Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
2024
Status
ActiveGeneration
Core 3 (Raptor Lake-PS)
Market
Desktop
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.
Featuring a hybrid 4 P-core and 4 E-core design, the Core 3 100HL operates at a low 45W TDP while offering flexible DDR4 and DDR5 memory support. It includes Iris Xe integrated graphics, making it ideal for compact desktops without dedicated GPUs.
Specifications
Performance
Handles word processing, spreadsheets, and multi-tab browsing flawlessly, but struggles with heavy multi-threaded workloads.
The 12 threads and 12MB L3 cache provide enough headway for basic VMs, but memory and PCIe limitations are restrictive.
The combination of low base clocks and only 8 PCIe 4.0 lanes limits its potential when paired with modern dedicated GPUs.
Extremely power efficient at idle and low loads, making it an ideal choice for always-on office machines.
- •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.
- •Lacks dedicated NPU hardware.
- •No AVX-512 support for legacy AI workloads.
- •Insufficient core count and memory bandwidth for local LLM inference.
Architecture
10 nm
Process Node
Raptor Lake-PS
Codename
8C / 12T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Raptor Lake-PS is a power-optimized die variant of the standard Raptor Lake architecture, specifically targeting OEM system integrators.
CPU Design
Utilizes a 4P+4E hybrid layout with a reduced 12MB L3 cache compared to standard desktop dies.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel memory controller supporting both DDR4-3200 and DDR5-5200 natively.
PCIe & I/O
Provides 8 direct PCIe 4.0 lanes for a discrete GPU or NVMe storage, supplemented by 12 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the PCH.
Overclocking
Multiplier is locked, restricting users to base clock and memory adjustments only.
- Introduction of new Core 3 branding
- Adds hybrid P-core/E-core design to the entry-level segment
- Backwards compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 platforms
Key Highlights
- 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
- 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
History
The introduction of the Core 3 100HL in April 2024 marked a significant rebranding milestone for Intel as the company moved away from the traditional 'i3, i5, i7, i9' nomenclature that had defined its processors for over a decade.<br/>This processor emerged during a transitional phase where Intel was aggressively clearing out older silicon inventories while simultaneously introducing new tiered branding to simplify consumer choices.<br/>The 'PS' suffix, denoting 'Power-Optimized Silicon,' indicates that this chip was originally engineered as an OEM-specific part, designed to meet the strict thermal and acoustic requirements of pre-built desktops from major manufacturers.
<br/>By bringing this silicon to the broader market under the Core 3 banner, Intel effectively repurposed existing 12th and 13th-generation architectural groundwork to create a competitive entry-level product that extended the lifecycle of 600-series and 700-series chipsets.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Introduction of new Core 3 branding
- Adds hybrid P-core/E-core design to the entry-level segment
- Backwards compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 platforms
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Building or buying a budget OEM desktop for home or office use
Avoid if…
- You plan to install a high-end discrete GPU
- Your workflow involves 3D rendering or heavy video encoding
- You are building a future-proof gaming rig
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'PS' in Raptor Lake-PS stands for 'Power-Optimized Silicon,' a classification traditionally kept exclusive to OEM direct sales.
Despite launching in 2024 under the new nomenclature, it relies on the fundamental 13th-generation Raptor Lake architecture.
Its 8 direct PCIe lanes force any installed discrete GPU to run at x8 bandwidth instead of the standard x16.
The integrated Iris Xe GPU can dynamically boost up to 1.3 GHz, identical to higher-tier mobile chips.
It retains support for Intel TSX (Transactional Synchronization Extensions), an instruction set removed from later Meteor Lake chips.
The E-cores can boost up to 3.4 GHz, which is notably higher than the 2.1 GHz base clock of the Performance-cores.
Intel introduced the Core 3 branding simultaneously with Core 5 and Core 7 to simplify purchasing decisions for mainstream consumers.
The processor features a minimum assured power draw of just 35 Watts.
It uses the FC-LGA16A package, identical to mainstream 12th, 13th, and 14th generation desktop processors.
This chip effectively bridges the gap between 12th-gen Alder Lake and 13th-gen Raptor Lake silicon for budget buyers.
People Also Ask
Is Intel Core 3 better than i3?
The Core 3 100HL replaces the i3 in Intel's new lineup, offering a hybrid architecture with E-cores that older i3 chips lacked, though standard desktop i3s have more PCIe lanes.
Can the Core 3 100HL run Windows 11?
Yes, it fully meets the hardware security and processing requirements for Windows 11.
Why does the Core 3 100HL only have 8 PCIe lanes?
It uses a cut-down Raptor Lake-PS die originally designed for OEM all-in-one and compact PCs, sacrificing direct CPU PCIe lanes to save power and die space.
What is the max turbo frequency of the Core 3 100HL?
The maximum turbo frequency reaches up to 4.6 GHz on the Performance-cores under heavy single-threaded loads.
Is the Core 3 100HL compatible with B660 motherboards?
Yes, provided the motherboard has a BIOS update that adds support for Raptor Lake-PS CPUs.
Does the Core 3 100HL have P-cores and E-cores?
Yes, it utilizes a hybrid layout featuring 4 Performance-cores and 4 Efficient-cores.
What is the TDP of the Core 3 100HL?
The base PL1 TDP is 45 Watts, with a maximum turbo power (PL2) of 115 Watts.
Can I use the Core 3 100HL without a dedicated graphics card?
Yes, the integrated Iris Xe 48EU graphics allow the system to display output and handle light media without a discrete GPU.
How much L3 cache does the Core 3 100HL have?
It features 12 MB of shared L3 cache, which is smaller than the 18-24 MB found on standard desktop Raptor Lake chips.
Is the Core 3 100HL a laptop or desktop processor?
It is officially classified as a desktop processor, though its power-optimized 'PS' design makes it primarily targeted at OEM pre-built desktops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Core 3 100HL support ECC memory?
No, ECC memory support is not enabled on this processor.
Can I overclock the Intel Core 3 100HL?
No, the CPU multiplier is locked, preventing traditional overclocking.
What integrated graphics does it have?
It features Intel Iris Xe Graphics with 48 Execution Units.
What socket is required for this CPU?
It requires a motherboard with the Intel LGA 1700 socket.
Does it support PCIe 5.0?
No, the CPU only provides PCIe 4.0 lanes for the GPU and PCIe 3.0 lanes via the PCH.
What coolers are compatible with this CPU?
Any cooler designed for LGA 1700 will work, though a basic stock cooler is generally sufficient for its 45W TDP.
Can this CPU handle dual monitors?
Yes, the Iris Xe integrated graphics supports multiple display outputs simultaneously.
Is Intel vPro supported?
Yes, the processor includes Intel vPro technology for enterprise IT management.
What is the base clock of the E-cores?
The E-cores have a base frequency of 1.5 GHz and can boost up to 3.4 GHz.
Is this a good upgrade from an older Core i5?
It depends on the older i5 model, but due to the limited PCIe lanes and low base clock, it is generally considered a lateral move at best for gaming, and better suited only for basic office upgrades.