Intel Core i3-9100E vs Intel Core i7-8560U Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-8560U wins all three multi-core tests. It scores 568, 2369, and 5641 in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multicore respectively, versus 559, 2330, and 5549 for the Intel Core i3-9100E. The deltas are 1.6%, 1.7%, and 1.7% respectively.

Q: How large is the single-core advantage for the i7-8560U?

A: The i7-8560U leads by 2.6% in Cinebench R15 single-core (80 vs 78), 1.8% in R20 single-core (334 vs 328), and 1.7% in R23 single-core (796 vs 783). The advantage is consistent but modest across all versions.

Q: Do both processors share the same process node?

A: Yes, both are built on Intel's 14 nm process. The i7-8560U uses Whiskey Lake architecture while the i3-9100E uses Coffee Lake architecture, but the underlying node is identical.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: The i7-8560U has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the i3-9100E has 4 cores and 4 threads. The i7's Hyper-Threading capability gives it a thread advantage, though benchmark results show the gap is smaller than the thread count suggests.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i3-9100E supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i7-8560U does not. This is a notable differentiator for systems requiring error-correcting memory.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each processor?

A: The i7-8560U has an average benchmark score of 1631, placing it in the 39th percentile among all CPUs. The i3-9100E has an average score of 1605, also in the 39th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i7-8560U and Intel Core i3-9100E represent two distinct Intel architectures from the same 14 nm generation. The i7-8560U is built on Whiskey Lake, specifically Whiskey Lake-U, while the i3-9100E uses Coffee Lake with a Coffee Lake Refresh designation. Both chips are manufactured by Intel, but they target completely different market segments: the i7 is a mobile processor, while the i3 is a desktop part.

The most significant architectural difference lies in thread support. The i7-8560U features 4 cores and 8 threads, enabling simultaneous multithreading, whereas the i3-9100E offers 4 cores and 4 threads without Hyper-Threading. This doubles the logical processor count on the i7, which can benefit heavily threaded workloads, though the benchmark data shows the real-world impact is limited to roughly 1.7% in multi-core tests.

Cache hierarchies also differ between the two. Both processors share identical L1 (64 KB per core) and L2 (256 KB per core) configurations, but the L3 cache differs: the i7-8560U has 8 MB shared, while the i3-9100E has 6 MB shared. This 2 MB difference may contribute to the i7's slight edge in memory-sensitive workloads.

Clock speeds tell a contrasting story. The i7-8560U has a base clock of 1800.00 MHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The i3-9100E runs at a much higher base clock of 3.10 GHz but boosts only to 3.70 GHz. The i7's significantly higher boost ceiling helps it overcome its lower base frequency in burst workloads, while the i3's higher base clock benefits sustained all-core loads at lower frequencies.

The memory controllers differ in flexibility. The i7-8560U supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, while the i3-9100E supports DDR4 only. Both use dual-channel memory buses with identical 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The i3-9100E adds ECC memory support, a feature absent on the i7.

Integrated graphics also differ: the i7-8560U includes UHD Graphics 620, while the i3-9100E features UHD Graphics 630. The desktop part's newer graphics implementation is a minor architectural distinction. Socket compatibility diverges completely, with the i7 using Intel BGA 1528 (soldered mobile) and the i3 using Intel Socket 1151 (desktop LGA).

The die size is documented only for the i3-9100E at 126 mm², with no figure recorded for the i7-8560U. Both processors are end-of-life and locked (multiplier unlocked set to false). The i7-8560U was released on 2018-09-30, while the i3-9100E came slightly earlier on 2018-08-31.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data shows a clean sweep: the Intel Core i7-8560U wins all six recorded Cinebench comparisons, with zero wins for the i3-9100E. However, the margins are consistently narrow, suggesting these processors are closely matched in raw rendering performance.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i7-8560U scores 568 against 559 for the i3-9100E, a 1.6% advantage. The R15 single-core test shows a slightly larger gap of 2.6%, with scores of 80 and 78. This single-core delta is the largest relative difference in any benchmark, driven by the i7's 4.60 GHz boost clock versus the i3's 3.70 GHz ceiling.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore scores are 2369 (i7) and 2330 (i3), yielding a 1.7% delta. The single-core test records 334 versus 328, a 1.8% difference. The pattern holds in Cinebench R23: multicore scores of 5641 and 5549 (1.7% delta), and single-core scores of 796 and 783 (1.7% delta).

Notably, the i7-8560U's thread advantage does not translate into a larger multicore lead. With twice the thread count, one might expect a more substantial gap, but the i3-9100E's higher base clock of 3.10 GHz compensates in sustained workloads. The i3's 65 W TDP also allows it to maintain higher all-core frequencies, while the i7's 15 W TDP likely forces power throttling under load.

The average benchmark scores reflect this closeness: 1631 for the i7 versus 1605 for the i3. The i7's nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon E5-2623 v3 (1630, 0.1% delta), Intel Pentium Gold G7400T (1628, 0.2% delta), and Intel Core i3-9100T (1620, 0.7% delta), while the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G (1640) sits slightly above at -0.6% delta. The i3-9100E's nearest rivals are the Intel Xeon E3-1240L v5 (1609, -0.2% delta), Intel Core i7-10610U (1611, -0.3% delta), and Intel Core i7-970 (1613, -0.5% delta), with the Intel Core i7-1060G7 (1591) slightly below at 0.9% delta.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification category. The i7-8560U has 8 threads versus 4 threads for the i3-9100E. Base clocks differ substantially: 1800.00 MHz for the i7 versus 3.10 GHz for the i3. Boost clocks also diverge, with the i7 reaching 4.60 GHz versus 3.70 GHz for the i3.

TDP is a major differentiator: the i7-8560U draws 15 W, while the i3-9100E consumes 65 W. This 50 W gap reflects their mobile versus desktop design targets. Socket types are incompatible: Intel BGA 1528 for the i7 and Intel Socket 1151 for the i3.

Architecture and codename differ: Whiskey Lake (Whiskey Lake-U) versus Coffee Lake (Coffee Lake). The generation field shows Core i7 (Whiskey Lake) versus Core i3 (Coffee Lake Refresh). The i3-9100E has a documented die size of 126 mm², while no die size is recorded for the i7.

Cache differs in L3 only: 8 MB shared for the i7 versus 6 MB shared for the i3. Memory support varies, with the i7 accepting DDR3 and DDR4 while the i3 accepts DDR4 only. ECC memory is supported only on the i3-9100E. Integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 620 on the i7 versus UHD Graphics 630 on the i3.

Market segment separates them: Mobile for the i7, Desktop for the i3. Release dates are close but not identical: the i7 launched 2018-09-30, the i3 on 2018-08-31. Part numbers differ (SRGML for the i7, SRGE0SRGQY for the i3). The i3-9100E has a documented launch MSRP of $122, while no launch MSRP is recorded for the i7-8560U.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-8560U wins every benchmark in this comparison, so the use-case split must account for context beyond raw Cinebench scores. The i7-8560U is the clear pick for single-threaded responsiveness, with its 4.60 GHz boost clock delivering 2.6% higher R15 single-core scores. It also suits mobile deployments, given its 15 W TDP and BGA socket for thin-and-light designs. The 8 MB L3 cache and DDR3/DDR4 flexibility make it more versatile for memory configurations, though the absence of ECC support limits certain reliability-critical applications.

The Intel Core i3-9100E wins in scenarios where sustained all-core performance matters more than peak boost. Its 3.10 GHz base clock at 65 W TDP means it can maintain higher frequencies under continuous load without relying on boost behavior. The desktop Socket 1151 platform allows user-replaceable CPUs and easier cooling solutions. ECC memory support makes it suitable for entry-level workstations or small servers where data integrity is paramount. The UHD Graphics 630 provides a slightly newer integrated graphics implementation for display workloads.

For multi-threaded rendering, the i7-8560U leads by 1.6% to 1.7%, but the margin is thin enough that the i3-9100E's higher base clock could close the gap in real-world sustained workloads not captured by Cinebench. The i3 also offers a documented launch MSRP of $122, which may factor into procurement decisions, though the i7's mobile form factor fills a different niche entirely.

In summary, the i7-8560U is the better processor for mobile users seeking maximum single-core boost and thread flexibility, while the i3-9100E appeals to desktop builders needing ECC support, higher sustained base clocks, and a replaceable socket. The benchmark data shows these are near-peers in Cinebench performance, with the i7 holding a consistent but narrow edge across all tests.