Intel Core i3-2100 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor

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If you stricktly looking to game currently there really is no reason to go with something bigger (i5, i7) until games start supporting multi core multi threaded use. It's cheap, runs at around 3 ghz. The only issues i have are not with the chip itself but the bundled HSF. It's a little small so no OC'ing with the stock HSF also the instructions for installing the HSF are a little sparse.

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Hyperthreading! On a dual core like this, Hyperthreading genuinely shines. You're obtaining quite close to quad core efficiency for a fraction of the price.Out of the box this thing benches on par with my old OC'd Q6600-G0!Outside of synthetic benchmark results, I really can't tell much distinction between this and my i7 in my other rig. I haven't located a game yet that this little, stock chip can't manage. None. All the Sandy Bridge chips have amazing price/performance ratios. You can't genuinely go wrong with any of them.

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Just built a new computer with this CPU. Although it's only an i3, I essentially couldn't tell the performance difference between it and my i5-750 computer in practice. Benchmarks do show it's fractionally slower, but it's only a 65w CPU as compared to 95w of i5-750.

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purchased this for a replacement office desktop build, the price was decent enough for a sub 500 build.

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Excellent for the price, I was actually impressed with it from the starting, and even now after testing it against quite a few of the benchmarks, I'm very satisfied with the results. This is the processor for those just acquiring into the gaming computer scene, it provides great ability for those on a spending budget, although nonetheless delivering great outcomes. Actually, for your typical gamer, there really aren't any. For somebody who casually games from time to time, or for even those who are getting into gaming and want a excellent location to get started, this is the one for you. I'm also surprised at how my new system idles. I'd swear it was off often and then I just get it going in an instant again like absolutely nothing had ever changed from where I left it.

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* Quickly* Cool Heat sink install pictures just don't cut it.Had to search Intel's site to locate a descriptionof how to install the cooler.

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This processor is remarkable for the price. If you need a low power system to play HD video, this is the way to go. No unlocked i3s exist. I know some people today would have loved those... I have no doubts about it's gaming possible but I don't have a video card yet.This processor scores a 7.1 on WEI.

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Offering the finest bang for the buck Intel has to offer you at this point in history, my option was clear. Considering that the cost point it the similar, this CPU makes the LGA1156 Core i3's utterly obsolete. No Sandy Bridge CPUs in the very same price bracket as Athlon X2/X3/X4 or Pentium E5xxx/E6xxx. I was willing to splurge a bit Combining this with an H61 motherboard virtually erases the price positive aspects of LGA775 and AMD. Outstanding worth.

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I bought this for my HTPC build, and dont regret my decision. It's super fast, and best of all cheap!! For surfing the web, downloading, and streaming this little beast works just as good as my 4GHZ OCed i7 950. I havent gamed on it yet but I imagine it wont be as good as the i7 in that area... However I dont think it would be too far off. Dont get fooled into buying an AMD processor (more cores dont mean a faster proc). Even their cheaper quad cores dont compare to this... Always go with intel. They make the best CPUs on the planet.

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I build a couple with these and they are quick fast. It works with VMWare ESXi 4.1 with Gigabyte mainboard.

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This CPU is great value per money and when prices go down (and software improve) it can be replaced with an i7. For now, two cores/threads are enough. Few software is optimized for more cores and unless you do rocket science you will not notice a difference from its more expensive siblings. Your wallet though will feel heavier. That's good.

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Fast, Cheap, runs incredibly cool, outpaces AMD quad core line up in each and every day tasks plus some gaming. heat sink is the very same as you get with Core two (junk with pins) but since this CPU is locked so no need for extra cooling. Perfect for house theater, workplace little server, games.

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The specs for this look good and I'm sure it will serve me well. The big problem was that the fan wires were wound too tight around the heatsink. They were not allowing the fan to spin, a problem which caused me 3 hours of problems... a simple fix to loosen them up a bit, an unexpected and stupid problem.

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Bought for budget gaming computer works great haven't had any problems yet

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I purchased this processor as part of an HTPC build, connected to my 50" LG plasma (50PX950) TV, in order to stream my media from a fileserver across a gigabit LAN (still waiting for the Cisco gigabit router to come in). As I plan to use it as a "downloader" as well (Usenet, Torrents, etc.) as well as Remote Desktop server, and a few other things, I wanted something with a fair bit of room to grow with. I didn`t need the power of a quad-core, so a dual-core fit in great.I have this HTPC up and running with Win. 7 Pro, and it works great. Only streaming DVDs right now, as I still have to rip my Bluray collection. Paired with a SSD, it boots up in under 10 seconds (with all my software installed). It is running right now at 40c, in a cramped area, so I am still working on the cooling situation.The unit comes included with the basic Intel heatsink and cooler, though I replaced mine with the Scythe Shuriken 3 Heatsink (Low Profile), so I can' comment on its functioning.Would definitly purchase again!

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This processor is great for any budget build. I used it in mine which is a budget gaming PC and it has great performance.

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Watch out for the Fan wire, in my case it was wound so tight around the fan that it was preventing it from spinning.

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Had no problems with 2 of these. 5/5 stars.

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Quick, and supports hyper-threading which is great for decoding videos. Great for my HTPC build.

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i bought this CPU for a basic computer for a neighbor. It performs very well for the price.

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Build a budget system for a friend with this processor and the system was very fast.... which is partly due to using an SSD... but, still, set a new personal record for installing Windows 7 (10 minutes). System is snappy and responsive. Didn't get a chance to benchmark it... but, if I do, I'll post the results.

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Bought this for a budget build and i'm really glad that i choose that CPUit's fast enought for what I do and with a aftermarket heatsink i run only 3 degree C over the ambiant temps, so i can run the cpu fan at it's lowest!Would recommand anytime for a budget build

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Please don't let the lack of revies deter you from buying this CPU. I was excited to try the lower end of the new Sandy Bridge chipset, and I haven't been dissapointment. I previously used the old I3 chips for my lower end builds and they have always performed well with the built in GPU and the speed they provide. However, on taking a gamble with the new I3 2100, it has exceeded my expectations. It has the ability to play HD videos with the integrated graphics and definitely has great speed for the price point.