CPU Comparison
Intel Core 3 100HL vs Intel Core 7 150UL
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 3 100HL is an entry-level, power-optimized desktop processor featuring a hybrid architecture of 4 P-cores and 4 E-cores, designed primarily for OEM systems and everyday computing.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles word processing, spreadsheets, and multi-tab browsing flawlessly, but struggles with heavy multi-threaded workloads.
Adequate for word processing, spreadsheets, and light multitasking, but heavily threaded tasks will be slow due to the 15W limit.
Gaming
The combination of low base clocks and only 8 PCIe 4.0 lanes limits its potential when paired with modern dedicated GPUs.
The integrated 96EU Iris Xe can handle older or esports titles at low settings, but it is not built for modern AAA gaming.
Virtualization
The 12 threads and 12MB L3 cache provide enough headway for basic VMs, but memory and PCIe limitations are restrictive.
Can run basic VMs, but memory and core limits make it unsuitable for extensive virtualization.
Efficiency
Extremely power efficient at idle and low loads, making it an ideal choice for always-on office machines.
Exceptional power efficiency, drawing very little power under both idle and load conditions.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks dedicated NPU hardware.
- No AVX-512 support for legacy AI workloads.
- Insufficient core count and memory bandwidth for local LLM inference.
- Lacks dedicated NPU
- No AVX-512 support for AI workloads
- CPU-based AI inference will be extremely slow
Content Creation
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.
- Relies entirely on integrated Iris Xe graphics
- Playable frame rates only in lightweight esports titles
- Modern AAA games will struggle significantly even at 720p low settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Extremely low 15W power consumption
- Capable 96EU Iris Xe integrated graphics
- Hybrid architecture handles multitasking well for its tier
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
- Operates with minimal cooling requirements
Cons
- Severely limited 8 direct PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Low base clock of 1.7 GHz
- Not suitable for modern gaming or heavy workloads
- Locked multiplier prevents any performance tuning
- Highly niche product with limited motherboard options
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core 7 150UL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8500GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 3 8300GRival
Budget Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Efficient Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100TRival
Entry-Level Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
A much faster standard 65W desktop CPU if your case allows a slightly larger cooler.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Excellent budget alternative with strong multi-threaded performance and capable iGPU.
Delivers superior single-core gaming performance at a very low price point.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewThe Core 7 150UL excels in power efficiency rather than raw performance, making it a niche but solid choice for ultra-small form factor desktops where thermal and power limits are strictly enforced.
Best for: Building a completely silent, ultra-compact mini-PC or small form factor desktop where absolute minimal power draw and heat output are the primary design constraints.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 3 100HL or Intel Core 7 150UL?
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 3 100HL or Intel Core 7 150UL?
For gaming, the Intel Core 3 100HL leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core 3 100HL and Intel Core 7 150UL.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core 7 150UL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core 3 100HL (45 W), Intel Core 7 150UL (15 W).
Do Intel Core 3 100HL and Intel Core 7 150UL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 3 100HL: LGA 1700, Intel Core 7 150UL: Intel Socket 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core 7 150UL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 3 100HL (8 cores), Intel Core 7 150UL (10 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core 3 100HL posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core 3 100HL (5,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.