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. 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

#247

Core i7-4700EQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $180

118%

#248

Core i7-10850H

MSRP: $395|Avg: N/A

115%

#249

Pentium B950

MSRP: $134|Avg: $35

114%

#250

Pentium B970

MSRP: $125|Avg: $39

110%

#251

Pentium N3710

MSRP: $161|Avg: $50

108%

#252

Pentium 6805

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

107%

#253

Phenom II X2 N640

MSRP: $100|Avg: $55

107%

#254

Core i7-11370H

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

106%

#255

Atom D525

MSRP: $63|Avg: N/A

106%

#256

Core i3-N300

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

105%

#257

Core i5-4402E

MSRP: $266|Avg: $100

105%

#258

Core i7-1250U

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

104%

#259

Core i7-9750HF

MSRP: $395|Avg: $395

103%

#260

Celeron 6305

MSRP: $107|Avg: $80

102%

#261

Core i5-7Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $100

101%

#262

Core i3-4100M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $99

100%

#263

Celeron Dual-Core SU2300

MSRP: $134|Avg: $50

98%

#264

Core 2 Solo SU3300

MSRP: $262|Avg: $50

98%

#265

N200

MSRP: $193|Avg: N/A

96%

#266

Celeron B810

MSRP: $86|Avg: $86

95%

#267

Core i7-1365UE

MSRP: $429|Avg: $429

95%

#268

Celeron 7305

MSRP: $128|Avg: $107

92%

#269

Pentium P6000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

89%

#270

Pentium Dual Core T3400

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $89

89%

#271

Core i5-1145GRE

MSRP: $362|Avg: N/A

89%

#272

Core i7-10710U

MSRP: $415|Avg: N/A

87%

#273

Core 2 Duo E8335

MSRP: $200|Avg: $50

86%

#274

Z-01

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

84%

#275

Core i7-1160G7

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

80%

#276

Pentium Gold 4417U

MSRP: $161|Avg: N/A

79%

#277

Core i5-6440HQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

79%

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.

⚡

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

🧠

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. 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
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

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	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i3
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$225
Release Date	4 June 2013 (12 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Haswell (2013−2015)
Performance Ranking Position	2383

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Die Size	130 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB
L3 Cache	3 MB
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	2.5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.5 GHz
Transistor Count	960 Million
Process Technology	22 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-