I3 processor: recommended uses and models

We always recommend purchasing an i3 processor or one higher than these. A user who thinks about updating their equipment and has a somewhat limited budget will find these processors ideal for working, day to day and even gaming. In this little article we tell you everything you need to know about the Intel Core i3, their differences compared to the Core i5 and i7, and the most recommended models in 2019.

The 1st generation i3 processor corresponds to the Nehalem architecture, with a 32nm manufacturing process and processors with two physical cores and 4 threads, therefore they implemented HyperThreading. They had 4 MB of cache and were compatible with DDR3 RAM, being installed on an LGA 1156 socket. This generation has not yet acquired the current numbering being Intel Core i3 5xx. This first generation already had integrated graphics inside.

We moved to the 2nd generation with the Sandy Bridge architecture released in 2011. On it, we still had 32nm transistors and the L3 cache dropped to 3MB, keeping the 2-core / 4-thread configuration on these CPUs. During this generation , the current nomenclature began to be used: Intel Core i3-2000, finding 8 variants from i3-2100 to i3-2130.

In the 3rd generation released in 2012, the LGA 1155 socket was kept, so Ivy Brigde, the new one, and Sandy Brigde were compatible. The manufacturing process slowed down to 22nm, with the same number of cores, threads, and cache memory. These would be the Intel Core i3-3000.

We reached the 4th and 5th generation called Haswell and Broadwell, which were launched in 2013 and 2014 logically. In them, the socket evolved again to an LGA 1150, although the RAM memory support was still DDR3. Haswell used 22nm transistors, but Broadwell finally saw the arrival of 14nm transistors, which we have to this day. Here we returned to having CPU with 4 MB of cache, but their cores remained at 2 with 4 threads. Curiously, we don't have any desktop i3 processor in the 5th generation, and all of them are for laptops.

Intel Skylake and Kaby Lake: we are approaching today

These two architectures were the final settling of the 14nm manufacturing process where Intel began to significantly optimize its CPUs with higher ICPs and support for 2133MHz DDR4 memory. The LGA 1151 socket that we have today was inaugurated, being the 6th and 7th generation CPUs compatible in this same socket.

Skylake Core i3-6000 processors were revamped with the new integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 GPU, although its core and thread count was kept at 2/4 with 3 and 4 MB of L3 cache. For desktop 6 variants of this i3 were released, and another 5 for laptops.

In the case of the Kaby Lake processors, we obtained no less than 8 desktop variants, in which Intel created the i3-7350K, with up to 4.2 GHz, and therefore, with overclocking capacity. In them we already have current integrated graphics such as the HD Graphics 630, although still without support for 4K. There were also novelties in laptops, with 4 models of the U series and one of the H series, with more performance.

New in the 8th and 9th generation

We make the leap to those who are the current processors, whose architecture is called Coffee Lake and Coffee Lake Refresh. We continue at 14 nm although with optimized CPUs with a notable increase in the IPC compared to previous generations. These two generations are also compatible with the 1151 socket, although not with the previous ones, this is very important to know.

In the 8th generation i3-8000 there was an important update, and that is that the i3 processor happened to have 4 physical cores and 4 threads. In this way Intel limited HyperThreading to its high-end CPUs. In the same way, the i5 would rise to 6 cores and the i7 would have 6C / 12T. Also the cache memory went up to 6 MB and 8 MB according to models, and the Integrated graphics became UHD 630 and Iris Plus 655 for the notebook i3-8109U. We can still find very good processors for sale of this generation. Another aspect of vital importance for many of this generation, is that it does not offer support with Turbo Boost, so the frequency will be locked at only one value.

The 9th generation has 7 new models in which we have CPUs of the F range (without integrated graphics, and one of them with unlocked multiplier, specifically the Core i3-9350KF. This family does have Turbo Boost 2.0 and a count of 4C / 4T. Its cache memory remains at 6/8 MB and its integrated graphics in UHD 630. We only have models for desktop computers, whose frequencies range between 1.8 / 3.4 GHz and 3.7 / 4.6 GHz. Very high figures to be mid-range processors, so its performance will be the least surprising.

Be careful here, because we do not have i3 for 9th generation notebooks, Intel will go directly to the 10th generation with the next i3-10110U, i3-10110Y and i3-1005G1.

What is Turbo Boost and HyperThreading

These two technologies have appeared in the brief summary we have made of the evolution of the i3 processor, so let's see what advantages they give us compared to processors that do not have it.

Turbo Boost 2.0 is an internal management system that allows the processor to increase the processing frequency of both the cores and the integrated graphics, if they have one. In this way, it is possible to reach the maximum frequencies that the manufacturer estimates. Processors without Turbo Boost are only capable of working at a fixed frequency.

HyperThreading is another technology that allows programs to run multiple threads, threads, or threads. In this way, several of them are executed in parallel, dividing into shorter tasks to optimize processing times. In the processors that implement it, there are two threads for each core, so a 2-core CPU, instead of being able to process 4 tasks at a time, could do 4. But the current Intel Core i3 do not have this technology, and their cores have only one thread.

With GPU or without integrated GPU?

In the case of the processors that we are dealing with in the article, the presence of integrated graphics or IGP will be very important. These allow us to have video outputs directly on board, so we would not need any dedicated graphics card. For a user who wants to mount a PC where they don't intend to play a lot, this is ideal, since the Intel HD Graphics 630 supports content playback in 4K @ 60 FPS.

On the other hand, it is a fairly limited system if what we think is to play, but it is still capable of offering an acceptable experience in 1280 × 720 resolution in low quality for the latest generation games. For this reason, Intel has launched some i3 processors without IGP to the market, turning them into cheaper, more frequent processors in cores and that need a dedicated graphics to work.

Recommended uses of the i3 processor

Continuing with the above, we will now see what will be the most recommended uses for these 4-core processors in our opinion.

How to know the characteristics

Let's start by looking at how to identify the different i3 processor models that Intel has. All of them have the same identifying nomenclature with “ Intel Core i3-9xxx + Letter ”. Referring to their internal characteristics we have the following variants depending on their final letter:

• T: CPU with reduced consumption. They are the least frequent variants and consequently the lowest TDP for low-power desktops. Without letter: they are the normal CPUs, with their normal TDP, a base frequency and turbo and their corresponding integrated graphics. F: these CPUs do not have the internal graphics unit activated, being cheaper, but needing an integrated graphics card. K: It distinguishes CPUs that have their multiplier unlocked, that is, they can be overclocked.

Applications

In this way, we can divide the processors into four types, and we will start by discarding those of the T family. These CPUs have a lower TDP than their normal versions, so they will be processors of lower consumption and that will go well with their heatsink. Intel as standard. We think that for a desktop computer it does not make much sense to buy a T series CPU, since consumption will not be a problem. In such a case, we already have the Intel Pentiums with decent performance, integrated IGP and a very affordable price.

The i3 processor will be ideal for the following uses:

General-purpose desktop computers: A general-purpose computer is understood to be a PC that we will use for browsing, entertainment, office, and office functions with light tasks. These 4-core CPUs will perform very well without excessive workload. And as we say , integrating IGP is going to be a great option. In this case we must concentrate on the variants without letter.

Specially oriented to multimedia: within these general purpose equipment, they will be especially useful to set up a multimedia equipment for our children or for the family. These IGPs support 4K and can work well even with older or less demanding games.

Mini PC: ITX motherboards will be a great choice for these CPUs. They have a low TDP and the VRM of these boards will not be a problem. As we said before, a T version is not worth it for a mini PC, so let's go to the normal versions.

Lower-middle-range gaming equipment: Last, and not least, we can use them for gaming equipment. Yes, it's a 4-core CPU, but the demands of a game lie on a graphics card and not a CPU. In addition, if we do not plan to use it in multitasking or content creation, an F series processor will be a huge acquisition, because it is very cheap. In addition, we have one with overclocking capacity, to mount a lower-middle-range gaming PC with this capacity.

The key: save money on CPU and invest it in other hardware

Indeed the key of these processors for us is to sacrifice cores if we are not going to actively need them to invest in other hardware.

For example, on a tight budget, we can save about 100 euros or more to buy an M.2 SSD instead of a mechanical hard drive. This is a key decision for a high-performance PC.

Another option, as we have already discussed, is to buy for example a Core i3-9100F for 90 euros and invest in a powerful dedicated graphics card, for example the GTX 1660 Ti, a Radeon RX 580 or even something of a higher category such as an Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon RX 5700.

Best Core i3 processors to buy

Now let's see what are the most recommended i3 processors by the end of 2019. We have selected a bit of everything, both with integrated graphics and without them. Even an 8th generation that will be a great opportunity in deals that we see.

Intel Core i3-8100

Intel Core i3-8100 3.6GHz 6MB Smart Cache Box - Processor (3.6 GHz, PC, 14 NM, i3-8100, 8 GT / s, 64 bit)

• Intel brand, desktop processors, 8th generation Core i3 series, name Intel Core i3-8100, model BX80684I38100 Socket CPU type LGA 1151 (Series 300), basic name Coffee Lake, quad-core cores, 4-wire, operating frequency 3, 6 GHz, L3 cache 6MB, 14nm manufacturing technology, 64-bit support S, Hyper-Threading support No, DDR4-2400 memory types, Memory Channel 2Support for virtualization technology S, integrated graphics card Intel UHD Graphics 630, frequency Basic 350 MHz graphics, max graphics. Dynamic Frequency 1.1 GHz PCI Express Revision 3.0, Maximum PCI Express Lanes 16, Thermal Design Power 65W, thermal heatsink and fan included

116.45 EUR Buy on Amazon

We just started with this 8th generation i3-8100 processor. A CPU with benefits very similar to the 9th generation version and a fairly adjusted price. We have chosen it because it is the most affordable option to mount a multimedia equipment without falling into the Pentiums with considerably less performance. The 8100 has integrated 1.1 GHz UHD 630 graphics capable of streaming content in 4K @ 60 FPS. This, along with 4C / 4T working at 3.6 GHz and 6 MB of L3 cache, will be an option that will stand up to the Ryzen 3 2200G, although its price is higher than normal in the blue giant.

Intel Core i3-9100F

Intel Core i3-9100F - Desktop Processor (4-core, up to 4.2 GHz, without processor graphics, LGA1151 300 Series 65W)

• Modern design High quality product Brand: Intel

85.60 EUR Buy on Amazon

Now we go to the basic version of 9th generation to which Intel has disabled its integrated graphics. We find it at a laughing price, with less than 100 euros in cost, this CPU will be ideal to save a few good euros and invest in a mid-range graphics card, such as the GTX 1650 or 1660. We are talking about assembling a gaming computer at very low cost with a 4-core CPU that can go up to 4.2 GHz, even facing the Ryzen 5 2600. You already know that the CPU has less influence on games than good graphics.

Intel Core i3-9300

BUY ON PC COMPONENTS

Now we are going to go up a bit in terms of performance, with a CPU that increases its L3 cache to 8 MB and its frequency up to 3.7 / 4.3 GHz at a very attractive price compared to the 8100. With this CPU We will take a step forward in performance for multimedia equipment, with UHD 630 graphics at 1.15 GHz. We can even play titles from previous generations, puzzles and platforms without problems, with a performance close to the Ryzen 5 3400G.

Intel Core i3-9350KF

CPU INTEL Core I3-9350KF 4.00GHZ 8M LGA1151 NO Graphics BX80684I39350KF 999F4L

• none

182, 39 EUR Buy on Amazon

And we got to the most powerful i3 processor available, less than 200 euros and with overclocking capabilities. This CPU is capable of standing up to 6-core models like the i5-8600K or the recent i5-9400F, which is certainly cheaper, but with its multiplier locked. This CPU does not have integrated graphics, so it is aimed at mounting mid-range gaming equipment with the possibility of overclocking. Its frequency reaches no less than 4.6 GHz, with an 8 MB cache and a fairly high TDP of 91W that we will surely need a custom heatsink for it.

Conclusion and when not to buy an i3 Processor

We have already given a good overview of this series of Core i3 processors, seeing their evolution, generations, variants and their most recommended uses.

Of course there are times when we are not going to acquire a CPU of this type, for example:

• Equipment for content creation: 4 cores will be insufficient, and here the most normal thing would be to acquire a Core i7 with HyperThreading, since the importance of the CPU is very heavy. Gaming of medium-high range: also, 6 cores will be ideal for high-performance gaming equipment. They are CPUs with a great performance / price ratio, available without IGP like the i3, and that support a large workload. Multitasking workstations: We are in the same terms as above, if we plan to work with CAD programs, office programs with strong calculation or database content, a 6-core or 8 CPU will be the best.

Now we leave you with some interesting articles where you can see other recommended CPUs:

What CPU do you plan to buy? Which one do you have? Do you prefer Intel or AMD, or do you not care? Leave us your comment to know more about you and your teams.