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Overview

The Core i3-7130U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-U (2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,055 points. Launch price was $281.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-7130U is positioned at rank #641 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 i3-7130U

#188

Core i7-10870H

MSRP: $417|Avg: N/A

100%

#629

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

868%

#630

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

856%

#631

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

785%

#632

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

782%

#633

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

775%

#635

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

748%

#636

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

717%

#637

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

716%

#638

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

697%

#641

Core i3-7130U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#650

Core i5-1345UE

MSRP: $312|Avg: $312

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-7130U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-7130U specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-7130U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake-U (2017) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 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 4,055, 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 900.

Specification	Core i3-7130U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Kaby Lake-U (2017)
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	4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,055
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	900

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7130U fits into the BGA1356 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3, DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 620 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-7130U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1356
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	12
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3, DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2133
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 620
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-7130U is primarily designed for Mainstream Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 3 3250U.

Specification	Core i3-7130U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mainstream Laptop
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	Ryzen 3 3250U

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-7130U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 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: None.

Specification	Core i3-7130U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	None

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #641 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2008 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-7130U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$281
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#641
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2008
Release DateLaunch date	12 June 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel