Core i3-4130 vs Core i3-6100E

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 i3-4130 vs Core i3-6100E 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 i3-4130 vs Core i3-6100E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4130

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $108 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 93.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.5 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-6100E.

Trade-offs

❌54.3% higher power demand at 54W vs 35W.

Core i3-6100E

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 54W, a 19W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-4130 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,315 vs 3,334).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.7 vs 28.5 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4130.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4130 better than Core i3-6100E?

Yes. Core i3-4130 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-4130 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.8% 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 i3-4130 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4130 is the better buy right now. Core i3-4130 comes in $108 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 93.4% better value on MSRP (28.5 vs 14.7 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6100E 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 i3-4130 vs Core i3-6100E Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4130

The Core i3-4130 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,334 points. Launch price was $120.

Core i3-6100E

The Core i3-6100E 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: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,315 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4130 and Core i3-6100E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-4130 versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100E — a 23% clock advantage for the Core i3-4130. The Core i3-4130 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-6100E uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4130 scores 3,334 against the Core i3-6100E's 3,315 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-4130. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4130 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-6100E.

Feature	Core i3-4130	Core i3-6100E
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+26%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	3,334	3,315
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,036	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,046	—

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4130 versus 2133 on the Core i3-6100E — the Core i3-6100E supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6100E 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. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i3-4130) and Intel 100 Series,Intel C230 Series (Core i3-6100E).

Feature	Core i3-4130	Core i3-6100E
Socket	LGA1150	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	2133+33%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-4130) vs true (Core i3-6100E). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4130) and Intel HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6100E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4130 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-4130 rivals FX-4130.

Feature	Core i3-4130	Core i3-6100E
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4400	Intel HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4130 was priced at $117, while the Core i3-6100E came in at $225. On launch pricing ($117 vs $225), Core i3-4130 was $108 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4130 delivers 28.5 pts/$ vs 14.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-6100E — making the Core i3-4130 the 63.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4130	Core i3-6100E
MSRP	$117-48%	$225
Performance per Dollar	28.5+94%	14.7
Release Date	2013	2015

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