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.

Overview

The Core i3-2100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,856 points. Launch price was $73.

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 i3-2100

#52

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

110%

#53

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

109%

#54

Core 2 Duo E4300

MSRP: $113|Avg: $5

108%

#55

Core i7-14700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $260

108%

#56

Pentium E2200

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

106%

#57

Core i5-3330

MSRP: $182|Avg: $21

105%

#58

Core i7-14700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $270

104%

#59

Core i7-3820

MSRP: $286|Avg: $30

104%

#60

Core i7-4770S

MSRP: $305|Avg: $35

104%

#61

Core 2 Quad Q8300

MSRP: $179|Avg: $10

103%

#62

Core i5-7440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $30

103%

#63

Ryzen 5 4500

MSRP: $129|Avg: $85

102%

#64

Pentium Dual-Core E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

101%

#65

Ryzen 5 5600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $115

101%

#66

Celeron G5925

MSRP: $62|Avg: $15

101%

#67

Core i3-2100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $10

100%

#68

Ryzen 5 7500F

MSRP: $179|Avg: $145

99%

#69

Core i3-4170T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $17

99%

#70

Core Ultra 5 245

MSRP: $319|Avg: $220

98%

#71

Core i3-6100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $20

98%

#72

Ryzen 7 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $86

98%

#73

Core Ultra 7 265KF

MSRP: $379|Avg: $323

98%

#74

Core i5-4670R

MSRP: $224|Avg: $29

97%

#75

Core Ultra 7 265F

MSRP: $369|Avg: $276

96%

#76

Core i5-12400F

MSRP: $174|Avg: $110

96%

#77

FX-6330

MSRP: $109|Avg: $25

96%

#78

Core i3-3250T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

95%

#79

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

95%

#80

Core i5-4670S

MSRP: $213|Avg: $30

94%

#81

Pentium Dual-Core E2160

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

94%

#82

Ryzen 7 2700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $100

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-2100 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-2100 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-2100 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.1 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,856, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-2100
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	504 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,856

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2100 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i3-2100
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-2100 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.

Specification	Core i3-2100
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $117), the Core i3-2100 delivers 186 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2649 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-2100
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$117
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$73
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2649
Release DateLaunch date	20 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$73
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	20 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2649

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Die Size	131 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.1 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.1 GHz
Transistor Count	504 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	69 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-