Intel Core i3-8100F
Intel Core i3-8100F: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks - 2025 Review
Introduction
Even in 2025, older generation processors like the Intel Core i3-8100F remain relevant for budget builds. Released in 2018, this model can still be found on the secondary market and in some new builds due to its low cost and sufficient performance for basic tasks. Let’s explore who this CPU is suitable for today and what potential pitfalls to consider.
1. Key Specifications: Coffee Lake in Miniature
Architecture and Technology
The Core i3-8100F is built on the Coffee Lake architecture (14 nm). It features a 4-core design without support for Hyper-Threading (4 threads). The base frequency is 3.6 GHz, and there is no Turbo Boost. It has an L3 cache of 6 MB and a TDP of 65 W.
Key Features:
- "F" Suffix — No integrated graphics. A discrete graphics card is mandatory for the PC to function.
- Energy Efficiency — Low heat output allows the use of simple coolers (for example, DeepCool GAMMAXX 200T for $15).
- Price — In 2025, new i3-8100F units are rarely seen, but remaining stock is sold for $50–$70.
Performance
In Cinebench R23 tests, the CPU scores around 3500 points (for comparison, the Ryzen 3 3100 scores about ~5500). This level is suitable for office tasks, browsing, and light gaming. In 2025 games (for example, Fortnite on medium settings), the processor achieves 60–80 FPS when paired with a GTX 1650 level graphics card.
2. Compatible Motherboards: LGA 1151 v2 and Nuances
Socket and Chipsets
The i3-8100F uses the LGA 1151 v2 socket, compatible with motherboards based on the following chipsets:
- H310 — Basic option (no USB 3.1 Gen2, limited ports).
- B360 — Optimal choice (supports M.2 NVMe, USB 3.1).
- Z370/Z390 — Excessive for this CPU (designed for overclocking, which the i3-8100F does not support).
Examples of Motherboards:
- ASUS Prime B360M-A — Reliable micro-ATX board (price in 2025: $60–$80).
- Gigabyte H310M S2H — Budget option (from $50).
Important: Coffee Lake boards require a BIOS update when used with 8th generation processors. Make sure the seller has performed the update, or choose a model with support "out of the box."
3. Memory: DDR4-2400 and Dual Channel Mode
The i3-8100F officially supports DDR4-2400. The maximum capacity is up to 64 GB (dependent on the motherboard).
Recommendations:
- Use two memory modules to activate dual-channel mode (for example, 2x8 GB DDR4-2400).
- DDR5 and higher frequencies are not supported.
Example: A Kingston Fury 16 GB kit (2x8 GB) DDR4-2400 costs about $40–$50.
4. Power Supply: Is 400W Enough?
With a TDP of 65 W and no integrated graphics, a power supply rated at 400–450W is an optimal choice.
Scenarios:
- With a GTX 1650 (TDP 75 W) — 450W is sufficient (for instance, EVGA 450 BR).
- With an RTX 3050 (TDP 130 W) — better to choose 500W (Corsair CX550).
Tip: Don’t skimp on the power supply. Cheap models (like Apevia) may underperform under load.
5. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price (30–40% cheaper than the Ryzen 3 3100).
- Energy efficiency — suitable for compact builds.
- Reliability — no reports of critical bugs.
Cons:
- 4 threads — multitasking is limited (streaming + gaming = lag).
- No upgrade potential on the same socket — the next step is an i5-9400F or a platform change.
- Lack of PCIe 4.0/5.0 — modern GPUs and SSDs won’t reach their full potential.
6. Use Cases
Office and Multimedia:
- Document work, Zoom conferences, 4K video playback — the processor handles it without issues.
Gaming:
- Esports titles (CS2, Dota 2) — 100+ FPS on medium settings.
- 2025 AAA games (like GTA VI) — graphics quality will need to be reduced to Low.
Work Tasks:
- Video editing in 1080p (Premiere Pro) — feasible, but rendering will take time.
- Programming, web development — sufficient for small projects.
7. Competitors: AMD vs Intel
Ryzen 3 3100 (4 cores/8 threads, $80–$100):
- Better in multi-threaded tasks (+30% in Blender).
- Supports PCIe 4.0.
- Requires a more expensive motherboard (AM4).
Intel Core i3-10100F (4/8, $90–$110):
- Hyper-Threading, better performance in games.
- Price is closer to Ryzen, but the LGA 1200 platform is outdated.
Conclusion: The i3-8100F only wins on price. If the budget is strictly limited — go for it. Otherwise, it’s better to pay extra for 8 threads.
8. Assembly Tips
1. Motherboard: B360 + M.2 NVMe SSD (for example, Kingston A2000 500 GB for $40).
2. Cooling: The boxed cooler is sufficiently efficient, but for quieter operation, consider DeepCool GAMMAXX 400 ($20).
3. Graphics Card: GTX 1650 or RX 6400 — balanced without bottlenecks.
4. Case: Micro-ATX with ventilation (Zalman S2).
Example Build:
- CPU: i3-8100F ($60)
- GPU: GTX 1650 ($150)
- Motherboard: ASUS B360M-A ($70)
- Memory: 16 GB DDR4-2400 ($45)
- PSU: EVGA 450 BR ($45)
- Total: ~$370 (excluding case and storage).
9. Final Conclusion: Who Is the i3-8100F Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for:
- Budget PCs — if the goal is to stay within $300–$400.
- Office systems — where graphics are not needed.
- Secondary builds — for example, for studying or as a media center.
Why Not To Choose It:
- Planning an upgrade — the LGA 1151 v2 platform is dead.
- Need for multitasking — 4 threads are already insufficient for modern operating systems and background tasks.
Alternative in 2025: If the budget allows, consider the Intel Core i3-12100F (Alder Lake) or Ryzen 5 5500 — they are pricier ($100–$130) but provide a 70–100% performance increase.
The i3-8100F is a "workhorse" for those who value minimalism and are not chasing after the latest technology. It is not impressive but gets the job done.