Core i3-10105F vs Core i7-6700K

Intel

Core i3-10105F

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2021
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i7-6700K

4 Cores8 Thrd91 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Core i3-10105F vs Core i7-6700K 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.

Core i3-10105F vs Core i7-6700K 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 i3-10105F vs Core i7-6700K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10105F

2021

Why buy it

  • Costs $253 less on MSRP ($97 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
  • Delivers 260.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 91.9 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($97 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 91W, a 26W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-6700K.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-6700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (8,912 vs 8,933).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-6700K

2015

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Core i3-10105F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.5 vs 91.9 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $97 MSRP).
  • 40% higher power demand at 91W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-10105F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6700K better than Core i3-10105F?
Yes. Core i7-6700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.3% 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, Core i7-6700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-6700K is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i3-10105F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-6700K comes in 260.8% more expensive on MSRP at $350 MSRP versus $97 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-10105F is also 260.0% better value on MSRP (91.9 vs 25.5 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1200 + DDR4 setup, Core i3-10105F can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-10105F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-10105F vs Core i7-6700K Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-10105F

The Core i3-10105F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,912 points. Launch price was $97.

Intel

Core i7-6700K

The Core i7-6700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 August 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,933 points. Launch price was $339.

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-10105F and Core i7-6700K share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-10105F versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-6700K — a 4.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-10105F (base: 3.7 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i3-10105F uses the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-6700K uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10105F scores 8,912 against the Core i7-6700K's 8,933 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-6700K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-10105F vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-6700K.

FeatureCore i3-10105FCore i7-6700K
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz+5%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.7 GHz
4 GHz+8%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Comet Lake-R (2021)
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
8,912
8,933
Geekbench 6 Single
1,461
Geekbench 6 Multi
4,503
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10105F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-6700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i3-10105F versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-6700K — the Core i3-10105F supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-10105F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureCore i3-10105FCore i7-6700K
Socket
LGA1200
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666+25%
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+100%
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-6700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-6700K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i3-10105F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6700K targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i3-10105FCore i7-6700K
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10105F was priced at $97, while the Core i7-6700K came in at $350. On launch pricing ($97 vs $350), Core i3-10105F was $253 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10105F delivers 91.9 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-6700K — making the Core i3-10105F the 113% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-10105FCore i7-6700K
MSRP
$97-72%
$350
Performance per Dollar
91.9+260%
25.5
Release Date
2021
2015

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