Intel Core i3-9100T

Intel Core i3-9100T: A Budget Processor for Office and Multimedia in 2025
An Updated Review of an Outdated but Still Useful CPU
Key Features: Coffee Lake in Compact Form
The Intel Core i3-9100T processor, released in 2019, remains in demand in 2025 due to its low power consumption and affordable price. Its Coffee Lake architecture (14 nm) includes 4 cores and 4 threads without Hyper-Threading support. The base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with Turbo Boost up to 3.7 GHz. A built-in 6 MB L3 cache and UHD 630 graphics make it a standalone solution for basic tasks.
Key Features:
- TDP 35W: Suitable for compact PCs and systems with passive cooling.
- Integrated UHD 630 Graphics: Supports 4K@60Hz via HDMI/DisplayPort.
- Geekbench 6 Scores: 1207 (Single-Core), 3189 (Multi-Core). In comparison, the modern Ryzen 3 7300U scores around 1500/4500 but is more expensive.
Compatible Motherboards: LGA 1151 v2 Socket and Chipsets
The i3-9100T utilizes the LGA 1151 v2 socket (Coffee Lake), which requires motherboards with 300-series chipsets:
- H310/B365: Budget options (e.g., ASUS Prime H310M-K, ~$60-70).
- H370/Z390: For memory overclocking or expanded functionality (Gigabyte Z390 UD, ~$120).
Important!
- Update the BIOS before installing the CPU if the motherboard was released before 2019.
- Avoid 200-series chipsets (e.g., H270); they are incompatible.
Memory: DDR4-2400 and Dual-Channel Mode
The processor supports DDR4-2400 (officially) with a maximum capacity of 64 GB. For improved performance:
- Use two modules (e.g., 2x8 GB) to activate dual-channel mode.
- Compatibility with XMP profiles depends on the motherboard.
Example Configuration:
- Kingston Fury Beast DDR4-2400 16 GB (2x8 GB) — ~$45.
Power Supply: Cost-Effective Without Risk
With a TDP of 35W, even considering a discrete graphics card like the GTX 1650 (TDP 75W), a 400–450W power supply is sufficient. Recommendations:
- Without discrete graphics: EVGA 450 BR (80+ Bronze, ~$50).
- With GPU: Corsair CX550M (550W, ~$70).
Tip: Don’t skimp on the PSU — system stability is more important.
Pros and Cons of the i3-9100T in 2025
Pros:
- Low power consumption: Ideal for HTPC or office PCs.
- Integrated graphics: No need for a separate graphics card.
- Price: ~$80-100 (new units available on auctions).
Cons:
- 4 threads: Weak in multitasking (e.g., streaming + gaming).
- Outdated manufacturing process: 14 nm compared to 7 nm on modern AMD.
- No PCIe 4.0/5.0: A limitation for next-gen SSDs.
Use Cases: Where the i3-9100T Is Still Relevant
1. Office Tasks: Document work, browsing (10+ tabs), Zoom.
2. Multimedia: 4K video, Netflix streaming, basic editing in Shotcut.
3. Light Gaming: Dota 2 (60 FPS at medium settings), Minecraft.
4. Home Server: NAS based on TrueNAS or Plex media server.
Real Experience: A Reddit user built an HTPC with the i3-9100T in a Silverstone ML05 case (3.7L). The system runs silently and consumes less than 50W.
Competition Comparison: AMD vs. Intel
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (4C/4T, Vega 8):
- Pros: Vega 8 graphics outperform UHD 630.
- Cons: TDP 65W, priced at ~$110.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (4C/8T, Vega 11):
- Pros: Hyper-Threading, better in multi-threading.
- Cons: More expensive (~$130), requires a more powerful PSU.
Conclusion: The i3-9100T wins in energy efficiency but loses in performance.
Assembly Tips
1. Case: Choose a compact Mini-ITX (Cooler Master Elite 110) or SFF option.
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation — Noctua NH-L9i (~$50).
3. SSD: Samsung 870 EVO 500 GB (~$60) — a balance of speed and reliability.
4. Wi-Fi: PCIe adapter with Wi-Fi 6 support (TP-Link Archer TX50E, ~$45).
Conclusion: Who is the i3-9100T for in 2025?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Are building a budget PC for office, study, or media center.
- Value low power consumption and silence.
- Do not plan to run AAA games or heavy editors.
Alternative: If the budget allows, consider the Ryzen 5 5500 (6C/12T, ~$120) — it is significantly more powerful but requires a separate graphics card.
The Intel Core i3-9100T in 2025 is an example of a "workhorse" that handles basic tasks without excessive costs. It's worth purchasing only if you find a new unit at a reduced price or are assembling a system from leftover components. For most users, modern processors from AMD or Intel’s 12th generation and beyond will be preferable.
Basic
CPU Specifications
Memory Specifications
GPU Specifications
Miscellaneous
Benchmarks
Compared to Other CPU
Share in social media
Or Link To Us
<a href="https://cputronic.com/index.php/cpu/intel-core-i3-9100t" target="_blank">Intel Core i3-9100T</a>