3015e vs Core i3-6100U

AMD

3015e

2 Cores4 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2020
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-6100U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2015
Similar parts
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3015e vs Core i3-6100U Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

3015e vs Core i3-6100U FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

3015e vs Core i3-6100U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

3015e

2020

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Draws 1W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Vega 3, while Core i3-6100U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,618 vs 2,631).

Core i3-6100U

2015

Why buy it

  • +0.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
  • 51100% higher power demand at 512W vs 1W.
  • No integrated graphics, while 3015e can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6100U better than 3015e?
Yes. Core i3-6100U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-6100U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-6100U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
3015e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2015) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

3015e vs Core i3-6100U Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

3015e

The 3015e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,618 points. Launch price was $50.

Intel

Core i3-6100U

The Core i3-6100U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,631 points. Launch price was $281.

Processing Power

Both the 3015e and Core i3-6100U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the 3015e versus 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-6100U — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.2 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The 3015e uses the Pollock (Zen) (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-6100U uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the 3015e scores 2,618 against the Core i3-6100U's 2,631 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-6100U. L3 cache: 4 MB on the 3015e vs 3 MB on the Core i3-6100U.

Feature3015eCore i3-6100U
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.3 GHz
2.3 GHz
Base Clock
1.2 GHz
2.3 GHz+92%
L3 Cache
4 MB+33%
3 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB+100%
512 kB
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Pollock (Zen) (2020)
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
2,618
2,631
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Memory & Platform

The 3015e uses the FT5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-6100U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature3015eCore i3-6100U
Socket
FT5
BGA1356
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
1600
Max RAM Capacity
16
RAM Channels
1
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
8
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (3015e) / not specified (Core i3-6100U). The 3015e includes integrated graphics (Vega 3), while the Core i3-6100U requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: 3015e rivals Celeron N4120.

Feature3015eCore i3-6100U
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Vega 3
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true