TOP 15 best Intel Core i3 processors: rating 2024-2025 and which one is good to choose for games

Intel Core i3 is a powerful and affordable processor from the flagship in the field of computer technology.

When choosing hardware for a computer or laptop, it is important to consider who will work on it and how often, what applications will be installed and how many of them, what tasks will be performed.

The chips of this line are perfect for home and office computers that are used to work in text editors, spreadsheets, browsers, listen to music, watch movies and run light games.

Based on user ratings and reviews, this ranking contains the best Intel Core i3 processors in terms of power, speed, performance, and price / quality ratio.

Rating of the TOP 15 best Intel Core i3 processors 2024-2025

Place	Name	Price
TOP 3 best Intel Core i3 processors by price/quality for 2024-2025
1	Intel Core i3-8100	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i3-7100	Ask for a price
3	Intel Core i3-9100F	Ask for a price
TOP 3 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1200
1	Intel Core i3-10100	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i3-10300	Ask for a price
3	Intel Core i3-10320	Ask for a price
TOP 3 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1151
1	Intel Core i3-7350K	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i3-7320	Ask for a price
3	Intel Core i3-6100 Skylake	Ask for a price
TOP 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for sockets 1151v2
1	Intel Core i3-9100	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i3-9350KF	Ask for a price
TOP 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1155
1	Intel Core i3-3220	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i3 Ivy Bridge	Ask for a price
TOP 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1150
1	Intel Core i3-4360	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i3-4170T	Ask for a price

How to choose an Intel Core i3 processor?

In advance of the purchase, you should understand for what purposes the computer will be used and how much is included in the budget intended specifically for the purchase of this part of it.

For example, an ordinary home computer for family use, where each person will do their work, may have the most modest characteristics..

To run resource-intensive applications, rendering, gaming, programming and editing, you need a more serious approach to choosing a processor.

Features to consider when choosing an Intel Core i3 die:

• number of cores and threads;
• cache size;
• bit depth;
• process type;
• operating and maximum frequency;
• socket;
• the presence of a built-in graphics core, cooler, etc.

TOP 3 best Intel Core i3 processors by price/quality for 2024-2025

The best chips with good performance, power and reliability.

Intel Core i3-8100

Budget processor for office and home devices, the main work with which associated with graphic and text editors and performing simple tasks.

With proper completion (computer assembly), the processor will cope with both multimedia and light games.

The quad-core chip features high performance with minimal power consumption due to the 14nm process technology.

Its advantage is minimal heating during operation, which is perfectly eliminated by a high-quality cooling system..

There is no built-in cooler in the package, but there is integrated UHD 630, 1100 MHz graphics. The cores work on the Coffee Lake-S architecture, their number is the same as the number of threads.

The clock frequency reaches 3600 MHz, but overclocking (Turbo Boost mode) is not provided.

The heat dissipation is 65W and the maximum operating temperature is 100°C.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 4/4;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3600 MHz;
• L3 cache: 6 MB.

Intel Core i3-7100

Desktop dual-core processor with four threads and an operating frequency of 3900 MHz well suited for modern desktops and laptops that will be used at home or in the office with light load.

The high level of performance and good operating speed avoid system lags and errors, thus achieving efficiency and power.

The third level cache is small, 3 MB, which is why the processor will not be able to work with heavy applications.

However, you can watch movies and series or play light games. In addition, heat dissipation is only 51 W, so even with the simplest cooler, cooling will be effective.

Maximum operating temperature - 100 °C.

The model is manufactured using the 14 nm process technology and is based on the Kaby Lake-S core.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 2/4;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3900 MHz;
• L3 cache: 3 MB.

Intel Core i3-9100F

Affordable all-in-one processor for work, school and everyday tasks the need to perfectly cope with light games.

A distinctive feature of this model is smooth acceleration from an operating frequency of 3600 MHz to a maximum Turbo Boost of 4200 MHz at low power consumption and without much noise.

The socket type installed in the design is LGA1151 v2. The kernel architecture type is Coffee Lake-S.

The chip is characterized by high performance with minimal heating and heat dissipation of only 65 watts. The maximum operating temperature under heavy load is 100 °C.

The quad-core processor has a good margin of the third level cache - 6 MB, but lacks its own graphics.

At the same time, a cooler is provided in the kit, which contributes to high-quality cooling of the structure when heated. There is also a built-in memory controller, DDR4 memory is supported with a maximum capacity of 64 GB.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 4/4;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3600 MHz;
• L3 cache: 6 MB.

TOP 3 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1200

Socket 1200 is a cutting-edge hardware that appeared in the second half of 2024-2025, with an increased number of pins for installation and Hyper-Threading technology.

Intel Core i3-10100

The representative of the tenth generation is a quad-core processor with 8 threads, operating at a frequency of 3600 MHz and overclocking to 4300 MHz in Turbo Boost mode.

The model is characterized by high performance and quick restructuring for maximum load with minimal heat generation.

It is noteworthy that the device is quite easy to install in the desired socket: no additions or upgrades are required, because the design already has a graphics core, and the cooler is included in the kit.

