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 i3-7101E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,430 points. Launch price was $117.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-7101E is positioned at rank #520 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower 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 i3-7101E

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

8233%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

7780%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

5649%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1702%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1348%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1179%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

675%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

667%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

607%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

607%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

600%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

584%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

576%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

573%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

568%

#262

Core i7-8700K

MSRP: $359|Avg: $160

100%

#374

Core i9-13900TE

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

98%

#375

Ryzen Embedded V2546

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

96%

#520

Core i3-7101E

MSRP: $117|Avg: $50

100%

#522

Athlon II X4 740

MSRP: $71|Avg: $20

100%

#525

Celeron G1840T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

99%

#527

Pentium G4500

MSRP: $75|Avg: $34

99%

#528

Athlon X4 740

MSRP: $71|Avg: $71

98%

#529

Xeon E5-2608L v4

MSRP: $363|Avg: $174

98%

#531

Celeron G1610

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

97%

#532

Core i3-7100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $40

97%

#533

Celeron G1620T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $15

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-7101E across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-7101E specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-7101E is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.9 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 4,430, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,250.

Specification	Core i3-7101E
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.9 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 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
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,430
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,250

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7101E fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-7101E
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1151
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	DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 630
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	C236,C232,Q170,Q270
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-7101E is primarily designed for Embedded. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Embedded Ryzen V1000.

Specification	Core i3-7101E
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Embedded
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	Embedded Ryzen V1000

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-7101E has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 54 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Standard.

Specification	Core i3-7101E
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	54 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Standard

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $117), the Core i3-7101E delivers 89 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #520 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1952 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-7101E
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$117
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$50
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$117
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#520
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1952
Release DateLaunch date	3 January 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel