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 i3-2100T 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,531 points. Launch price was $180.

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 i3-2100T

#947

Pentium J4205

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

119%

#948

Phenom II X6 1075T

MSRP: $245|Avg: N/A

118%

#949

PRO A10-8770E

MSRP: $395|Avg: $210

118%

#950

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

118%

#951

Athlon XP 1700+

MSRP: $190|Avg: $15

117%

#952

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491

116%

#953

Athlon 64 FX-55

MSRP: $827|Avg: $50

114%

#954

Core i5-2390T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $182

114%

#955

Core i3-3225

MSRP: $172|Avg: $167

113%

#956

Core i7-6900K

MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089

112%

#957

Core i3-3220T

MSRP: $149|Avg: $146

111%

#958

Athlon XP 1600+

MSRP: $160|Avg: $15

111%

#959

Athlon II X2 240e

MSRP: $77|Avg: $77

108%

#960

Phenom II X3 710

MSRP: $125|Avg: N/A

106%

#961

Athlon XP 1500+

MSRP: $130|Avg: $15

104%

#962

Core i3-2100T

MSRP: $127|Avg: $127

100%

#963

Athlon XP 1900+

MSRP: $269|Avg: $20

99%

#964

Core 2 Duo E7300

MSRP: $133|Avg: $133

97%

#965

Pentium Extreme Edition 965

MSRP: $999|Avg: $100

97%

#966

Phenom II X4 810

MSRP: $175|Avg: N/A

96%

#967

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

MSRP: $581|Avg: $110

95%

#968

Pentium III 1400

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

95%

#969

Celeron E1400

MSRP: $53|Avg: $63

94%

#970

Athlon X2 BE-2300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

94%

#971

Athlon XP 3200+

MSRP: $464|Avg: $40

92%

#972

Sempron 2800+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $29

91%

#973

A8-3820

MSRP: $280|Avg: $200

90%

#974

Athlon XP 2800+

MSRP: $375|Avg: $35

90%

#975

Pentium III 1266S

MSRP: $369|Avg: $20

87%

#976

Athlon XP 2200+

MSRP: $241|Avg: $30

77%

#977

Athlon II X4 635

MSRP: $400|Avg: $250

75%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-2100T specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-2100T 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 2.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 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 1,531, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-2100T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 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)	65 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,531

🧠

Memory & Platform

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

Specification	Core i3-2100T
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 i3-2100T has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i3-2100T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	65 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $127, the Core i3-2100T delivers 12 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2790 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-2100T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$127
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$127
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$180
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2790
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	$180
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	20 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2790

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	2.5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.5 GHz
Transistor Count	504 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	65 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-