When you want to invest in a new laptop or desktop computer, but you don't want high performance, but rather mobile qualities for office automation, you turn to Intel i3 processors. Indeed, these PC processors are a good alternative and avoid having something too powerful like the i5 or the Intel Core i7 processor .
However, did you know that there are several types of i3 processor?
Yes, contrary to what one might believe, not everyone is equal. They differ by their generation, their number of cores as well as their frequency , meaning that every year, even several times a year, better Intel i3 processors arrive on the market, in batches!
The question is therefore : how to choose the right CPU? This is what we will see in our 2021 comparison and buying guide on the best Intel i3 processors.
Know before you buy!
- There are several types of Intel i3 processor which differ both by their generation and by their frequency, their number of cores, RAM , and other factors that we will explain later in this article.
- If you are attached to hardware and it is gaming that you are looking for, we prefer to tell you right away, an Intel i3 processor will not allow you to achieve high performance in your games. Unless you only play small games. In addition, the power of the i3 will not be balanced with your graphics card (frequency in MHz). Certain exceptions remain.
- Currently, we are at the 10th generation of Intel i3 processor called Comet Lake . This has just been released on new PCs. Anyway, these processors are Intel's mid-range with the i5 and i7 at the high end, and the Pentium and Celeron at the low end. To catch up with its high-end brothers, the i3 processors are equipped with Hyper Threading technology.
Comparison of the best Core i3 processors
1. Intel Core i3-10105F: the latest i3 generation
Features and Reviews
The Intel Core i3-10105F is the latest model of the 10th generation of this processor. Sold at a price of €94.20, this CPU has an FCLGA 1200 socket allowing you to do office work, surf the internet or even play simple games fluidly. Its base clock speed is 3.7 GHz, thanks to Turbo Boost 2.0 technology the frequency is pushed up to 4.4 GHz.
With 4 cores and 8 threads, the processor can support the execution of several programs simultaneously without slowing down the system. For faster data exchange with RAM, this Intel Core i3 processor benefits from 6 MB of cache memory. It supports up to 128 GB of dual-channel 2666 MHz DDR4 RAM.
On the graphics side, the Core i3-10105F uses an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 chipset with a base frequency of 350 MHz. With TDP or Thermal Design Power, the power consumption of this processor is 65W, it produces little heat even in continuous use.
On the connectivity side, you have several options for connecting your devices, the Intel Core i3 10105F supports PCI-Express 3.0, Wi-Fi 6, SATA-3, M.2, USB 3.1, Displayport and HDMI.
2. Intel Core i3-10100: boost your productivity with this 10th generation processor
Features and Reviews
The 10th generation of Intel Core processor is also based on 14nm engraving technology, and equipped with Hyper-Threading technology, these parameters also concern the Core i5, i7 and i9 processors. Designed to satisfy you when it comes to performance, this processor will take care of your daily tasks faster. It will also support your games with incredible fluidity.
Equipped with 4 cores and 8 threads, you will avoid system crashes and play peacefully. The base clock frequency is 3.6 GHz and can reach 4.3 GHz thanks to Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, this processor will prove its power to you by supporting different games, virtual reality, editing photos, multimedia simultaneously. With revised and improved heat dissipation, by developing its maximum power, the TDP of this processor remains controlled at 65 W.
Equipped with two-channel DDR4-2666 type RAM and 6 MB cache memory, this processor is versatile. For better graphics performance, this Core i3-10100 processor lacks Intel Quick Sync technology which will allow you to create videos at Ultra HD resolution at incredible speed.
Compatible only with dedicated Comet Lake-S 400 chipsets, this 10th generation Intel Core i3 processor has several connections necessary to have a configuration that meets your needs: PCI-Express 3.0, Wi-Fi 6 support, SATA-3 , M.2, USB 3.1, Displayport, HDMI.
3. Intel Core i3-9100F: the best CPU for entry-level computers
Features and Reviews
The Intel Core i3-9100F model is considered high-end of the 9th generation. Designed for office tasks and simple games, this processor offers good value for money.
Sold at €174.17, the performance of this CPU is satisfactory. Featuring 4 cores and 4 threads, each core has a base clock frequency of 3.60 GHz and thanks to Turbo Boost 3.0 technology, this frequency can reach 4.20 GHz to increase your productivity.
Based on Coffeee Lake Refresh 14nm, heat dissipation is made better with a cooler provided and combined with a power consumption of 65 W. On the memory side, that of the cache is 6 MB, as for the RAM, it is of the DDR4 type at two channels of 2400 MHz. Featuring an LGA 1151 socket, this Intel Core i3 processor is compatible with 300 series motherboard controllers.
On the graphics side, you need to combine it with a dedicated graphics card to be able to take full advantage of its performance and play games smoothly. Regarding connections, you can connect your devices via PCI-Express 3.0, SATA-3, M.2, USB 3.1, Displayport and HDMI.
4. Intel Core i3-8100: enjoy the power and fluidity of this processor
Features and Reviews
Part of the 8th generation of the Intel Core i3, this 8100 processor is based on the 14nm Coffee Lake family and uses the LGA 1151 V2 socket. It is the ideal processor if your tasks are limited to multimedia and office applications, but also for gaming. Featuring 4 cores and 4 threads, the maximum processor frequency is 3.6 GHz.
With a nominal power of 65W, a cooler is provided to improve heat dissipation, especially during prolonged use. Supporting RAM up to 64 GB, this processor has two 2400 MHz DDR4 channels. If you are more focused on gaming, know that this CPU is equipped with an integrated Intel Graphics UHD 630 graphics chipset, enjoy an impressive graphics experience.
This processor supports 4K UHD resolution, where images are sharp and clear. Play the latest versions of recent games with highlighted details. To connect your devices, this processor offers several connections including: PCI-Express 3.0, SATA-3, M.2, USB 3.1, Displayport and HDMI.
7th generation performance
Features and Reviews
The 7th generation of Intel processors is a versatile and powerful version. For a price of €196.99, this processor has an LGA 1151 socket. This Intel CPU is mainly dedicated to office and multimedia users. Based on a 14nm engraving technology platform, heat dissipation is improved and power consumption is low.
This processor is also called Kaby Lake, with its dual core, Hyper-Threading technology is created to double the number of cores on the processors. It is thus clocked at a clock frequency of 3.9 GHz giving you complete satisfaction with the potential of your PC even with prolonged use.
Equipped with DDR4 RAM memory up to 64 GB, it accelerates the performance of your PC. And finally, to take advantage of its graphics advantages, this Intel Core i3-7100 CPU is equipped with an Intel HD Graphics 630 graphics chipset. Concerning connectivity, Intel offers several connections to connect your devices and have your configurations, namely PCI- Express 3.0, SATA-3, M.2, USB 3.1, Displayport, HDMI.
How do I know which i3 processor I buy?
Buying a boxed processor always makes a strange impression. Unless you've always been in the habit of installing your CPUs yourself, usually they are directly into the laptop or desktop computer. To know what i3 CPU you are buying, you have a label like Intel i3-10110U . This code gives us a lot of information:
- I3 is the processor model
- 10 is the processor generation
- 110 is the processor power
- U is a suffix indicating low TPT consumption
Why choose your i3 processor?
We should rather define what mistakes should not be made when choosing your Intel i3 processor . This is also the subject of this article. In the meantime, we can tell you that it is essential to analyze your CPU needs to choose your i3.
So, whether for office automation, video, photography, music or gaming, you will have a processor that suits you. At that point you will know if a Core i3 or a Core i5 or Core i7 is better.
The Intel i3 processor range , with some exceptions, has a low frequency allowing multitasking office automation . It will be a shame to have a processor that is too powerful for the use we make of it, as well as our budget.
Why go with an Intel i3 processor?
We have just mentioned it implicitly, but Intel i3 CPUs are not known for their exceptional performance, but rather for their mobility and reliability in office tasks. Indeed, their low frequency does not allow them to provide gaming or graphics, but rather office automation. The huge advantage is that they are present on computers whose cost is very low, while maximizing its performance. This is why we find it on entry-level Ultrabooks .
However, if you want to ensure a minimum of gaming, make sure to harmonize the frequencies of your CPU with that of your GPU (graphics card). Additionally, make sure your processor has Intel HD graphics (usually it does), in which case you will be required to purchase a graphics card. Of course, all these problems are unknown to those who buy their PC already assembled.
What are the differences between Intel i5, i3 and i7?
Certainly for computer beginners, these names mean nothing, we just suspect that i7 is better than i5 better than i3. On the other hand, these considerations are not entirely true . Of course, most people just want a PC that works, isn't too expensive, and doesn't care about the processor. It is totally true. Nevertheless, we want to enlighten you about i3 CPUs , so that in the end, you can sniff out good deals and know what you have bought.
Intel i3 processor
The Intel i3 processor contains 2 cores (it is said to be Dual-Core Hyper Threading technology which simulates additional cores. So you have 2 physical cores and 2 virtual cores. Your PC doesn't see the difference, it's as if you had 4 hearts!
Intel i5 processor
Here, Intel i5 processors have 4 physical cores ( Quad-Core ). These CPUs are equipped with Turbo Boost . This allows you to temporarily increase the frequency (in Ghz) of the processor cores. This is dangerous technology because boost mode overheats the computer. No Hyper Threading here.
Intel i7 processor
An Intel i7 processor has the power of an i5 in addition to that of an i3 . So you combine Turbo Boost as well as Hyper Threading for extraordinary performance. An Intel i7 has 4 physical cores.
Intel i3 Processor Buying Guide
So that you can make your choice among the best Intel i3 processors , we offer you this buying guide where all the technical characteristics to take into account are described so that you are sure to make the right choice of CPU.
Determining CPU Power
Whatever the computer component, whether it is the processor or the graphics card, the first thing that burns our lips is the question of power. The performance of your i3 is directly linked to its computing power. So, the higher it is, the more complex tasks your PC can perform. A powerful processor has 2 main aspects:
- Frequency
- The number of cores
Let's see what these terms mean for an Intel i3 processor
The frequency of the i3 processor
The best Intel i3 processors have the highest frequency, it's that simple. The processor frequency represents the execution speed of the CPU, that is to say its calculation speed, in Ghz.
We talked about it briefly, but the Intel i3s are equipped with Hyper Threading . This technology makes it possible to double the initial number of physical cores from 2 physical to 4 (including 2 physical and 2 virtual). Each heart has its own frequency. Activating this technology therefore means increasing the calculation capacity and processor frequency of our CPU.
The frequency of an i3 ranges from 1.2 Ghz to 2 Ghz in general. For office use, the difference between the two is not huge, but will allow you to launch applications more quickly and display more on the screen.
The number of cores
The number of cores is just as important as the frequency. We said it, but an Intel i3 processor is Dual-Core , unlike its Quad-core counterparts. But what are these hearts? These are the mini processors inside your CPU. Tell yourself, these are the data processing units . The more cores you have, the more these units can share tasks and the more efficient your PC processor is.
However, whether entry-level, mid-range or high-end, frequency and number of cores are not the only aspects to consider when purchasing the best Intel i3 processor.
i3 processor cache memory
To carry out all these calculations, your processor and your computer need to remember certain information. This short-term memory is materialized by RAM (random access memory), as well as the processor cache memory. Therefore, the more cache memory you have, the more efficient your i3 processor will be in its execution speed . Why not use the hard drive directly? Because the hard drive cannot store frequently used, but ephemeral data and have the entire family photo album, which is eternal! Everyone has their role, otherwise everything is slowed down.
For an Intel i3 processor, we advise you to have a minimum of 4 MB. This is what you will find on most Core i3s.
System bus speed
Even though 95% of the time, you will not have to worry about the speed of the system bus , we prefer to dedicate a small point to it to avoid unpleasant surprises. Expressed in GigaTransfer (GT/s), this is the transmission speed between the RAM and your i3 processor . The higher this speed, the higher the execution speed of the processor. In general, manufacturers place it at 5GT/s, which ensures all functions. If you see less (which is rare), run away!
This system bus speed will allow you to accelerate your office automation, such as gaming with your Intel CPU.
TPT consumption
TPT consumption is quite low for Core i3s. Even if you choose the best Intel i3 processor on the market in terms of power, it will still consume less power than an i5 or i7 processor. Because yes, TPT consumption is the energy consumption of your processor. The more powerful your i3 is, the greater this electricity consumption will be and the more efficient your cooling system (fan) will have to be.
Your battery and your fan must therefore be at the top level and certainly not be neglected if you assemble the PC yourself. At the risk of causing overheating . This is the price of powerful processors.
Our FAQ on Intel i3 processors
We hope that our buying guide to selecting the best Intel i3 processor has helped you make the right choice. Choosing the right CPU is not easy, especially for computer neophytes who have never heard of GHz frequency, number of cores or even cache memory. This is why for those with questions, we answer them just below in our Intel i3 processor FAQ.
How do I mount my Intel i3 processor?
If you are the type to assemble your PC processor yourself, you will have to succeed in installing it, otherwise it would not have served much purpose other than putting a hole in our wallet.
You need to check the processor socket on your motherboard . This is the location in which your Core i3 will fit. There are several, so familiarize yourself with them before rushing to the store.
The most common Intel sockets are LGA , with models like LGA1155, LGA1150 or LGA1151 . As long as you have the right socket, installing your Intel i3 processor is child's play.
How do I know if my i3 processor is right for me?
Indeed, it would be a shame to invest in a Core i3 when you need an i5 or an I7. Conversely, taking a processor that is too powerful risks making the bill expensive for not much.
So ask yourself what your needs are?
·Will I do gaming?
·Word processing?
·Video (editing)
·Graphics?
·Research on the internet?
For all office activities and small video games, your i3 processor will be perfect. However, if you want to do more, you will have to invest in an Intel i7 or i5 processor.
In short:
The i3s are mobile and reliable for top PC use
The minimum frequency to have for an Intel Core i3 is 1.2 Ghz
CPUs may be blocked. You may have an unlocked processor . This is called overclocking . However, beware of overheating.
The i3 10 Comet Lake-S processor generation is extremely powerful and can be used for gaming. But that's not the majority of i3s.
It is by taking all of this into account that you will choose the best Intel i3 processor.
Is it expensive to invest in an Intel i3 processor?
The budget for your Intel i3 processor will greatly depend on the range of i3 CPUs you are aiming for. For a 4K processor, it's going to be difficult on the i3, but you won't have to count on less than €150. This goes for gaming. In any case, around €100, you will find very decent latest generation i3s. It's up to you to decide whether you want to go high-end, mid-range or low-end.
I was told there was only one type of i3, is that true?
We have partially answered this question throughout the article. Indeed, contrary to what Intel Core may suggest with its i3, i5 and i7 processor ranges, there are no 3 processors on the market.
Especially since it is a mistake to think that an i3 is necessarily below an i5 and below an i7. An i3 with 4 cores 2Ghz is better than an i5 with 1.2Ghz, even with turbo boost mode.
There are in fact different types of Intel Core i3 with different processor generations, frequencies and cache memories to take advantage of everyone's budget and needs.
That’s why we invite you to choose the best Intel i3 processor for you only.
What is my current processor?
When purchasing your new laptop or desktop PC , all the specifications are listed on the box. However, maybe you don't have a good memory, or you simply threw away the CPU or PC box.
It doesn't matter, all you need to do is:
· Go to a website that will analyze your components.
You will find one easily. · Go to your “ control panel” then “system”
So, which Intel Core i3 processor do you have on your computer?
What is better: buying a new PC or building it piece by piece?
This will depend on your computer knowledge and the type of PC you want to build. Indeed, building your own PC has the advantage of being able to save you a lot of money by carefully choosing your components. In addition, you can optimize its performance as you wish.
However, it is this computer knowledge that many of us lack. Building a desktop or laptop computer from scratch is not easy and having the best Intel i3 processor and the best graphics card will not change anything if you build a mediocre cooling system or battery.
This is why we advise you to evaluate your IT skills and find out if it is worth it to take on all these components. There is no one technique better than the other, only errors to avoid so as not to damage your components like your i3 processor for example.
