OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v1.0
Processors Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Processors Methodology v1.0

Intel Core i3 6100 Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35PassMark benchmark result:4099N. of physical cores:2CPU boost clock speed:N/A GHzCPU socket:LGA1151TDP (Thermal design power):51 W

Intel Core i3 6100 Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i3 6100
4.5/10

Overall score

Score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components

90%

4.0

Technical score

10%

9.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 76% of processors
6.2

Value for money

Value for money
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

70%

4.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 68%
4.0

Technical score

Technical score
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.
When it matters
When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

60%

2.9

Performance

18%

4.4

Cache & Architecture

10%

5.4

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.5

Power & Thermal

4%

7.6

Platform

1%

6.2

Integrated Graphics

â–¼Worse than 86%
9.3

User score

User score
9.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters
When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 3,025 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
★Better than 92%
  • intel-core-i3-6100
intel-core-i3-6100
Best prices
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 6100

Technical score
Technical score
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.
When it matters
When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components:

60%

2.9

Performance

18%

4.4

Cache & Architecture

10%

5.4

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.5

Power & Thermal

4%

7.6

Platform

1%

6.2

Integrated Graphics

4.0
User score
User score
9.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters
When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 3,025 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
9.3
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
Intel Core i3 6100 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components:

70%

4.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.2
Brand name
Intel
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA1151
This processor uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.7% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
Chipset
?
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
2
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 79.3% of processors and equal to 20.6% of processors.
CPU threads
4
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.4% of processors and equal to 26.5% of processors.
Threads per core
2
Market range: <0 – >2.5
This processor offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.3% of processors and equal to 69.7% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
N/A
CPU base clock speed
2x 3.7 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 2x3.7 GHz which is lower than that of 76.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.6% of processors and equal to that of 33.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
3 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 3 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 5.6% of processors.
L2 cache
0.5 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 0.5 MB which is smaller than that of 84.7% of processors and equal to that of 15.3% of processors.
L1 cache
128 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.8% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3L/DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4, which is older than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
2,133 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.5% of processors and equal to 8.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
?
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
2,133 MHz
This processor supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 2,133 MHz, which is higher than that of 88% of processors and equal to 0.6% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.5% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 12.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
Intel HD Graphics 530
This processor uses the Intel HD Graphics 530 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 78.4% of processors and equal to that in 2.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
24
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.3% of processors and equal to 21.5% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
350 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 42.3% of processors and equal to that of 26.1% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
VP9 (HW decode)
This processor supports VP9 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 76.2% of processors and equal to 3.6% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
51 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 51 W which is higher than that of 61.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
51 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 51 W which is higher than that of 61.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
N/A
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i3 6100 vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceCache & ArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated GraphicsPower & Thermal
  • Includes stock cooler
    This processor includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not. 25.9% of processors include a stock cooler.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • Supports ECC memory
    This processor supports ECC memory, the average processor does not. 32.5% of processors support ECC memory.
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i3 6100 is more popular than the average processor (10 vs 1).
    10 vs 1
  • 16.1% higher user score
    User score
    9.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Intel Core i3 6100
    the average processor
    Intel Core i3 6100 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.29 vs 8.000).
    9.29 vs 8
  • 7.14x cheaper
    Intel Core i3 6100 is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
    £35 vs £250
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP4).
    LGA1151 vs FP4
  • Advanced security extensions
    This processor provides more advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i3 6100 is more popular than the average processor (10 vs 1).
    10 vs 1
  • 16.1% higher user score
    User score
    9.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Intel Core i3 6100
    the average processor
    Intel Core i3 6100 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.29 vs 8.000).
    9.29 vs 8
  • 7.14x cheaper
    Intel Core i3 6100 is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
    £35 vs £250
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP4).
    LGA1151 vs FP4
  • Advanced security extensions
    This processor provides more advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor
  • 15.3% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (150 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    150 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • Supports ECC memory
    This processor supports ECC memory, the average processor does not. 32.5% of processors support ECC memory.
  • Includes stock cooler
    This processor includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not. 25.9% of processors include a stock cooler.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    2 vs 6
  • 75.2% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,199 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    1,199 vs 4,829
  • 61.2% lower PassMark score
    This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,099 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    4,099 vs 10,572.5
  • 65.8% weaker multi-core performance
    This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (954 vs 2,791). The average processor scores 2,791 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    954 vs 2,791
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 18.4% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,201 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,201 vs 1,471
  • 6.6% worse value for money
    Intel Core i3 6100 has worse value for money than the average processor (6.15 vs 6.6).
    6.15 vs 6.56
  • 5 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2015 vs 2020).
    September 2015
    2015 vs 2020
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • No crypto acceleration
    This processor does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does. 0.00% of processors include crypto acceleration.
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    2 vs 6
  • 75.2% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,199 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    1,199 vs 4,829
  • 61.2% lower PassMark score
    This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,099 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    4,099 vs 10,572.5
  • 65.8% weaker multi-core performance
    This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (954 vs 2,791). The average processor scores 2,791 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    954 vs 2,791
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • 18.4% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,201 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,201 vs 1,471
  • 13.7% weaker single-core performance
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,157 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
    2,157 vs 2,500
  • Lower base clock
    This processor has a lower base clock than the average processor (2x3.7 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    2x3.7 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • No Turbo Boost
    This processor does not support Turbo Boost, the average processor does. 88.6% of processors support Turbo Boost.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    128 KB vs 384 KB
  • 62.5% smaller L3 cache
    This processor has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (3 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    3 MB vs 8 MB
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 71.7% fewer transistors
    This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
    1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
    Skylake vs Kaby Lake
  • 25.5% lower memory bandwidth
    This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (34.1 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    34.1 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2133 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
    2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz
  • Older DDR support
    This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4).
    DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    This processor uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 13.3% higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (51 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    51 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
VoltedTechâš¡
≈ estimated
15/02/2022
Hands-on review · esports and gaming benchmarks
Verdict
Intel Core i3-6100 works well for esports builds, but bottlenecks GPUs faster than a GTX 970 and leaves little room to upgrade.
5.0
RandomGaminginHD
≈ estimated
17/03/2020
Hands-on review · gaming, editing and value tests
Verdict
Intel Core i3-6100 is a dated dual-core chip, hard to recommend in 2020 even at its used price.
8.0
Goto Tech Reviews
≈ estimated
17/04/2016
Hands-on review · gaming on integrated graphics at 1080p
Verdict
Intel Core i3-6100 is surprisingly capable for casual 1080p gaming, though demanding triple-A titles are still untested.
6.0
GECID Benchmarks
≈ estimated
20/02/2016
Hands-on review · overclocking, temperatures and FX-6350 comparison
Verdict
Intel Core i3-6100 runs cool and draws little power, but the FX-6350 wins several multi-core tests, so the choice is unclear.
9.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
17/11/2015
Benchmark review · gaming, application and memory tests
Verdict
Intel Core i3-6100 is a very capable budget processor that gamers would struggle to tell apart from the Core i5.
9.0
Digital Foundry
≈ estimated
05/11/2015
Hands-on review · gaming benchmarks and memory tests
Verdict
Intel Core i3-6100 is the best budget gaming CPU available, but it needs fast RAM and a pricier board.
5.0
Cheap Bastard
≈ estimated
08/03/2020
Gaming benchmarks · nine titles tested at 1080p
Verdict
Intel Core i3-6100 handles esports and light games but is on its way out, with a cheaper Core i5 performing much better.
8.0
Greg Salazar
≈ estimated
29/01/2016
Comparison · i3 vs i5 benchmarks and gaming tests
Verdict
Intel Core i3-6100 is a great budget processor for most games, but heavy gaming and rendering need more cores.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

