CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-8100F vs Intel Core i3-8100T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-8100F is a notoriously short-lived 4-core, 4-thread desktop processor that lacked integrated graphics, launched and then abruptly cancelled before wide distribution.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- 4 threads are insufficient.
- No AI hardware.
- Fixed 3.1 GHz clock provides poor inference performance.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a discrete GPU.
- Fixed 3.6 GHz is too low for modern AAA games.
- Lacks the burst performance of even cheaper Pentium chips that have Turbo Boost.
- Fixed 3.1 GHz clock is too low for modern games.
- No Hyper-Threading limits background task handling.
- UHD 630 is not for gaming.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Historical novelty value
- Functions as a standard Coffee Lake i3 if you have a GPU
- Fixed 3.6 GHz is higher than the T-series chips
- Supports ECC memory
Cons
- Cancelled by Intel, no support
- Extremely rare and hard to find
- No integrated graphics
- No Hyper-Threading
- No Turbo Boost
- Overpriced on the secondary market due to rarity
Pros
- Very low 35W power draw
- Predictable, constant 3.1 GHz performance
- 4 physical cores for multitasking
- Includes UHD 630 for display outputs
- Can be configured down to 25W
Cons
- No Turbo Boost (locked at 3.1 GHz)
- No Hyper-Threading (4 cores = 4 threads)
- Low 72°C Tcase limit restricts cooler options
- DDR4-2400 memory speed limit
- Outdated 14nm process
- Only PCIe 3.0
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-8100F
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100Rival
Standard Desktop
- Intel Pentium Gold G5400Rival
Entry Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 1200Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-9100FRival
Next-Gen Budget
- Intel Core i5-8400FAlt
A massively better F-series option with 6 cores.
- Intel Core i3-10100FAlt
A modern, easily available budget gaming option.
Intel Core i3-8100T
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100Rival
Standard Desktop
- Intel Pentium Gold G5400TRival
Budget SFF
- AMD Athlon 3000GERival
Budget SFF
The 10th gen successor adds Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost, and higher clocks.
Compare head-to-headIf upgrading an SFF PC, a 6-core T-series chip provides massive headroom.
Compare head-to-headAlder Lake offers a generational leap in IPC for modern SFF builds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500GEAlt
6 cores/12 threads at low power for modern budget builds.
Our Verdict on Each
A historically bizarre chip that lacked both Hyper-Threading and integrated graphics. Its abrupt cancellation means it is practically irrelevant for any practical computing today.
Best for: Only as a collector's piece if found in its original box for a reasonable price.
Read the full reviewA product of Intel's core-count strategy, the i3-8100T traded clock speed and threading for low heat output. It was adequate for basic office work in tiny chassis but aged rapidly due to its lack of Turbo Boost.
Best for: Only if you are repairing an existing SFF PC and can find the chip for under $15 on the used market.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-8100F or Intel Core i3-8100T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-8100T comes out ahead with a score of 4/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-8100T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-8100F (65 W), Intel Core i3-8100T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i3-8100F and Intel Core i3-8100T use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.