Essentials
Status Launched
Launch Date Q1'11
Processor Number i3-2100
# of Cores 2
# of Threads 4
Clock Speed 3.1 GHz
Intel® Smart Cache 3 MB
Bus/Core Ratio 31
DMI 5 GT/s
Instruction Set 64-bit
Instruction Set Extensions SSE4.1/4.2, AVX
Embedded Options Available No
Lithography 32 nm
Max TDP 65 W
Recommended Channel Price $117.00
Memory Specifications
Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type) 32 GB
Memory Types DDR3-1066/1333
# of Memory Channels 2
Max Memory Bandwidth 21 GB/s
Graphics Specifications
Processor Graphics Intel® HD Graphics 2000
Graphics Base Frequency 850 MHz
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency 1.1 GHz
Intel® Quick Sync Video Yes
Intel® InTru™ 3D Technology, Yes
Intel® Insider™ Yes
Intel® Wireless Display No
Intel® Flexible Display Interface (Intel® FDI) Yes
Intel® Clear Video HD Technology Yes
Dual Display Capable Yes
A major highlight here is the included graphics processor. The second generation i3 processors have an included Intel HD Graphics 2000 GPU. For only $117 you've got a GPU that can handle 3D gaming and it supports dual monitors. You'll probably have to turn down the special effects, but for the price it's quite capable.
The i3-2100 is clocked at 3.1GHz. It doesn't come with the Turbo Boost Technology we've seen in their other more expensive processors, but 3.1 GHz for such a low price is a bargain. The processor has 2 cores and comes with Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology.
3DMark Vantage:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-ASzqSyReqNTlhxYhht5Xwv_A5DegpQyQfwL53U6-lVBoz_qqaJhrq9BoW4kUXa3AbbwHQu9fzhYBRijutpyH-i0zBgkA6X4cm_GXz18KmRZ_FW5c89_OiQHOE6kRGYWjzv6hNO6c4Q/s200/scores.png)
We can see immediately that the i7 is still a force to be reckoned with in terms of CPU power. The Graphics score only suffered slightly from the processor.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW10lrY8loOOBUCeM2ecstgZAz1hrdmahLcD7N8ViLeNxb7v0mY_n7y1KZlvKbML-p4stSY734-grS_Ym1k9e9UZdklPG_54Kci4fMmAWFOuy2vIvODYXWXkscWUgVKrpCgBILoeAKXYM/s200/other_scores.png)
The i3 holds its own for the rest of the 3DMark Vantage scores, only dropping behind slightly on the GPU Particles FPS.
MAXON CINEBENCH:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNcSRk3BTsxuHTTOqtIYbp23mIH2ZMS3dpBXhzLwcIt-vQ50cweYC0_gXcQ1W6H_2X6AZ0avb7P3fwCE7kVn5cp7E0JDFQ8Zdj_Kea3OV2MuEEkNy5ft1EqWaZ0IalngHNaRAVdhB6qQ/s200/multi_core.png)
The i3 trails behind again in rendering when put up against other quad core processors.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0r60a2orT07GwuZDo81zgZqE0GAujpij_dnmaOs0b6Zob37M2g_xoGVvPEpLWyKtRazM2dQ0uMuO52dAsq2bxKkKvz4ChFmyQTYuglzv75rafLKQDPTIOZw54FcCEbNBX9dhT1DqgsE/s200/single_core.png)
This score really says it all. The dual core i3 might not be as powerful as the other quad cores offered by Intel, but a single core from our i3 was capable of outperforming a single core from several other processors including the first gen i7. Now that's impressive!
Let's take a minute to talk about real world experience. If you're looking for a processor that is fast and responsive, the i3 is all that. With a GTX 470 graphics card, we were able to turn all our favorite special effects all the way up and play games without noticing any lag.
Conclusion:
If you're looking to build a gaming computer and you're cash is limited you might want to consider going with one of these outstanding i3 processors. Put the extra money towards a better dedicated graphics card. For every day usage the i3 is an excellent choice and it comes with a very affordable price tag. You can build a very affordable computer with this processor taking advantage of its built in GPU. Based on it’s features and performance, the Intel i3-2100 has earner our Value Award. Keep up the great work Intel! For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.intel.com.
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