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 i3-9100E 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 6,539 points. Launch price was $149.

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 i3-9100E

#25

Core i5-3570T

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

116%

#26

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

116%

#27

Athlon X4 845

MSRP: $70|Avg: $15

115%

#28

Pentium E6700

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

112%

#29

Pentium G2130

MSRP: $75|Avg: $8

110%

#30

Athlon X4 950

MSRP: $58|Avg: $15

109%

#31

Phenom II X4 B97

MSRP: $100|Avg: $11

106%

#32

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

105%

#33

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

105%

#34

Core i5-4570R

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

105%

#35

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

104%

#36

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

102%

#37

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

101%

#38

Core i5-3450S

MSRP: $174|Avg: $20

101%

#39

Celeron E3200

MSRP: $43|Avg: $5

100%

#40

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

100%

#41

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

100%

#42

Core i7-950

MSRP: $562|Avg: $15

99%

#43

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

99%

#44

Celeron G550T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

99%

#45

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

97%

#46

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

96%

#47

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

96%

#48

Core i3-4330T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

95%

#49

Celeron G440

MSRP: $37|Avg: $5

95%

#50

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

95%

#51

Core i5-2300

MSRP: $177|Avg: $17

94%

#52

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

94%

#53

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

92%

#54

Core 2 Duo E4300

MSRP: $113|Avg: $5

92%

#55

Core i7-14700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $260

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-9100E specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-9100E 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 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 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 6,539, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-9100E
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.1 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
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	6,539

🧠

Memory & Platform

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

Specification	Core i3-9100E
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
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

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-9100E 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 i3-9100E
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $202), the Core i3-9100E delivers 218 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1645 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-9100E
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$202
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1645
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	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	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$149
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	1 September 2018 (7 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Performance Ranking Position	1645

Technical Specifications

12 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	126 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)
Max Frequency	3.7 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.1 GHz
Process Technology	14 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	+
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	72 °C