The built-in graphics perform well and allow you to enjoy working with graphic applications, watching movies and series, and running light games..

Also, the model perfectly copes with office tasks, suitable for communication on the Web, study and work.

The speed of work is due to both the 14 nm process technology and the optimal heat dissipation of 65 W.

The manufacturer claims a maximum operating temperature of 100 ° C, but even under heavy load, the processor does not heat up more than 70 degrees.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 4/8;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3600 MHz;
• L3 cache: 6 MB.

Intel Core i3-10300

Gaming quad-core processor with twice the number of threads, clocked frequency of 3700 MHz, built-in memory controller, integrated graphics core and capacious third-level cache.

On sale you can find both a complete set of BOX with a cooler, and without it.

Four cores on the Comet Lake-S architecture determine the performance and speed of operation.

With significant loads in boost, the processor is capable of overclocking up to 4400 MHz, showing high power even in multitasking mode.

The chip is suitable for gaming, office tasks, web surfing, and even some simple computing and simulation tasks.

For a home computer, this model is a leader in terms of stability and performance, demonstrating good performance in multithreading and moderate temperatures.

The built-in cooler in the BOX configuration well prevents overheating.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 4/8;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3700 MHz;
• L3 cache: 8 MB.

Intel Core i3-10320

The performance processor with LGA1200 socket is nimble and powerful, copes well with simple graphic applications, internet browsers, lightweight desktop software and games.

The design of the model consists of 4 cores on the Comet Lake-S architecture and has 8 threads.

The standard operating frequency is 3800 MHz, and in Turbo mode it increases to an almost record-breaking 4600 MHz.

At the same time, the maximum operating temperature does not formally exceed 100 ° C, in fact - 70 degrees. The 14 nm process technology also determines the high speed of operation and good overclocking.

The processor is equipped with its own graphics core with a fairly good frequency and excellent graphics performance.

In the BOX configuration, the model is supplemented with a cooler, so the chip can work right out of the box.

With proper installation, heat dissipation does not exceed 65 watts.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 4/8;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3800 MHz;
• L3 cache: 8 MB.

TOP 3 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1151

Socket 1151 is an Intel processor socket developed in 2015 that is compatible with most Intel processors on different architectures.

Intel Core i3-7350K

An excellent processor with two cores and four threads, which belongs to the seventh Intel processor line.

The advantage of the model is a high clock frequency of 4200 MHz, but the possibility of overclocking is excluded.

In normal operation, the frequency is kept at the maximum level, and at minimum load, in power saving mode, it drops to 800 MHz.

The processor demonstrates not only excellent performance and speed both in office tasks and during, for example, running games or simulations, but also quickly accelerates with a smooth increase in temperature to 65-70 degrees with a declared maximum of 100 degrees.

This chip is especially good in computers running Windows 10.

Another advantage of this processor was the graphics core HD Graphics 630, 1150 MHz with updated codecs.

In terms of all technical characteristics, this chip surpasses all other models of the Intel Core i3 line, while remaining affordable.

To install it, you only need to purchase a cooler, you can also use a budget one.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 2/4;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 4200 MHz;
• L3 cache: 4 MB.

Intel Core i3-7320

7th generation processor with integrated advanced graphics HD Graphics 630, 1150 MHz core, which is perfect for undemanding users (for example, gamers).

For schoolchildren, students, office workers and those who use a computer for everyday entertainment (YouTube videos, browser games, social networks), it is the best fit.

Chip life can be increased by adding a more powerful discrete graphics card.

The rest of the processor is very good: a high clock speed of 4100 MHz, 2 cores on the Kaby Lake-S architecture, built-in DDR4 memory control, two memory channels and a minimum heat dissipation of only 51 W.

The manufacturer calls the maximum operating temperature of 100 degrees, but in fact the chip heats up to no more than 60 degrees even in multitasking mode. During normal operation, the processor maintains a temperature of 35-40 degrees.

When upgrading the device, remember that the processor is not compatible with 3xx series chipsets.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 2/4;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 4100 MHz;
• L3 cache: 4 MB.

Intel Core i3-6100

Budget dual-core processor with four threads, the best among all models sixth generation.

The chip is characterized by good performance, minimal heating even at maximum and excellent overclocking on the bus. It not only has low heat dissipation (51 W), but also consumes a modest amount of resources.

The hardware is based on 2 Skylake (2015) cores and four threads, as well as a 14 nm process technology.

There is no overclocking among the features, but the clock frequency is kept at the optimal level of 3700 MHz. The advantages of the model is the presence of a built-in graphics core HD Graphics 530, 1050 MHz and support for DDR4 memory up to 64 GB.

The maximum operating temperature is only 65 degrees, so even the absence of a cooler in the bundle is not a significant drawback of the chip: the simplest cooling system will be enough.

Only a small cache of 3 MB can spoil the impressions of working at a computer with this reason.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 2/4;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3700 MHz;
• L3 cache: 3 MB.

TOP 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for sockets 1151v2

Sockets 1151v2 differ from 1151 in that they are equipped with 300-series chipsets and support 8th and 9th generation Intel Core processors (Coffee Lake).

