Top 15 best Intel Core i3 processors: ranking 2021-2022 and what's a good one for gaming

Intel Core i3 is a productive and inexpensive processors from the flagship in the field of computer technology.

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

Chips in this line are great for home and office computers that are used for word processing, spreadsheets, browsing, listening to music, watching movies, and running light games.

This ranking, based on ratings and user reviews, compiles the best Intel Core i3 processors in terms of power, speed, performance, and price/performance ratio.

Top 15 Best Intel Core i3 Processors 2021-2022 rankings

Place	Name	Price
Top 3 best Intel Core i3 processors by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	Intel Core i3-8100	Check price
2	Intel Core i3-7100	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i3-9100F	Find out the price
Top 3 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1200
1	Intel Core i3-10100	Notable price
2	Intel Core i3-10300	You can find out the price of
3	Intel Core i3-10320	Find out the price
Top 3 best Intel Core i3 processors for 1151 socket
1	Intel Core i3-7350K	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i3-7320	Check out the price
3	Intel Core i3-6100 Skylake	Find out the price
Top 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for 1151v2 socket
1	Intel Core i3-9100	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i3-9350KF	Find out the price
Top 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for 1155 socket
1	Intel Core i3-3220	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i3 Ivy Bridge	Find out the price
Top 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for 1150 socket
1	Intel Core i3-4360	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i3-4170T	Find out the price

How to choose an Intel Core i3 processor?

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

For example, an ordinary home computer for family use, where everyone will be doing their work, can have the most modest characteristics.

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

Characteristics to consider when choosing an Intel Core i3 chip:

number of cores and threads;
cache size;
bit rate;
type of technological process;
operating and maximum frequency;
socket;
Built-in graphics core, cooler, etc.

Top 3 best Intel Core i3 processors by price/quality for 2021-2022

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 connected with graphic and text editors and fulfilling simple tasks.

With the right addition (assembling a computer) processor can cope with multimedia, and with light games.

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

Its advantage is the minimal heat during operation, which is perfectly eliminated by the quality cooling system.

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

Clock speed reaches 3600 MHz, but there is no overclocking (Turbo Boost mode)..

The heat dissipation is 65W, and maximum working temperature is 100°C.

Technical Data:

Core performance (cores/threads): 4/4;
14nm process technology;
Clock speed: 3600 MHz;
L3 cache: 6 MB.

Pros of

built-in memory controller;
reasonable price;
good operating frequency;
performance.

Cons

Not suitable for heavy gaming;
Only compatible with 3xx series chipsets.

Intel Core i3-7100

Desktop dual-core processor with four threads and an operating frequency of 3900 MHz Good for modern desktop and notebook PCs that will be used at home or in the office under light load.

The high level of performance and good operating speed allows you to avoid system hangs and errors, thus achieving efficiency and power.

Level 3 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 TV shows or play light games. In addition, the heat dissipation is only 51 W, so even with the simplest cooler cooling will be effective.

The maximum operating temperature is 100 °C.

The model is made according to the 14 nm process technology and is based on the Kaby Lake-S core.

Technical specifications:

core performance (cores/threads): 2/4;
14nm process technology;
clock speed: 3900 MHz;
L3 cache: 3 Mb.

Pros of

integrated graphics;
small heat dissipation;
low cost;
performance speed.

Cons

not compatible with 3xx series chipsets;
small cache.

Intel Core i3-9100F

An inexpensive all-in-one processor for work, school, and everyday tasks that will Easy games are great if you need it.

The distinctive feature of this model is smooth overclocking from operating frequency 3600 MHz to maximum Turbo Boost 4200 MHz with low power consumption and without much noise.

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

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

Quad core processor has good third level cache - 6 Mb, but lacks its own graphics.

At the same time, the kit provides a cooler, which contributes to 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:

kernel indicators (kernels/streams): 4/4;
process technology: 14 nm;
clock frequency: 3600 MHz;
L3 cache: 6 MB.

Pros of

affordable price;
cooler included;
fast speed of operation;
minimal heat dissipation.

Cons

Only compatible with 3xx series chipsets;
no video core.

Top 3 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1200

Socket 1200 is ultra-modern hardware, coming in the second half of 2021-2022, with more pins to install and Hyper-Threading technology.

Intel Core i3-10100.

A representative of the tenth generation - a quad-core processor with 8 threads, running at 3,600 MHz and overclocked up to 4,300 MHz in Turbo Boost mode..

The model is characterized by high performance and fast tuning to the maximum load with minimal heat dissipation.

