A10-6790K vs Core i3-6100TE

AMD

A10-6790K

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-6100TE

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2015
Similar parts
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A10-6790K vs Core i3-6100TE 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.

A10-6790K vs Core i3-6100TE 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.

A10-6790K vs Core i3-6100TE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A10-6790K

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +10.7% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-6100TE.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,112 vs 3,152).
  • 185.7% higher power demand at 100W vs 35W.

Core i3-6100TE

2015

Why buy it

  • +1.3% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 35W instead of 100W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A10-6790K across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while A10-6790K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A10-6790K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6100TE better than A10-6790K?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A10-6790K is ahead with a 10.7% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100TE pulls ahead with 1.3% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-6100TE is the better buy right now. Core i3-6100TE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that A10-6790K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 10.7% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-6100TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A10-6790K vs Core i3-6100TE Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A10-6790K

The A10-6790K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,112 points. Launch price was $130.

Intel

Core i3-6100TE

The Core i3-6100TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,152 points. Launch price was $117.

Processing Power

The A10-6790K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-6100TE offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-6790K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the A10-6790K versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100TE — a 45.7% clock advantage for the A10-6790K. The A10-6790K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-6100TE uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A10-6790K scores 3,112 against the Core i3-6100TE's 3,152 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i3-6100TE. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A10-6790K vs 4 MB on the Core i3-6100TE.

FeatureA10-6790KCore i3-6100TE
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
4.3 GHz+59%
2.7 GHz
Base Clock
4 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
4 MB
L2 Cache
4096 kB+700%
512 kB
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Richland (2013−2014)
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
3,112
3,152+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
412
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Memory & Platform

The A10-6790K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-6100TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A10-6790K versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6100TE — the Core i3-6100TE supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6100TE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureA10-6790KCore i3-6100TE
Socket
FM2
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1866
DDR4-2133+14%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
64 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Only the A10-6790K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-6790K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6100TE). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 8670D (A10-6790K) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6100TE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-6790K targets Budget, Core i3-6100TE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: A10-6790K rivals Core i3-4340.

FeatureA10-6790KCore i3-6100TE
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8670D
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
Embedded