Despite being an i3, it is still a decent CPU for what most people want, and when you look at what it can do, it is simple to understand why it is a decent CPU. The i3-8100 CPU has a base frequency of 3.6GHz and a turbo clock of 3.9GHz. If you intend to game at higher resolutions or with more demanding games, you will need to get a separate graphics card. There are several GPUs on the market, making it difficult to choose which one is ideal for your requirements. To make your life simpler, we’ve created a list of the top GPUs for the i3-8100. And the GPUs mentioned below can easily provide a decent 1080p gaming experience.
Related: Best GPU For i3-12100
1. AMD Radeon RX 6400
For those upgrading an older system like one with the Intel i3-8100, the AMD Radeon RX 6400 offers a compatible GPU option in 2024. This entry-level card is designed for basic gaming and computing tasks, aligning well with the capabilities of the i3-8100.
The RX 6400, based on the “Navi 24” silicon and a 6 nm process, features 768 stream processors and 4 GB of GDDR6 memory. It’s designed for 1080p gaming at moderate settings, providing satisfactory performance for less demanding titles. In games like “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” and “Cyberpunk 2077,” the RX 6400 manages playable frame rates at reduced settings. However, it’s important to note that ray tracing, while technically supported, is not practical due to severe performance drops. Additionally, the card’s PCIe 4.0 x4 interface might limit its performance in systems with only PCIe 3.0 support, like those with an i3-8100.
This GPU is suitable for users who engage in casual gaming, general computing tasks, or entry-level creative work. Its efficient design and low power consumption make it a great fit for budget-conscious users and small form factor builds.
Priced around $160, the RX 6400 is an affordable option for enhancing older systems. Its performance-to-cost ratio makes it a reasonable choice for users looking to get the most value for their money.
Reasons to Buy
- Good Match for i3-8100: Provides balanced performance for basic gaming and computing tasks.
- Affordable Upgrade: Cost-effective for enhancing older systems.
- Low Power Consumption: Ideal for systems with modest power supplies.
- Compact Design: Suitable for small form factor and HTPC builds.
Reasons to Not Buy
- Limited Performance in Intensive Tasks: May struggle with demanding modern games and applications.
- Ray Tracing Limitations: Not practical for games that use this feature.
- PCIe Interface Limitation: Performance may be affected in systems with only PCIe 3.0 support.
2. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
In 2024, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 is a compelling choice for upgrading older systems, such as those with an Intel i3-8100. This GPU offers a good balance of performance for gaming and general use, aligning well with the quad-core capabilities of the i3-8100.
The GTX 1650, built on the Turing architecture, lacks RTX real-time ray tracing hardware but is capable of delivering solid Full HD (1080p) gaming experiences. It’s based on the “TU117” silicon, configured with 896 CUDA cores and 4 GB of GDDR5 memory. This setup allows it to handle popular games at reasonable high settings, providing a smooth gaming experience at 1080p. The GTX 1650’s power efficiency is a bonus, especially for systems with older power supplies, as it typically doesn’t require an additional PCIe power connector.
This GPU is perfect for users looking to play popular games at 1080p or for general computing tasks. It’s also a practical choice for those who might plan to upgrade their CPU in the future, as it would continue to perform well with a more powerful processor.
The GTX 1650 is positioned as an affordable and accessible option in the GPU market, priced around $150. This makes it an attractive choice for users looking to upgrade older systems like those with an i3-8100 without overspending.
In conclusion, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 is a solid choice for i3-8100 users in 2024, offering a balanced blend of performance and efficiency for those looking to upgrade their gaming or general computing experience on older systems.
Reasons to Buy
- Good Match for i3-8100: Provides balanced performance for 1080p gaming.
- Energy Efficient: Low power consumption, ideal for older systems.
- Affordable Upgrade: Good value for money, especially for budget-conscious users.
- Widespread Availability: Easy to find in both new and used markets.
Reasons to Not Buy
- Limited Future-Proofing: As newer games become more demanding, it may struggle to keep up.
- No Ray Tracing Support: Lacks the hardware for real-time ray tracing.
- Limited VRAM: 4GB of memory might be a constraint in the future.
3. AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
For those upgrading from an older system with an Intel i3-8100, the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is a notable option in 2024. This GPU, with its 6nm design and RDNA2 architecture, provides a good balance between modern gaming capabilities and compatibility with the i3-8100.
The RX 6500 XT features 1,024 GPU cores and 4GB of GDDR6 memory, which is sufficient for 1080p gaming at moderate settings. In games like “Metro Exodus” and “Dirt Rally 2.0,” the card delivers average frame rates of around 41fps and 54fps respectively at 1080p on high settings, showcasing its ability to handle modern titles reasonably well. However, in more demanding games like “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey,” it struggles with higher settings, averaging around 28fps at 1080p. It’s important to note that while the card supports ray tracing, its performance in RT-enabled titles like “Metro Exodus” and “Battlefield 5” is quite limited, with frame rates dropping significantly when these features are enabled.
This GPU is best suited for users who engage in casual to moderate gaming, especially those who prefer playing at 1080p. Its power efficiency also makes it a good fit for systems with older power supplies.
In 2024, the RX 6500 XT is positioned as an affordable entry-level card, with real-world pricing likely ranging between $300 and $400. This makes it a viable choice for users looking to upgrade their i3-8100 systems without a substantial investment.
In conclusion, the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is a solid choice for i3-8100 users in 2024, offering a reasonable upgrade for gaming and general computing tasks, especially for those looking to enhance their experience at 1080p.
Reasons to Buy
- Compatible with i3-8100: Provides balanced performance for most games at 1080p.
- Energy Efficient: Low power consumption, suitable for older systems.
- Affordable Upgrade: Good value for users upgrading older systems.
- Modern Features: Supports the latest graphics technologies, including ray tracing.
Reasons to Not Buy
- Limited Ray Tracing Performance: Struggles with RT-enabled games.
- Not Ideal for High-End Gaming: Limited capabilities at higher settings and resolutions.
- Potential Bottleneck with i3-8100: May not reach its full potential with the older CPU in demanding tasks.
4. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super
Its mid-range performance, the GTX 1650 Super remains a competitive option in the GPU market for users looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.This card strikes a fine balance between delivering enhanced gaming performance and being compatible with the aging yet capable quad-core CPU.
The GTX 1650 Super, a significant step up from its non-Super variant, is built on the “TU116” silicon and features 1280 CUDA cores, 80 TMUs, and 32 ROPs, with 4 GB of GDDR6 memory. This configuration makes it well-suited for 1080p gaming, capable of handling most modern titles at high settings. When paired with the i3-8100, the GTX 1650 Super provides a harmonious blend of GPU and CPU performance, ensuring the processor doesn’t bottleneck the GPU’s capabilities in most gaming scenarios.
In terms of gaming, the GTX 1650 Super demonstrates its prowess in popular titles like “Fortnite” and “Apex Legends,” where it achieves smooth frame rates at high settings in Full HD. However, in more demanding games like “Red Dead Redemption 2,” some settings adjustments are necessary to maintain playable frame rates. The card also supports Turing’s NVENC encoder, making it a good choice for streamers.
Priced around $180, the GTX 1650 Super offers excellent value for money, especially considering its enhanced performance over the standard GTX 1650. Its position as a mid-range GPU makes it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.
Overall, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super stands out as an excellent choice for i3-8100 users in 2024, particularly for those seeking a solid upgrade for gaming and streaming without significantly overhauling their entire system.
Reasons to Buy
- Good Match for i3-8100: Well-balanced performance for most games at 1080p.
- Value for Money: A significant upgrade from the standard GTX 1650 at a reasonable price.
- Effective for Streamers: Supports the latest Turing NVENC encoder for high-quality streaming.
- Energy Efficient: Suitable for older systems with modest power supplies.
Reasons to Not Buy
- Potential Bottleneck in Very Demanding Tasks: Might not reach its full potential in extremely GPU-intensive applications.
- Limited VRAM for Future Games: 4GB of memory might become a limitation in future game releases.
- No Ray Tracing Support: Lacks real-time ray tracing capabilities.
Conclusion
After reviewing the AMD Radeon RX 6400, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT, and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super, it’s evident that each of these GPUs offers a unique set of advantages for enhancing systems with an Intel i3-8100 processor.
Personal Recommendation: For i3-8100 users in 2024, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super stands out as the top pick. This GPU strikes an excellent balance between performance and price, making it ideal for a range of uses from gaming to streaming. Its efficiency and capability to handle most modern games at 1080p without significantly bottlenecking the CPU make it a versatile and cost-effective upgrade.
The AMD Radeon RX 6400 and RX 6500 XT, while more budget-friendly, are better suited for more casual gaming or users not looking to push their systems too hard. The standard GTX 1650 remains a viable option for those on a tight budget, delivering decent performance for light gaming and general use.