It is noteworthy that the device is easy enough to install in the right socket: no add-ons and upgrades are required, because the design already has a graphics core, and the cooler is included.

Built-in graphics has good performance and allows you to work with pleasure with graphics applications, watch movies and TV series and run light games.

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

Both 14nm process technology and optimal heat dissipation of 65W will contribute to the speed of operation..

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

Technical specifications:

core count (cores/threads): 4/8;
process technology: 14nm;
clock speed: 3600 MHz;
L3 cache: 6 MB.

Pros of

overclocks quickly in Turbo Boost;
inexpensive;
high performance;
built-in graphics.

Cons

expensive motherboard;
graphics quality.

Intel Core i3-10300

Quad core gaming processor with twice the number of threads, 3700 MHz clock 3700 MHz, integrated memory controller, integrated graphics core and high-capacity Level 3 cache.

Both BOX and non-BOX options are available with or without a cooler.

Four cores based on Comet Lake-S architecture are responsible for the performance and speed.

Under heavy booster loads the processor is capable of overclocking up to 4400 MHz, showing high power even in multitasking mode..

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

For a home computer, this model is a leader in stability and performance, showing good multithreading performance and moderate temperature.

The built-in cooler in the BOX package does a good job of preventing overheating.

Technical specifications:

core performance (cores/threads): 4/8;
process technology: 14 nm;
clock frequency: 3700 MHz;
L3 cache: 8 MB.

Pros of

roomy level 3 cache;
Fast multitasking performance;
overclocks well in Turbo Boost;
does not heat up.

Cons

none.

Intel Core i3-10320

High-performance processor with LGA1200 socket is fast and powerful, copes well with Simple graphic applications, Internet browsers, light desktop software and games.

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

Standard working frequency is 3800 MHz, and in Turbo mode it goes up to 4600 MHz, which is almost a record.

At the same time, the maximum operating temperature is not higher than 100°C formally, but 70 deg.. The high speed and good overclocking is also due to the 14 nm process.

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

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

With the correct mounting the heat dissipation does not exceed 65 W.

Technical data:

Core performance (cores/threads): 4/8;
14nm process technology;
clock frequency: 3800 MHz;
L3 cache: 8 MB.

Pros of

affordable price;
high-quality video core;
DDR4 support;
Multitasking performance.

Cons

price.

Top 3 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1151

Socket 1151 is a socket for Intel processors developed in 2015, 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 line of Intel processors..

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

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

The processor shows not only excellent performance and speed in office tasks as well as, for example, while running games or simulation, but also quickly overclocks with a smooth rise in temperature to 65-70 degrees with a declared maximum of 100 degrees..

This chip is especially good in computers with Windows 10.

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

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

All you need to buy is a cooler for its installation, even a budget one.

Specifications:

kernel indicators (kernels/streams): 2/4;
process technology: 14 nm;
clock frequency: 4200 MHz;
L3 cache: 4 Mb.

Pros of

affordable price;
does not heat up;
overclocks well;
There is a graphics core.

Cons

cache size.

Intel Core i3-7320

Seventh-generation processor with integrated advanced graphics HD Graphics 630, 1150 MHz, which is great for undemanding users (like gamers)..

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

The lifetime of the chip can be increased by adding a more powerful discrete graphics card.

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

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. In normal operation, the processor maintains a temperature of 35-40 degrees.

When stocking the device, please note that the processor is not compatible with 3xx series chipsets.

Technical Data:

core performance (cores/threads): 2/4;
process technology: 14 nm;
clock frequency: 4100 MHz;
L3 cache: 4 Mb.

Pros of

integrated graphics;
small heat dissipation;
optimal cost;
Multitasking performance.

Cons

cache size;
no cooler.

Intel Core i3-6100.

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

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

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

Among the features is no overclocking, but the clock frequency is kept at an optimal level of 3700 MHz. The advantages of the model is the presence of an integrated graphics core HD Graphics 530, 1050 MHz and support for DDR4 memory capacity up to 64 GB.

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

The only thing that can spoil the computer experience with this base is a small cache - 3 Mb.

Technical characteristics:

Core performance (cores/threads): 2/4;
process technology: 14 nm;
clock frequency: 3700 MHz;
L3 cache: 3 Mb.

Pros of

price;
embedded video core;
good bus overclocking;
great performance.

Minuses

cache volume;
no cooler.

Top 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for 1151v2 sockets

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

Intel Core i3-9100

Users called this processor a top-of-the-line budget 9th generation chip with excellent performance and unpretentiousness.

