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Intel Core i3 6100U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£230
  • Avg. price in US: ~$280
  • PassMark benchmark result: 2627
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: N/A GHz

Intel Core i3 6100U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.9

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

3.9

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.9

Technical Score

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 components:

60.0%

3.1

Performance

18.0%

4.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.1

Platform

1.0%

6.4

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 1.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    2.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    0.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.4

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.2
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.1

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.4

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £230

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-6100U is a 6th Generation 'Skylake' dual-core mobile processor designed for thin-and-light notebooks, featuring a base clock speed of 2.3 GHz, 4 threads via Hyper-Threading, and a 3 MB Smart Cache. Its main advantages include high energy efficiency with a 15W TDP (configurable down to 7.5W), support for modern DDR4-2133 memory, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 520 that handles 4K video playback at 60Hz. However, its primary drawbacks are the lack of Turbo Boost technology, which limits peak performance under heavy loads, and its dual-core architecture which struggles with modern gaming or intensive multi-threaded tasks like video editing.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 6100U

Technical Score

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 components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

3.9
Intel Core i3 6100U has a technical score of 3.94 points, which is lower than that of 83.6% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
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.
1.0
Intel Core i3 6100U has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

3.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.3

Price

5.5
Intel Core i3 6100U has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.5 points, which is lower than 85.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i3 6100U belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1356
Intel Core i3 6100U uses the FCBGA1356 CPU socket, which is older than that of 88.1% of processors and equal to that of 3% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Intel 100 Series
Intel Core i3 6100U supports Intel 100 Series chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 51% of processors and equal to that of 2.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i3 6100U 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.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

2
Intel Core i3 6100U has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 79.3% of processors and equal to 20.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i3 6100U offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i3 6100U offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

N/A
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 x 2.3 GHz
Intel Core i3 6100U has a base clock of 2x2.3 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i3 6100U uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i3 6100U 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
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

3 MB
Intel Core i3 6100U 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
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

0.5 MB
Intel Core i3 6100U has an L2 cache of 0.5 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

128 KB
Intel Core i3 6100U has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3
Intel Core i3 6100U supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3, which is older than that of 74.3% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,133 MHz
Intel Core i3 6100U supports memory speeds up to 2133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.6% of processors and equal to 8.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2133 MHz
Intel Core i3 6100U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.9% of processors and equal to 5.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i3 6100U supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i3 6100U includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 520
Intel Core i3 6100U uses the Intel HD Graphics 520 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 80.8% of processors and equal to that in 0.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i3 6100U has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core i3 6100U has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode)
Intel Core i3 6100U supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 56% of processors and equal to 0.2% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core i3 6100U has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core i3 6100U has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

25 W
Intel Core i3 6100U has a boost power of 25 W which is lower than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.2% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i3 6100U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 7.5 W
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Intel Core i3 6100U vs the average processor

  • 4.43x faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (1,469.1 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (1,469.1 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.1,469.12 vs 331.88
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 60.9% lower boost power
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.25 W vs 64 W
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 4.43x faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (1,469.1 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 60.9% lower boost power
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Performance
Power & Thermal
  • 5 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i3 6100U has an older release date than the average processor (2,015 vs 2,020).
    September 2015
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 6100U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,356 vs FP2).
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i3 6100U 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).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 6100U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 46.8% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,321 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 6100U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 48.8% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (753 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 84.2% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (755 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 75.1% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,627 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 6100U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 50% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • No Turbo Boost
    Intel Core i3 6100U does not support Turbo Boost, the average processor does.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 6100U 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.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 62.5% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (3 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 6100U 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.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 6100U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i3 6100U uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 25.5% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i3 6100U 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.
  • 4 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i3 6100U has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (12 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i3 6100U has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i3 6100U supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core i3 6100U supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1, x1/x1/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i3 6100U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i3 6100U uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 520 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 46.8% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,321 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,321 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,321 vs 2,483
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 6100U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i3 6100U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 48.8% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (753 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (753 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.753 vs 1,471
  • 84.2% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (755 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (755 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.755 vs 4,793
  • 75.1% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,627 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i3 6100U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,627 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.2,627 vs 10,532.5
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 6100U 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.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i3 6100U 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
    Intel Core i3 6100U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i3 6100U 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
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 6100U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i3 6100U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 6100U and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i3 6100U?

  • Sufficient performance for daily office tasks, web browsing, and multimedia purposes
  • Excellent energy efficiency with low power consumption (15W TDP), suitable for ultrabooks and long battery life
  • Capable of light multitasking and running basic PC applications smoothly
  • Features Hyper-Threading (2 cores, 4 threads), making it faster than many older dual-core processors
  • Remains a reliable and affordable budget-friendly option for students and home users

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 6100U?

