How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i9-10900K scores 47.9/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i9-10900K wins 15.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-8100 and the Intel Core i9-10900K?

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $488. Intel Core i9-10900K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 42 vs 26; Stronger Multi-core score: 48 vs 24; Stronger gaming score: 55 vs 22; 400% higher threads: 20 vs 4; 329% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 16,300 vs 3,800.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-8100 or Intel Core i9-10900K?

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $488 for the Intel Core i9-10900K.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i9-10900K

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i9-10900K

$488

26.3Single-core41.9

23.7Multi-core48.2

21.9Gaming54.6

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-810015 spec wins — Intel Core i9-10900K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i9-10900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 47.9 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+33) and Multi-core (+25). Intel Core i3-8100 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-8100

48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $488

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-10900K

Stronger Single-core score: 42 vs 26
Stronger Multi-core score: 48 vs 24
Stronger gaming score: 55 vs 22
400% higher threads: 20 vs 4
329% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 16,300 vs 3,800

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-10900K
Announced	2017	2020
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1200
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Base TDP	65 W+48%	125 W
Max turbo power	—	250 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-10900K
Cores	4	10+150%
Performance cores	4	10+150%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	20+400%
Base clock	3.6 GHz	3.7 GHz+3%
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	5.3 GHz+47%
L2 cache	1 MB	3 MB+150%
L3 cache	6 MB	20 MB+233%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-10900K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,200 MHz+9%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-10900K
Memory support	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2933
Max memory	64 GB	128 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-10900K
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-10900K
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200Top 83%	1,730+44%Top 50%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350Top 90%	10,400+210%Top 38%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,340Top 52%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800Top 92%	16,300+329%Top 30%
PassMark	6,100Top 90%	23,700+289%Top 40%

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