Home » CPU » CPU FAQ » Is Intel i3 a quad core processor?

Is Intel i3 a quad core processor?

Today we find out whether Intel i3 processors are quad-core

Updated: Jan 20, 2023 11:42 am
Is Intel i3 a quad core processor?

WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more

Core i3, i5, i7, and i9 – you’ve probably heard these terms floating around. They each refer to a different processor series from Intel. The Intel Core i3 is at the lowest end of the spectrum in terms of performance and price.

Core i3 processor generations 1 through 8 had two cores, meaning they were duo-core processors.

Core i3 processors 8th generation and above have four cores, and they are indeed quad core processors.

The i3 processor series has historically been a not-so-popular option, mainly because of its low core count. However, ever since Intel upgraded the i3 to have four cores instead of two, things have been looking up for the humble i3 processors.

The latest Intel core i3-13100F

Intel Core i3-13100F

Intel Core i3 13100F

Brand

Intel

CPU Model

Core i3

Cores (Threads)

4 (8)

CPU Speed

4.5 GHz

CPU Socket

LGA 1151

These days, all core i3 processors are quad core. Let’s take the newest i3, the Intel Core i3-13100F, as an example. 

Here are some specs for this quad-core raptor lake CPU

  • Core count: 4
  • Threads: 8
  • Base clock: 3.4GHz
  • Boost clock: 4.5GHz
  • Max power consumption: 89 watts

Cores and threads – what they mean

A CPU core is a tiny microprocessor that can execute instructions at a rate based on its clock speed. Having more cores means a CPU can execute more instructions simultaneously, leading to faster processing and a higher capacity for multitasking. 

The benefits of having more cores can be felt across all sorts of activities, such as gaming, content creation, and productivity work. Anything that involves some degree of multitasking will also benefit greatly from having more cores. 

You can think of a thread as a virtual core. Hyperthreading allows two threads to run on a single core, allowing a single core to serve two separate tasks simultaneously. 

The benefit provided by hyperthreading is remarkable. However, two physical cores will still always outperform a hyperthreaded single core. 

How good is a quad core processor in 2024?

A quad core processor is below the modern standard. Applications, games, and software have become much more demanding on the CPU. A quad core processor that doesn’t have hyperthreading, such as the i3-8100, will struggle to keep up. 

The newer quad-core Intel i3 processors have four cores but eight threads, thanks to Intel’s hyperthreading technology. 

Fortunately, the hyperthreaded i3 processors are still very serviceable with eight threads, which is enough to run most games today at 1080P with a mid-range graphics card. High-end GPUs will be bottlenecked in most games. 

Some part of modern i3 processors’ ability to game can also be credited to their respectable boost clocks, coupled with the fact that gaming is inherently an activity that doesn’t utilize many threads. The 13100F, for example, has a 4.5GHz boost – not great, but not bad either. 

Keep in mind that an i3 processor may not be sufficient for some of the more demanding titles today. Here’s how to tell what games you’ll be able to play with your setup

Core i3 processors struggle with multicore applications. You may be unable to run additional programs in the background while doing something CPU centric. 

Streaming will be a challenge, and tasks related to content creation, such as rendering and editing, will take you significantly longer to complete than they would with an i5 or i7. 

Final thoughts

Intel’s i3 series consists of quad-core, hyperthreading-enabled processors. They are relatively cheap, with the new i3-13100F retailing at just above $100, so they have an excellent price-to-performance ratio. 

Overall, they’re a decent option for entry-level gamers. Just make sure you get one that has hyperthreading, as that’s the only saving grace for the i3 series. 


As a Junior Staff Writer, Jack is involved in writing and maintaining a bunch of hardware guides & reviews. With an interest in PC gaming, he now focuses on writing about monitors, headsets, and more.

Trusted Source

WePC’s mission is to be the most trusted site in tech. Our editorial content is 100% independent and we put every product we review through a rigorous testing process before telling you exactly what we think. We won’t recommend anything we wouldn’t use ourselves. Read more