Based on 3,025 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Intel Core i3 6100

  • High base clock speed (3.7GHz) provides strong single-thread performance for general computing.
  • Excellent value for budget-conscious builders as the lowest-cost 6th-gen Core i processor.
  • Low power consumption (51W TDP) allows it to run cool and quiet, even with stock cooling.
  • Includes Hyper-Threading, enabling the dual-core chip to handle four threads for better multitasking.
  • Solid entry-level gaming performance when paired with a dedicated graphics card.

What we don't like about Intel Core i3 6100

  • Integrated HD 530 graphics performance significantly lags behind competing AMD APU rivals.
  • Locked multiplier prevents straightforward overclocking for most users.
  • Lacks Intel's Turbo Boost technology, meaning it cannot dynamically increase its clock speed.
  • Struggles with modern CPU-intensive tasks such as high-end video editing or 3D rendering.
  • Platform is considered obsolete by modern standards, offering limited future-proofing.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-6100 is a 6th-generation Skylake desktop processor featuring 2 cores and 4 threads via Hyper-Threading, operating at a fixed base frequency of 3.70 GHz on the LGA 1151 socket. Built on a 14nm process, it includes 3 MB of Intel Smart Cache, a 51W TDP, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 530, while supporting up to 64 GB of DDR4-2133 or DDR3L-1600 memory. Its main strengths include high single-core efficiency for budget gaming and general office tasks, low power consumption, and native 4K support at 60Hz via DisplayPort. However, it lacks Intel Turbo Boost technology, has a locked multiplier that prevents traditional overclocking, and its dual-core architecture increasingly struggles with modern, highly multi-threaded applications and demanding AAA games.

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