Intel Core i3-9100

Users have called this processor the top budget chip of the ninth generation with excellent performance and ruggedness.

Four cores with the same number of threads based on the Coffee Lake-S architecture do an excellent job of both simple office tasks and fairly powerful games.

At the same time, integrated graphics are introduced not only for show: it perfectly replaces a discrete video card and shows excellent graphic performance.

Even at maximum load, the processor is occupied by no more than 30-50% and heats up to 48-60 degrees at the declared maximum temperature of 100 degrees.

The standard operating frequency at high activity is 3600 MHz, it is also possible to overclock to 4200 MHz in boost.

The crystal supports DDR4 memory up to 64 GB and has a 6 MB L3 cache. This is quite a good margin for a processor at this price.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 4/4;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3600 MHz;
• L3 cache: 6 MB.

Intel Core i3-9350KF

Quad-core processor with four threads, 14 nm manufacturing process, excellent clock speed frequency of 4000 MHz with the possibility of overclocking to 4600 MHz.

The model is only slightly more expensive than the slightly more modest previous versions, but in many ways it surpasses them. So, for example, the operating frequency of this processor for a ninth-generation chip is very good, as is the third-level cache size of 8 MB.

The weak point of the chip is the heat dissipation of 91 W, so the standard cooler should be replaced if the computer will work under heavy load..

Another drawback is the lack of integrated graphics, so the cost of a discrete graphics card should be added to the costs.

At the heart of the Coffee Lake-S core model, each of which is capable of quickly overclocking to a frequency exceeding that declared by the manufacturer.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 4/4;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 4000 MHz;
• L3 cache: 8 MB.

TOP 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1155

Processor socket 1155 was announced in 2011 as a dedicated socket for processors with Sandy Bridge microarchitecture.

Intel Core i3-3220

Stable and nimble processor based on two cores Ivy Bridge (2012) with four threads and process technology 22 nm.

Its purpose is home and office machines with an emphasis on working in text and graphic editors, simple entertainment (social networks, watching movies) and light games.

The high performance of the chip is provided by a clock frequency of 3300 MHz and four threads.

The heat dissipation rate is small, so the device does not heat up during operation.

At the same time, the maximum operating temperature specified by the manufacturer is only 65.3 °C..

A nice bonus to buying this chip is a high-quality cooler that copes with system cooling.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 2/4;
• manufacturing process: 22 nm;
• clock frequency: 3300 MHz;
• L3 cache: 3 MB.

Intel Core i3 Ivy Bridge

Dual-core processor with four threads and 22 nm manufacturing process is designed for home and office computers, however, with the right additional equipment, it can also be suitable for games, of course, not the most modern.

The core is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012) microarchitecture, the operating frequency is in the range of 2800-3500 MHz. There is no overclocking option for this processor.

However, the model is equipped with an excellent integrated graphics core - HD Graphics 2500 or HD Graphics 4000 optionally, the maximum frequency of which is 1050 MHz.

Even in multitasking mode and under heavy load, the crystal does not heat up: the heat dissipation index does not exceed 55 watts.

But an extraneous hum may appear during overload - users note this feature in the list of shortcomings.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 2/4;
• manufacturing process: 22 nm;
• clock frequency: 2800-3500 MHz;
• L3 cache: 3 MB.

TOP 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1150

This processor socket is suitable for Haswell and Broadwell crystals.

Intel Core i3-4360

A dual-core home computer processor that will run right out of the box. boxes: the BOX package includes both a decent video core and a high-quality cooling system.

The crystal copes not only with standard work tasks, but also pulls many desktop games, operating at a frequency of 3700 MHz.

Even under heavy load, the temperature of the processor rarely exceeds 65 degrees, but the manufacturer calls the maximum operating temperature of 72 ° C.

The third level cache is designed for 4 MB.

The model is very productive, quickly processes information and allows you to perform the necessary actions in the shortest possible time without overheating the device.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 2/4;
• manufacturing process: 22 nm;
• clock frequency: 3700 MHz;
• L3 cache: 4 MB.

Intel Core i3-4170T

Dual-core processor with four threads, low heat dissipation and integrated graphics core HD Graphics 4400, 1150 MHz will perfectly cope with gaming and graphic load.

It is based on 2 cores on the Haswell microarchitecture (2013) and a 22 nm manufacturing process.

The chip is fast and does not get hot: heat dissipation is only 35W at a maximum operating temperature of 66.4°C.

According to experienced users, the characteristics of this crystal are close to the more modern and expensive Intel Core i5, so for those who are looking for an inexpensive but productive processor, this option is best suited.

Specifications:

• sound rates (cores/threads): 2/4;
• manufacturing process: 22 nm;
• clock frequency: 3200 MHz;
• L3 cache: 3 MB.

Conclusion

In 2024-2025, the most powerful computers are endowed with expensive Intel Core i7 processors, but a home computer can be equipped with a more budgetary Core i3.

These chips handle loads of varying sizes, perform well, stay cool, and prove to be reliable: with the right system assembly, the life of this chip will be measured in years.

Customer Reviews

Useful video

From the video you will get an overview of the best processors: