Intel Core i3-7100 socket: LGA 1151

The Intel Core i3-7100 uses the LGA 1151 socket on revision 1 boards with 100 and 200 series chipsets. It is a dual core chip with Hyper-Threading at 3.9 GHz for office towers.

Launched
January 2017
Cores and threads
2 and 4
Base power
51 W
Codename
Kaby Lake
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
3.9 / 3.9 GHz

Intel Core i3-7100 specifications

Cores2
Threads4
Core architectureKaby Lake on 14 nm
Clocks3.9 GHz base, no Turbo Boost
Cache3 MB Intel Smart Cache
Processor base power (TDP)51 W
Manufacturing process14 nm
Memory supportDDR4-2133/2400 and DDR3L 1333/1600, two channels, up to 64 GB
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0, 16 lanes from the CPU
Integrated graphicsIntel HD Graphics 630 (350 MHz base, up to 1100 MHz)
MultiplierLocked
PackageFCLGA1151 (37.5 × 37.5 mm)

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Core i3-7100 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1151 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
300 series: B365 and Z390Z390, B365Not supported
300 series: H310, B360, H370, Q370, Z370Z370, H370, B360, H310, Q370Not supported
200 seriesZ270, H270, B250, Q270, Q250Works out of the box
100 seriesZ170, H170, B150, H110, Q170, Q150Needs a BIOS update
Needs a BIOS update before a 7th Gen processor will start.

Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1151.

LGA 1151 at a glance

TypeLGA, 1,151 contacts
Package size37.5 × 37.5 mm
IntroducedAugust 2015
MemoryDDR4 on most boards (some early boards use DDR3L). DDR4 only on the second revision
Cooler mounting holes75 × 75 mm

Read the full LGA 1151 socket guide

What the Core i3-7100 is

The Core i3-7100 is a two core, four thread desktop processor from Kaby Lake. It launched in January 2017 with a fixed 3.9 GHz at 51 W. Two cores with Hyper-Threading cover office towers where high dual core clocks help responsive desktops.

Three megabytes of Smart Cache feed office multitasking. The fixed 3.9 GHz gives strong single thread pace for documents and browsing. Fifty one watts fit stock tower cooling.

HD Graphics 630 from 350 MHz to 1100 MHz drives office monitors with 4K output. Hardware decode keeps video smooth. The chip suits volume office fleets.

On 14 nm the 7100 was the entry i3 of Kaby Lake above Pentium threads. Intel listed it near $117 tray pricing. Locked multiplier keeps tuning out.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 7100 fits LGA 1151 revision 1 only. B250 and H270 accept it natively, while H110 may need a BIOS update. Revision 2 boards never support it.

The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains revision gaps. Office B250 boards pair it with DDR4 for quiet towers.

The Core i3-7300 on the same socket adds 1 MB cache and 100 MHz. The low power 7100T is the 35 W alternative for small cases.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

DDR4-2133/2400 or DDR3L up to 64 GB in two channels is the support. Dual channel DDR4-2400 near 38.4 GB per sec helps graphics. Two modules are preferred.

Sixteen PCIe 3.0 lanes wire graphics or NVMe storage. Office builds use integrated displays. SSDs transform feel more than 100 MHz.

Fifty one watts work with stock coolers on the 75 mm pattern shared with LGA 1155, 1150 and LGA 1200.

Upgrade paths

On the same socket Core i3-7300 series adds cache, while Core i5-7400 brings four cores. Both reuse board and DDR4.

Past revision 1 a new board is required. Graphics card additions help entry gaming more than CPU swaps.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Core i3-7100 use?

It uses LGA 1151 revision 1 on 100 and 200 series boards.

How many cores does the i3-7100 have?

Two cores with four threads at a fixed 3.9 GHz and 51 W.

What graphics are in the i3-7100?

Intel HD Graphics 630 from 350 MHz to 1100 MHz.

When did the i3-7100 launch?

January 2017 with the Kaby Lake desktop lineup.

Sources and verification

  1. Intel Core i3-7100 specifications (Intel)
  2. Intel Core i3 comparison chart (Intel)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .