Core i3-9100

Name: Intel Core i3-9100
Brand: Intel
Rating: 3.9 (111 reviews)

4 cores · 4 threads · up to 4.2 GHz on FCLGA1151.

3.9 · 111 votes

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Cores

Threads

Boost

4.2 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)4.2 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: 2019
Total cores: 4
Threads: 4
Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Clocks & cache

Base clock: 3.6 GHz
Boost clock: 4.2 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: $122

Technologies

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

Community Feedback

What Owners Say

Owners like it for basic office work and light gaming since it’s cheap and reliable. The main complaint is it only has four threads, which makes multitasking a drag.

Pros

Chews through everyday tasks easily
Runs cool on a budget cooler
Pairs well with older motherboards
Feels quick in office and web work

Cons

Only four cores in 2019
No hyperthreading at all
Intel stock cooler runs loud

Verdict

Our verdict on the Core i3-9100

A basic quad-core desktop chip with no hyper-threading, so modern multitasking feels cramped.

Get it if you need a cheap, basic CPU for office work or a simple home PC that won't break a sweat. Skip it if you plan to game or multitask heavily, as its low core count will hold you back.