CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-7600 vs Intel Core 3 100HL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-7600 is a high-end mainstream desktop processor launched in early 2017 as part of the 7th Generation Kaby Lake lineup. Positioned just below the unlocked K-series, it features four physical cores without Hyper-Threading, operating at a base frequency of 3.5 GHz with a maximum turbo boost of 4.1 GHz. This represents the highest clock speeds available on a locked 7th Gen i5 processor. Manufactured on Intel's 14nm process, it maintains a 65-watt TDP, making it easy to cool with standard solutions. The processor integrates Intel HD 630 graphics, providing hardware-accelerated 4K media decoding, and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory at 2400 MT/s. While its high clock speeds deliver excellent single-thread performance for gaming and daily applications, the absence of Hyper-Threading limits its multi-threaded throughput. Utilizing the LGA 1151 socket, the i5-7600 was aimed at users seeking top-tier locked performance, though it was quickly overshadowed by the 6-core 8th Gen processors that followed.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very snappy for daily tasks, but 4 threads limit heavy multitasking.
Handles word processing, spreadsheets, and multi-tab browsing flawlessly, but struggles with heavy multi-threaded workloads.
Gaming
Good for older games due to high clocks, but bottlenecks modern GPUs in CPU-heavy titles.
The combination of low base clocks and only 8 PCIe 4.0 lanes limits its potential when paired with modern dedicated GPUs.
Virtualization
Limited by core count for running multiple VMs.
The 12 threads and 12MB L3 cache provide enough headway for basic VMs, but memory and PCIe limitations are restrictive.
Efficiency
65W TDP offers a good balance of power and heat.
Extremely power efficient at idle and low loads, making it an ideal choice for always-on office machines.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Inadequate for local AI inference
- Lacks dedicated NPU hardware.
- No AVX-512 support for legacy AI workloads.
- Insufficient core count and memory bandwidth for local LLM inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- High single-core clocks help older games
- 4 threads cause stuttering in modern AAA titles
- Requires a discrete GPU for any real gaming
- Integrated Iris Xe graphics can only handle eSports titles at low settings.
- Pairing with a dedicated GPU is bottlenecked by the x8 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
- E-cores provide minimal benefit in most gaming workloads.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High single-thread performance
- 4.1 GHz max turbo boost
- 65W TDP is easy to cool
- Hardware 4K video decoding
- Good for legacy gaming
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Locked multiplier
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- No official Windows 11 support
- Outdated PCIe Gen 3
Pros
- Very low 45W power consumption
- Includes capable Iris Xe 48EU integrated graphics
- Flexible DDR4 and DDR5 memory support
- Modern hybrid architecture at an entry-level price
- Supports Intel vPro for enterprise management
- Highly efficient for idle and light-load scenarios
Cons
- Only 8 direct PCIe 4.0 lanes bottleneck dedicated GPUs
- Reduced 12MB L3 cache size
- Locked multiplier prevents CPU overclocking
- Low base clock of 2.1 GHz limits bursty single-thread performance
- OEM-focused 'PS' silicon limits retail availability
- PL2 max power of 115W is disproportionately high for an entry-level chip
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-7600
- AMD Ryzen 5 1500XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7500Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-7350KRival
Desktop
Successor with 6 cores, offering much better modern performance for similar money.
Compare head-to-headThe unlocked version if you plan to overclock on an older board.
Compare head-to-headA cheap modern alternative with 6 cores and 12 threads.
Compare head-to-headA modern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core 3 100HL
- AMD Ryzen 3 4300GRival
Entry-Level Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GRival
Mid-Range Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100Rival
Entry-Level Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-13100Rival
Entry-Level Desktop
- AMD Athlon 3000GRival
Budget Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Significantly better gaming and creator performance for a slight price increase.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
Excellent multi-threaded performance on a highly affordable AM4 platform.
Our Verdict on Each
Offers the best single-thread performance of the locked 7th Gen i5s, but the 4-core/4-thread limitation makes it a poor choice for modern multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system where maximum single-thread speed is needed without overclocking.
Read the full reviewA highly efficient, budget-friendly entry point into Intel's new branding scheme, best suited for pre-built systems and basic daily tasks rather than enthusiast computing.
Best for: Building or buying a budget OEM desktop for home or office use
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-7600 or Intel Core 3 100HL?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core 3 100HL comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-7600 or Intel Core 3 100HL?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-7600 leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-7600 and Intel Core 3 100HL.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core 3 100HL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-7600 (65 W), Intel Core 3 100HL (45 W).
Do Intel Core i5-7600 and Intel Core 3 100HL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-7600: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core 3 100HL: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core 3 100HL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-7600 (4 cores), Intel Core 3 100HL (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-7600 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-7600 (6,000), Intel Core 3 100HL (5,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.