Core i3-1000NG4 vs Core i7-6650U

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.

Core i3-1000NG4 vs Core i7-6650U 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.

Core i3-1000NG4 vs Core i7-6650U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-1000NG4

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 9W instead of 15W, a 6W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,530 vs 3,557).

Core i7-6650U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌66.7% higher power demand at 15W vs 9W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6650U better than Core i3-1000NG4?

Yes. Core i7-6650U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6650U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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, Core i7-6650U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-6650U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-6650U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-1000NG4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-1000NG4 vs Core i7-6650U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-1000NG4

The Core i3-1000NG4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 March 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake-Y (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1044. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR4-3733. Passmark benchmark score: 3,530 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i7-6650U

The Core i7-6650U 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 3,557 points. Launch price was $415.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-1000NG4 and Core i7-6650U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-1000NG4 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-6650U — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-6650U (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-1000NG4 uses the Ice Lake-Y (2020) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-6650U uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1000NG4 scores 3,530 against the Core i7-6650U's 3,557 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-6650U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-1000NG4 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-6650U.

Feature	Core i3-1000NG4	Core i7-6650U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+6%
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	2.2 GHz+100%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	10 nm-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Ice Lake-Y (2020)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	3,530	3,557

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1000NG4 uses the BGA1044 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-6650U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.