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 i3-4100M 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-4100M is positioned at rank #114 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Balanced cost-benefit for your build. 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 i3-4100M

#31

Ryzen 5 230

MSRP: $200|Avg: $190

100%

#102

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

290%

#103

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

286%

#104

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

262%

#105

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

261%

#106

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

259%

#108

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

250%

#109

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

239%

#110

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

239%

#111

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

233%

#114

Core i3-4100M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $99

100%

#126

Celeron N4000

MSRP: $107|Avg: $30

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-4100M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-4100M specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4100M is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 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 of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,531, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-4100M
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	Haswell (2013−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	130 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	960 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,531

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4100M fits into the PGA946 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3L-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 4600 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-4100M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA946
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	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 4600
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-4100M is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i3-4100M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mobile
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

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-4100M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 37 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i3-4100M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	37 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $99 (MSRP: $225), the Core i3-4100M delivers 26 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #114 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2383 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-4100M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$225
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$99
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$225
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#114
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2383
Release DateLaunch date	4 June 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel