Intel Core i7-10700F vs. Intel Core i3-10100F for Gaming?

I've been looking at the Intel Core i7-10700F and Intel Core i3-10100F CPUs for my next build, but I can't decide which one would be better for gaming. Can anyone give me some insights on these two processors?

Both the i7-10700F and i3-10100F have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to gaming. The i7-10700F has a higher core count (8 vs. 4) and a larger L3 cache (16 MB vs. 6 MB), which can provide better performance in many scenarios, especially for games that require more processing power.

Yeah, I've been using an i7-10700F for a while now, and I must say it's fantastic! The higher core count and larger L3 cache really make a difference in gaming. However, the i3-10100F also has its merits, such as a faster base frequency (3.60 GHz vs. 2.90 GHz). It might be a better choice for general app usage.

You should definitely check out this TechReviewer article Intel Core i7-10700F vs. Intel Core i3-10100F that compares the performance of these two CPUs in detail. I've read it and found it quite helpful.

@nickolnet Thanks for sharing that link! After reading through it, I'm still unsure which one would be better for gaming. The i7-10700F's higher core count and larger L3 cache seem like an advantage, but the i3-10100F's faster base frequency could also make a difference.

It really depends on the specific games you plan to play. If you're into fast-paced multiplayer games or competitive titles, the i7-10700F might be more suitable due to its higher core count and larger L3 cache. But if you mostly play single-player games or less demanding titles, the i3-10100F could be a good option.

Another factor to consider is the CPU cooler. The i7-10700F has a higher single-core max turbo boost frequency (4.80 GHz vs. 4.30 GHz), which means it can maintain higher clock speeds under heavy loads, but you'll need a high-end cooler for that.

@AtYourOwnRisk That's true. I'm planning to use a high-performance CPU cooler anyway, so the i7-10700F might be worth considering after all. But I still have some doubts about its PCIe support (PCIe 3.0), as it could limit the potential of my upcoming GPU.

You're right about the PCIe support. Both CPUs have PCIe 3.0, which means they won't fully utilize the bandwidth of modern GPUs. However, this shouldn't be a major concern if you don't plan on upgrading your GPU in the near future.

@dcerisano Okay, that makes sense. But what about overclocking? I've heard that the i7-10700F doesn't support it, while the i3-10100F does.

That's correct. The i7-10700F lacks overclocking support, which could be a downside if you're looking to push your CPU for even better performance. On the other hand, the i3-10100F does offer some room for overclocking, though its base clock might limit how much of an improvement you can achieve.

@nickolnet I see. So it seems like the i7-10700F is better for gaming in terms of core count and L3 cache, but the i3-10100F has advantages in base frequency, PCIe support, and overclocking capabilities. It's a tough decision!

It really comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you want the best possible performance for demanding games and don't mind the lack of overclocking support, go for the i7-10700F. But if you're looking for a more balanced option that offers good performance for general app usage as well, the i3-10100F might be the way to go.

@dcerisano Thanks for all your help! I'll sleep on it and make my decision tomorrow. Appreciate everyone's input!

You're welcome, @gochapachi. Good luck with your build!

Good luck, @gochapachi! Let us know which one you choose and how it performs!

Intel Core i7-10700F vs. Intel Core i3-10100F I hope that helps you make an informed decision. Best of luck with your gaming setup!