Four cores with the same number of threads based on the Coffee Lake-S architecture perfectly cope with simple office tasks, as well as with enough powerful games.

At the same time the integrated graphics is not just for showcase: it perfectly replaces the discrete graphics card and shows excellent graphics performance.

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

The standard operating frequency at high activity is 3600 MHz, there is also the possibility of overclocking up to 4200 MHz in boost.

The crystal supports DDR4 memory up to 64GB and has a level 3 cache of 6 MB. This is quite a good reserve for a processor for this price.

Technical specifications:

Core performance (cores/threads): 4/4;
process technology: 14 nm;
clock speed: 3600 MHz;
L3 cache: 6 MB.

Pros of

does not heat up;
good performance;
6Mb L3 cache;
Built-in UHD 630 graphics, 1100 MHz;
cooler included.

Disadvantages

Only compatible with 3xx series chipsets.

Intel Core i3-9350KF.

Quad core processor with four threads, 14nm process technology, excellent clock 4000 MHz with up to 4600 MHz overclocking capability..

It's only a little bit more expensive than previous versions, but it's better in many ways. So, for example, the operating frequency of this processor for the ninth generation chip is very good, as well as the volume of the third level cache 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 expense.

At the heart of the model are Coffee Lake-S cores, each of which can quickly overclock to a frequency higher than that declared by the manufacturer.

Technical specifications:

core performance (cores/threads): 4/4;
14nm process technology;
Clock speed: 4000 MHz;
L3 cache: 8 MB.

Pros of

A good 8Mb cache;
cooler included;
smooth overclocking;
minimal heat dissipation;
performance speed.

Disadvantages

Only compatible with 3xx series chipsets.

Top 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for 1155 socket

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

Intel Core i3-3220

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

It is intended for home and office PCs focusing on word processing and graphics editors, simple entertainment (social networks, watching movies) and not heavy games.

High chip performance is ensured by 3300 MHz clock speed and four threads.

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

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

A nice bonus to the purchase of this chip is a quality cooler, which copes with the cooling of the system.

Specifications:

core performance (cores/threads): 2/4;
process technology: 22nm;
clock speed: 3300 MHz;
L3 cache: 3 Mb.

Pros of

budget-friendly;
good manufacturing process;
fast;
built-in graphics;
does not heat up.

Minuses

cache size.

Intel Core i3 Ivy Bridge

Dual core processor with four threads and 22 nm process technology is designed for home and office computers, but with the right additions may be good for gaming, of course, not the most modern.

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

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

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

But the extraneous hum at overload can appear - users note this feature in the list of disadvantages.

Technical characteristics:

kernel indicators (kernels/streams): 2/4;
process technology: 22 nm;
clock frequency: 2800-3500 MHz;
L3 cache: 3 MB.

Pros of

split L2 cache;
good integrated graphics;
powerful;
does not heat up;
suitable for games.

Cons

hum at high load;
2 cores.

Top 2 best Intel Core i3 processors for socket 1150

This CPU socket is suitable for Haswell and Broadwell crystals.

Intel Core i3-4360.

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

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

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

Level 3 cache is rated at 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.

Technical specifications:

core performance (cores/threads): 2/4;
process technology: 22nm;
clock speed: 3700 MHz;
L3 cache: 4 Mb.

Pros of

good video core;
minimum heat dissipation;
good performance;
reasonable price.

Cons

power-hungry.

Intel Core i3-4170T

Dual-core processor with four threads, low heat dissipation and HD Graphics 4400 integrated graphics core, 1150 MHz is great for gaming and graphics workload..

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

The chip is fast and cool: It only uses 35W of thermal power for a maximum operating temperature of 66.4°C.

According to experienced users, the characteristics of this chip are close to the more modern and expensive Intel Core i5, so for those who are looking for an inexpensive but powerful processor, this option will suit best.

Technical Specifications:

core performance (cores/threads): 2/4;
process technology: 22nm;
clock speed: 3200 MHz;
L3 cache: 3 Mb.

Pros of

The heat dissipation is only 35W;
Suitable for medium resource-intensive games;
fast;
doesn't make any noise.

Cons

small cache.

Conclusion

In 2021-2022, the most powerful computers are endowed with expensive Intel Core i7 processors, but a home computer can well be equipped with a more budget Core i3.

These crystals perfectly cope with loads of different volume, are productive, do not heat up and prove reliable: with the proper assembly of the system, the lifetime of this chip will be measured in years.

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