Core i3-8100

Name: Intel Core i3-8100
Brand: Intel
Rating: 3.7 (238 reviews)

4 cores · 4 threads · up to 3.6 GHz on FCLGA1151.

3.7 · 238 votes

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Cores

Threads

Boost

3.6 GHz

L3 cache

6 MB

TDP

65W

Socket

FCLGA1151

Performance breakdown

Gaming4

Productivity4

Single-core4

Multi-core17

Power efficiency3

Lab scores

Performance score4

Cores4

Threads4

Boost clock (GHz)3.6 GHz

Estimated gaming FPS

Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.

1080p9 fps

1440p7 fps

4K5 fps

Full specifications

Processor & cores

Architecture: Coffee Lake
Process node: 14 nm
Socket: FCLGA1151
Release year: 2017
Total cores: 4
Threads: 4
Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Clocks & cache

Base clock: 3.6 GHz
Boost clock: 3.6 GHz
Multiplier: 36
L1 cache: 256 KB
L2 cache: 1 MB
L3 cache: 6 MB

Memory & platform

Memory support: DDR4-2400
Max capacity: 64 GB
Channels: 2
Max bandwidth: 38.397 GB/s
Base power (TDP): 65W
Max temperature: 100°C
PCIe: PCIe 3.0
Launch price: $117

Technologies

Instruction sets: SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
Extensions: AES-NI, AVX, VT-x, VT-d

Community Feedback

What Owners Say

Owners like how it handles everyday tasks without breaking a sweat, especially for the money. The main complaint is that it feels limited with heavy multitasking or modern games.

Pros

Runs cool with stock cooler
Great for everyday desktop tasks
Gets into budget builds easily
No lag in older games

Cons

Only four cores, no hyperthreading
Lacks modern connectivity features
Already outdated for new builds

Verdict

Our verdict on the Core i3-8100

A basic quad-core chip for everyday computing, held back by its lack of hyperthreading and locked multiplier.

Get it if you need a dirt-cheap, reliable quad-core for a basic office PC or a kid's first build. Skip it if you want to game or multitask, because the lack of extra threads or cores will choke on anything modern.