Intel Core i3-8100T

Intel Core i3-8100T: Review and Relevance in 2025
Architecture, Capabilities, and Use Cases of a Budget Processor
Key Specifications: Coffee Lake in Miniature
The Intel Core i3-8100T processor, released in 2017, remains a popular choice for budget PCs due to its energy efficiency and stability. Its key parameters are:
- Architecture: Coffee Lake (14 nm).
- Cores/Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads.
- Cache: 6 MB L3.
- TDP: 35W.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630.
- Performance: Geekbench 6 — 1070 (Single-Core), 3017 (Multi-Core).
Processor Features:
- Low power consumption - ideal for compact and quiet systems.
- Built-in graphics supporting 4K@60Hz via HDMI/DisplayPort.
- Support for hardware video decoding (HEVC, VP9).
Despite the outdated 14 nm manufacturing process (in 2025, 7 nm and 5 nm chips dominate), the i3-8100T remains relevant for basic tasks due to its optimized architecture.
Compatible Motherboards: What to Choose?
The processor uses the LGA 1151 v2 socket but is only compatible with 300-series chipsets:
- H310/B360/H370: Budget boards with basic functionality (e.g., ASUS Prime H310M-K).
- Z370/Z390: For enthusiasts, but the overclocking of the i3-8100T is not possible.
Choosing Features in 2025:
- New boards for LGA 1151 are hardly produced, but models can be found on the secondary market for $40-70.
- Check the BIOS version: boards manufactured before 2018 may not support Coffee Lake without an update.
Example: The Gigabyte B360M DS3H motherboard (around $60) is an optimal choice with support for DDR4 and M.2 NVMe.
Memory: Only DDR4
The i3-8100T operates exclusively with DDR4-2400 MHz (official support). In 2025, this seems modest compared to DDR5, but it is sufficient for office tasks.
- Recommendations:
- 8 GB (2x4 GB) — minimum for Windows 11 and browsing.
- 16 GB (2x8 GB) — for multitasking (e.g., working with documents + music streaming).
- Important: Motherboards with LGA 1151 v2 rarely support more than 64 GB of RAM, but that's excessive for the i3-8100T.
Power Supply: Low Power — High Savings
With a TDP of 35W, the processor hardly burdens the system. Recommendations:
- Without a discrete graphics card: A power supply of 250-300W (e.g., Be Quiet! SFX Power 300W, $45).
- With a GPU like NVIDIA GTX 1650: A power supply of 450W (EVGA 450 BR, $55).
Tip: Even considering component aging, a quality PSU with 80+ Bronze certification will last 7-10 years.
Pros and Cons: Who Is It Suitable For?
Pros:
- Energy efficiency — suitable for mini-PCs and home servers.
- Quiet operation even with the stock cooler.
- Low price (new units — $80-100).
Cons:
- 4 threads — weak multitasking (e.g., lags when running Photoshop and Chrome with 50 tabs simultaneously).
- No support for PCIe 4.0, DDR5, AVX-512.
- Integrated graphics are weaker than AMD Vega (important for light gaming).
Use Cases
1. Office PC: Document work, video conferences, browsing.
Example: With an SSD, the system boots in 10 seconds and doesn’t lag with 10+ open tabs.
2. Media Center: Streaming 4K (Netflix, YouTube), local content playback via Plex.
Example: Through HDMI 2.0, the processor outputs 4K HDR to a TV without stutters.
3. Light Gaming:
- Minecraft (60 FPS on medium settings).
- CS:GO (720p, 60 FPS).
- For 2025 AAA games (e.g., GTA VI), a discrete graphics card will be needed, but the CPU will become a bottleneck.
Competitors: How Does It Compare?
1. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (4 cores/4 threads, Vega 8):
- Pros: Better graphics, overclocking.
- Cons: Higher TDP (65W), more expensive ($110 in 2025).
2. Intel Core i3-12100T (Alder Lake, 4 cores/8 threads):
- Pros: 30% faster in multitasking, DDR5.
- Cons: Price starting at $130, requires new motherboards.
Conclusion: The i3-8100T only wins on price and power consumption.
Assembly Tips
1. Case: Choose compact models (Fractal Design Core 500).
2. Storage: Definitely an SSD (Crucial MX500 500 GB, $50) — HDD "kills" system responsiveness.
3. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for complete silence, replace it with Noctua NH-L9i ($45).
4. Upgrade: Do not plan to install high-end GPUs — the CPU will not reveal the potential of RTX 4060 and similar cards.
Final Conclusion: Who Is the i3-8100T Suitable For in 2025?
This processor is worth considering:
- Budget Users: A complete PC build will cost $250-300.
- Digital Media Center Enthusiasts: A quiet and cool chip for a TV box.
- Owners of Old Systems: Upgrade from a Pentium G4560 without changing the motherboard.
But avoid it if:
- You need performance for video editing, 3D modeling, or modern gaming.
- You plan to use the PC for over 3 years — by 2028, even office tasks may require more resources.
In the conditions of 2025, the Intel Core i3-8100T is a niche yet practical solution for those who value minimalism and reliability.
Basic
CPU Specifications
Memory Specifications
GPU Specifications
Miscellaneous
Benchmarks
Compared to Other CPU
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