-10100 is primarily designed for Gaming. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 3 3300X.

Specification	Core i3-10100
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Gaming
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Ryzen 3 3300X

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-10100 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Tower 120mm.

Specification	Core i3-10100
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Stock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Tower 120mm

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $146 (MSRP: $122), the Core i3-10100 delivers 58 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1406 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-10100
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$122
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$146
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$130
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1406
Release DateLaunch date	30 April 2020 (5 years ago)
Release Year	2020
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel