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Intel Core i3 10100 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£95
  • PassMark benchmark result: 8512
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.3 GHz

Intel Core i3 10100 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.1

Technical Score

10.0%

9.5

User score

Poor
4.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.4

Performance

18.0%

3.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.2

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.0

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.4

Platform

1.0%

7.1

Integrated Graphics

Poor
9.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(2057)
amazon
4.6
(765)
amazon
4.8
(11)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 3.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.5

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.5

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-10100 is a 10th-generation 'Comet Lake' desktop processor featuring 4 cores and 8 threads, a significant upgrade over previous i3 models due to the inclusion of Hyper-Threading. It operates at a base frequency of 3.6 GHz with a maximum turbo boost of 4.3 GHz and includes 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache with a 65W TDP. Main pros include its cost-effective performance for budget gaming and office tasks, efficient power usage, and the presence of integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, which supports 4K resolution at 60Hz and up to three displays. However, it requires an LGA 1200 socket motherboard, its 14nm architecture and integrated graphics are considered aging, and it faces strong competition from similar budget-tier processors that may offer better multi-core performance for the price.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 10100

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.4

Performance

18.0%

3.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.2

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.0

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.4

Platform

1.0%

7.1

Integrated Graphics

4.1
Intel Core i3 10100 has a technical score of 4.07 points, which is lower than that of 78.7% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(2057)
amazon
4.6
(765)
amazon
4.8
(11)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.5
Intel Core i3 10100 has a user score of 9.54 points, which is higher than that of 94.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Intel Core i3 10100 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.6

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.2
Intel Core i3 10100 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 56.1% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i3 10100 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1200
Intel Core i3 10100 uses the LGA1200 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 69.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, Q570, W480, W580
Intel Core i3 10100 supports Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, Q570, W480, W580 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 65.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i3 10100 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i3 10100 has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i3 10100 offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i3 10100 offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.3 GHz
Intel Core i3 10100 reaches a boost clock of 4.3 GHz which is higher than that of 48.2% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 3.6 GHz
Intel Core i3 10100 has a base clock of 4x3.6 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i3 10100 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i3 10100 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

6 MB
Intel Core i3 10100 has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i3 10100 has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i3 10100 has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i3 10100 supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i3 10100 supports memory speeds up to 2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i3 10100 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i3 10100 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i3 10100 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i3 10100 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% of processors and equal to that in 8.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i3 10100 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i3 10100 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW dec
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i3 10100 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i3 10100 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

90 W
Intel Core i3 10100 has a boost power of 90 W which is higher than that of 64.8% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i3 10100 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i3 10100 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i3 10100 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i3 10100 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 10100 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i3 10100 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Intel Core i3 10100 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
  • Broader instruction support
    Intel Core i3 10100 supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2, RDRAND, RDSEED vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 10100 supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2, RDRAND, RDSEED vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2, RDRAND, RDSEED vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 29.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².126 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i3 10100 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1.000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i3 10100 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1.000).10 vs 1
  • 19.3% higher user score
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.54 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.54 vs 8.000).9.54 vs 8
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 10100 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,200 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i3 10100 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,200 vs FP2).LGA1200 vs FP2
  • 2.63x cheaper
    Intel Core i3 10100 is cheaper than the average processor (£95 vs £250).
    Intel Core i3 10100 is cheaper than the average processor (£95 vs £250).£95 vs £250
  • Broader instruction support
    Intel Core i3 10100 supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2, RDRAND, RDSEED vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 10100 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,200 vs FP2).
  • 29.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i3 10100 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i3 10100 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 10100 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 10100 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 17.9% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,284 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 7.4% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (448 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 19.2% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (8,512 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 12.1% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (4,215 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i3 10100 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 10100 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 10100 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 9.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i3 10100 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 40.6% higher boost power
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (90 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i3 10100 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i3 10100 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 10100 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i3 10100 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i3 10100 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 10100 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 10100 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i3 10100 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i3 10100 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i3 10100 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i3 10100 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 10100 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i3 10100 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 10100 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
2057 Reviews
amazon
4.6
765 Reviews
amazon
4.8
11 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i3 10100?

  • Excellent value for budget-friendly gaming and general computing builds.
  • Features 4 cores and 8 threads, offering a significant performance boost over previous generations.
  • Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 is useful for office work and light tasks without a discrete GPU.
  • Operates with low power consumption (65W TDP) and generally runs cool under standard workloads.
  • Strong single-threaded performance makes it reliable for day-to-day productivity and older games.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 10100?

  • Requires a newer LGA 1200 motherboard, which may necessitate an expensive platform upgrade for older system owners.
  • Integrated graphics performance is weak and unsuitable for modern AAA gaming.
  • Locked multiplier prevents overclocking for users seeking additional performance gains.
  • Face stiff competition from AMD Ryzen 3 alternatives that often offer better value and performance for the price.
  • Limited L3 cache (6 MB) can lead to performance bottlenecks in some CPU-intensive applications.

Expert reviews

U
uk.pcmag.com
18/02/2021
Intel Core i3-10100 - Review 2021 - PCMag UK

The Intel Core i3-10100 is a budget-friendly 10th Gen "Comet Lake" quad-core processor priced around $122, offering reliable performance for basic office tasks and web browsing. Key advantages include its widespread availability, cool running temperature, and functional integrated UHD Graphics 630. However, the chip faces significant competition from AMD’s Ryzen 3 3300X, which...Read more

P
pcmag.com
18/02/2021
Intel Core i3-10100 Review

The Intel Core i3-10100 is an entry-level quad-core desktop processor featuring four physical cores, eight logical threads via Hyper-Threading, and a 3.6GHz base clock, offering efficient performance for budget builds. While it runs cool and handles productivity tasks well, its performance is often outclassed by competing AMD Ryzen 3 chips in benchmarks. Furthermore, the processor...Read more

T
techspot.com
01/06/2020
Intel Core i3-10100 + B460 Motherboard Review

The Intel Core i3-10100 introduces 4 cores and 8 threads to the entry-level market with a 3.6 GHz base clock, delivering performance comparable to the older Core i7-7700 at a lower price point. A key advantage is the inclusion of integrated UHD Graphics 630, making it an efficient, cool-running option for budget systems without needing a dedicated GPU. However, the processor faces...Read more

M
me.pcmag.com
18/02/2021
Intel Core i3-10100 - Review 2021 - PCMag Middle East

The Intel Core i3-10100 is a 10th Generation four-core/eight-thread processor that brings Hyper-Threading to the Core i3 line for reliable office performance. Pros include high availability, excellent thermal efficiency (maxing at 46 degrees Celsius), and an included stock cooler. However, the chip requires the newer LGA 1200 socket, increasing upgrade costs, and its integrated UHD...Read more

A
au.pcmag.com
19/02/2021
Intel Core i3-10100 - Review 2021 - PCMag Australia

The PCMag review characterizes the Intel Core i3-10100 as a capable entry-level, four-core processor, but notes it holds a difficult position due to strong competition from AMD's Ryzen 3 3300X and a requirement for a new LGA 1200 motherboard. While the chip performs adequately in single-threaded tasks and office applications, it struggles to consistently outperform its predecessor...Read more

H
hardwareluxx.de
21/07/2020
Little Comets – Intel Core i3-10100 and Core i3-10320 Review

Hardwareluxx reviews the Intel Core i3-10100 and i3-10320, marking them as entry-level Comet Lake-S processors for the LGA1200 platform that bring Hyper-Threading to the i3 line for improved multitasking performance. A key pro is the 4-core/8-thread configuration offering performance similar to older i7 chips at a 65W TDP, allowing for efficient, budget-conscious builds. However, a...Read more

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H
hardware.info
27/07/2020
Intel Core i3-10100 vs AMD Ryzen 3 3300X: Who Has the Best Budget Gaming CPU?

The Hardware Info review compares the 4-core/8-thread Intel Core i3-10100 and AMD Ryzen 3 3300X, finding the Ryzen 3 3300X generally superior in gaming and productivity due to its 7nm Zen 2 architecture and larger 16MB L3 cache. While the 3300X offers higher performance, the i3-10100 remains competitive in specific titles and provides integrated graphics. Key advantages for the AMD...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardware.info
27/07/2020
Intel Core i3-10100 vs. AMD Ryzen 3 3300X: Specs and Comparison

This Hardware Info review compares the Intel Core i3-10100 and AMD Ryzen 3 3300X, both 4-core/8-thread CPUs, to find the best budget gaming option, highlighting the Ryzen 3 3300X’s superior design with a 16MB L3 cache and unified CCX against the i3-10100’s integrated UHD Graphics 630. Performance tests show the Ryzen 3 3300X wins in productivity, offering 32% to 48% faster...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
07/09/2021
Processor Best Buy Guide - The best CPUs in September 2021

The September 2021 Tweakers Processor Best Buy Guide highlighted AMD's Ryzen 5000 series as market leaders in performance and efficiency across budget, gaming, and productivity segments, with Intel remaining competitive in entry-level, high-frequency gaming. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X was identified as the premier gaming choice, noted for top-tier frames-per-second (FPS) and efficiency,...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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