  • Weak integrated graphics (HD Graphics 520) that struggle with modern or high-end games even at medium settings
  • Low raw performance for demanding workloads like 3D rendering, video editing, or workstation simulations
  • Lacks Intel's Turbo Boost technology, meaning it cannot dynamically increase its clock speed under load
  • Obsolescence for current 2026 standards, as it is a 6th-generation processor on an aging platform
  • Performance heavily depends on having at least 8GB of RAM; 4GB can lead to significant slowdowns

Expert reviews

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laptopmag.com
09/12/2015
Dell Inspiron 11 3000 (Core i3-6100U) Review - Laptop Mag

The Dell Inspiron 11 3000 (late 2015) is a budget 2-in-1 featuring a bright 11.6-inch IPS display and a sturdy, convertible design with functional 360-degree hinges. Performance-wise, the Intel Pentium N3530 processor and 4GB of RAM offer solid, responsive performance for its price point, alongside loud, capable speakers and improved, efficient heat management. While boasting a...Read more

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laptopmag.com
08/09/2016
HP ProBook 440 G3 Full Review & Benchmarks - Laptop Mag Would you like to compare the performance benchmarks of this processor against its successor,...

The HP ProBook 440 G3 is a durable 14-inch business laptop featuring MIL-STD-810G ruggedness, a sturdy brushed-aluminum palm rest, and a comfortable, spill-resistant keyboard. Equipped with an Intel Core i5-6200U processor and dual storage support (M.2 SSD and 2.5-inch HDD), it offers reliable performance for multitasking, though it lacks a touchscreen option. Significant drawbacks...Read more

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laptopmag.com
20/07/2016
Lenovo ThinkPad L560 (Core i3-6100U) Review - Laptop Mag

The Lenovo ThinkPad L560 is characterized by Laptop Mag as a durable, budget-friendly 15-inch business notebook featuring MIL-SPEC testing and a comfortable, deep-travel keyboard. Performance is solid for multitasking with a Core i5 processor, and it offers excellent battery life, lasting nearly 9 hours in testing. However, the device is held back by a dim 1080p display with limited...Read more

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laptopmag.com
27/11/2016
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 (2016) Review - Laptop Mag

The Lenovo ThinkPad 13 (2016) is a portable, MIL-SPEC durable 13-inch laptop that brings professional features to a budget-friendly price point, featuring an "all-time great" keyboard with 2mm of travel and a, snappy, tactile response. It offers excellent, forward-looking connectivity, including a USB Type-C port for charging alongside three USB 3.0 ports, while delivering over 9...Read more

T
techspot.com
25/03/2016
HP Envy 13 Review: GPU and Storage Performance - TechSpot

The 2016 HP Envy 13 is a slim, all-metal ultrabook offering premium aesthetics, portability, and a comfortable typing experience via a clever lift hinge, all at a competitive price point compared to rivals. Performance on the entry-level Core i3 model is sufficient for daily tasks but struggles with intensive work, further hindered by disappointing, slow SSD storage speeds....Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
27/01/2017
Acer Swift 3 Review: The notebook that had everything going for it

The Acer Swift 3 SF314-51-357V is a mid-range notebook featuring solid aluminum construction, a comfortable backlit keyboard, and a versatile selection of ports. Performance is reliable for daily tasks via its Intel Core i3, and it includes a fingerprint reader for security. However, the device is significantly hindered by a low-quality, poorly calibrated TN panel, which provides...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
N/D
Intel Core i3-6100U | LaptopMedia - Specifications and Benchmark Tests

The Intel Core i3-6100U is a Skylake-based, 15W ultra-low voltage (ULV) processor designed for budget-friendly laptops, offering dual-core performance with Hyper-Threading at a fixed 2.3 GHz. A key advantage is its energy efficiency, though it lacks Intel Turbo Boost, limiting raw performance compared to higher-end models. It is well-suited for daily tasks like office work and...Read more

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techzine.nl
18/02/2016
HP Envy 13 Review: HP's Thinnest Laptop Ever

The HP Envy 13 reviewed by Techzine is highlighted as one of HP's thinnest laptops, featuring an elegant, all-aluminum design that prioritizes portability. It measures approximately 12.9 mm thin, weighs around 1.3 kg, and includes a lift-hinge design that tilts the keyboard for better typing ergonomics and cooling. A major strength is its high-quality 13.3-inch display, available in...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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