Core i3-3250T vs Core i3-6100U

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 i3-3250T 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.

Core i3-3250T 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.

Core i3-3250T

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2500, while Core i3-6100U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Core i3-6100U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i3-6100U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,631 vs 2,650).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3250T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3250T better than Core i3-6100U?

Yes. Core i3-3250T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3250T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 i3-3250T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3250T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3250T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $138 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (19.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6100U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3250T vs Core i3-6100U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3250T

The Core i3-3250T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,650 points. Launch price was $69.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3250T and Core i3-6100U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i3-3250T versus 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-6100U — a 26.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-3250T (base: 3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-3250T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-6100U uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3250T scores 2,650 against the Core i3-6100U's 2,631 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-3250T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3250T vs 3 MB on the Core i3-6100U.

Feature	Core i3-3250T	Core i3-6100U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+30%	2.3 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+30%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	2,650	2,631

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3250T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-6100U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.