£98.65
(updated at 2025-04-02 11:34:00)
Score: 68.1 point per £


Product features

  • Intel CPU/Core i3-9100 3.60GHz LGA1151 Box. Processor family: Intel Core i3-9xxx
  • Processor frequency: 3.6 GHz.
  • Processor socket (processor receiver): LGA 1151 (H4 slot) Processor supported memory channels: Dual
  • Maximum internal memory supported by the processor: 64 GB.
  • Processor supported memory types: DDR4-SDRAM. Graphics adapter model included: Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • Integrated graphics memory: 64 GB.
  • Integrated Graphics Base Frequency: 350MHz Thermal Envelope (TDP
  • Thermal Design Power): 65 W. PCI Express configurations: 1x8+2x4,1x16,2x8.
  • Supported instruction set: AVX 2.0,SSE4.1,SSE4.2
  • Scalability: 1S.

Intel Core i3-9100 3.60GHz LGA1151 Processor Review

Overview The Intel Core i3-9100 is a mid-range processor designed for desktops, featuring a 3.6 GHz base clock speed and a 6 MB Smart Cache. It operates on the LGA 1151 socket and is manufactured using the 14nm process. This processor is part of the 9th generation of Intel Core processors and supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 memory.

Performance The Intel Core i3-9100 is a quad-core processor with four threads, making it suitable for general computing tasks, office work, and some gaming. It does not support Hyper-Threading, which limits its multi-threaded performance compared to higher-end processors. The processor's Turbo Boost feature allows it to reach up to 4.2 GHz, providing a slight boost in performance under heavy loads.

Pros

  • Affordability: The Intel Core i3-9100 is generally priced lower than higher-end processors, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
  • Power Efficiency: With a typical TDP of 65W, it is relatively power-efficient, which can help reduce cooling costs and improve system reliability.
  • Integrated Graphics: The processor includes Intel UHD Graphics 630, which provides basic graphics capabilities for tasks like web browsing and office work.
  • Socket Compatibility: It is compatible with the LGA 1151 socket, which is widely supported by many motherboards.

Cons

  • Limited Multi-Threading: The lack of Hyper-Threading limits its performance in multi-threaded applications, making it less competitive with higher-end processors.
  • Integrated Graphics Limitations: The integrated graphics are not suitable for demanding games or graphics-intensive tasks.
  • Older Architecture: The 14nm process is older compared to newer 10nm or 7nm processes, which might affect its performance and power efficiency.

Verdict The Intel Core i3-9100 is a solid choice for general computing tasks and entry-level gaming. Its affordability and power efficiency make it a good option for those on a budget. However, its limitations in multi-threaded performance and integrated graphics capabilities mean it may not be the best choice for more demanding applications.

Features Table

Feature Description
Clock Speed 3.6 GHz
Turbo Boost Up to 4.2 GHz
Cores/Threads 4/4
Cache 6 MB Smart Cache
Socket LGA 1151
Process Technology 14 nm
Memory Support Up to 64 GB DDR4
Integrated Graphics Intel UHD Graphics 630
TDP 65W
Architecture 9th Generation Intel Core
Power Consumption Typical TDP: 65W, Max: 65W
Socket Compatibility LGA 1151 (H4 Slot)
Process Speed 8 GT/s QPI
Price Varies by region and retailer

This processor is suitable for those who need a reliable, budget-friendly option for general computing tasks and light gaming. However, it may not be the best choice for applications requiring high multi-threaded performance or advanced graphics capabilities.