Intel 'Comet Lake' Core i3-10100 sports a 4-core 8-thread configuration, pegged to replace the Core i7-7700K at much lower prices

We have previously reported about the upcoming Intel Comet Lake processor family detailing the specs and expected pricing. Now, TUM_APISAK has managed to find an entry for the Core i3-10100 processor in the SiSoftware database, and as expected, the processor sports 4 cores and 8 threads unlike the current 4 cores/4 threads parts we see today. 

The benchmark entry reveals that the Core i3-10100 will have a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a 6 MB L3 cache. The boost clock is not indicated, but it is safe to assume values around the 4.2 GHz mark considering the boost achieved by the current Core i3-9100. 

Architecture-wise, although Comet Lake belongs to the 10th generation, it is still based on the 14nm process, which has now aged like fine wine. The key feature of this generation is that all SKUs from Core i3 to Core i9 will feature Hyperthreading making them interesting propositions for multi-threading workflows. In essence, the Core i3-10100 could be an effective replacement for the last Core i7 flaghsip processor — the Core i7-7700K, at a price that is much more reasonable (~US$129).

From what we so know so far, Comet Lake will require a new socket and presumably, a new chipset with support for DDR4-3200 RAM to go with it. With SKUs up to the Core i9-10900KF that feature 10 cores and 20 threads, it looks like Intel is targeting the AMD Ryzen 3000 desktop processors.

The new Comet Lake lineup is expected to launch in Q1 2020.