A8-3870K vs Core i3-6102E

A8-3870K vs Core i3-6102E Performance Spectrum

A8-3870K

4 / 4

2,360

+0.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-6102E

2 / 4

2,349

0.0%

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.

A8-3870K vs Core i3-6102E 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.

A8-3870K vs Core i3-6102E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3870K

2011

Why buy it

✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-6102E.

Trade-offs

❌300% higher power demand at 100W vs 25W.

Core i3-6102E

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 100W, a 75W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,349 vs 2,360).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while A8-3870K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3870K.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-3870K better than Core i3-6102E?

Yes. A8-3870K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% 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?

If gaming is the priority, A8-3870K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-3870K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A8-3870K is still the much better call for a fresh build. A8-3870K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-6102E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (10.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-6102E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3870K vs Core i3-6102E Technical Specifications

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

A8-3870K

The A8-3870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.

Core i3-6102E

The Core i3-6102E 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: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,349 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The A8-3870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-6102E offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-3870K versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-6102E — a 44.9% clock advantage for the A8-3870K. The A8-3870K uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-6102E uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3870K scores 2,360 against the Core i3-6102E's 2,349 — a 0.5% lead for the A8-3870K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3870K vs 3 MB on the Core i3-6102E.

Feature	A8-3870K	Core i3-6102E
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+58%	1.9 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+100%	512 kB
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	2,360	2,349
Geekbench 6 Single	380	—

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A8-3870K versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6102E — the Core i3-6102E supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6102E 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. PCIe lanes: 20 (A8-3870K) vs 16 (Core i3-6102E) — the A8-3870K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A8-3870K	Core i3-6102E
Socket	FM1	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
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	20+25%	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the A8-3870K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3870K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6102E). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6550D (A8-3870K) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6102E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop, Core i3-6102E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125.

Feature	A8-3870K	Core i3-6102E
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 6550D	HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Budget Gaming Desktop	Embedded