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 i3-9100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,586 points. Launch price was $122.

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 i3-9100

#319

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

MSRP: $100|Avg: $60

111%

#320

Core i3-10100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $146

111%

#321

Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE

MSRP: $311|Avg: $311

111%

#322

Celeron G6900

MSRP: $52|Avg: $77

110%

#323

Core i9-11900K

MSRP: $539|Avg: $435

109%

#324

Core i7-12700TE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $350

107%

#325

Core i9-12900E

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

107%

#326

Celeron G4900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $40

106%

#327

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $452

106%

#328

Core i9-9900KS

MSRP: $513|Avg: $350

105%

#329

Core i5-11600T

MSRP: $262|Avg: $262

105%

#330

Core i9-9900K

MSRP: $488|Avg: $331

104%

#331

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

MSRP: $899|Avg: $540

104%

#332

Celeron G4930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

103%

#333

Core i9-9920X

MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464

102%

#334

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

100%

#335

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

100%

#336

Core i7-8700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $196

99%

#337

Ryzen 5 3600XT

MSRP: $249|Avg: $357

99%

#338

Core i9-10980XE

MSRP: $979|Avg: $620

99%

#339

Core i5-8500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $149

98%

#340

Core i9-9900KF

MSRP: $488|Avg: $350

98%

#341

Ryzen Embedded V2748

MSRP: $309|Avg: $359

97%

#342

Core i3-9350K

MSRP: $184|Avg: $150

96%

#343

Athlon Gold PRO 3150G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

94%

#344

Core i9-9900

MSRP: $423|Avg: $330

93%

#345

Core i9-9980XE

MSRP: $1979|Avg: $593

93%

#346

Core i7-10700K

MSRP: $387|Avg: $380

93%

#347

Celeron G5905T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $50

89%

#348

Athlon PRO 200GE

MSRP: $55|Avg: $81

89%

#349

Core i5-9600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $219

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-9100 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-9100 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-9100 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,586, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-9100
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	126 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	6,586

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9100 fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4-2400 memory.

Specification	Core i3-9100
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
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2400
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-9100 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i3-9100
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $125 (MSRP: $122), the Core i3-9100 delivers 53 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1635 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-9100
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$122
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$125
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$122
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1635
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel