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 i3-6006U vs Core i7-940XM 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 i3-6006U vs Core i7-940XM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6006U

2016

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 15W instead of 55W, a 40W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 520, while Core i7-940XM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-940XM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,269 vs 2,273).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,096 MSRP, while Core i3-6006U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌266.7% higher power demand at 55W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-6006U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6006U better than Core i7-940XM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-940XM is ahead with a 5.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6006U pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Core i7-940XM also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6006U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-6006U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-6006U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $1,096 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. Core i7-940XM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (2.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i3-6006U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-6006U vs Core i7-940XM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6006U

The Core i3-6006U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 November 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 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: 2,273 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i7-940XM

The Core i7-940XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-6006U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-940XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-940XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-6006U versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM — a 49.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-940XM (base: 2 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i3-6006U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-940XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6006U scores 2,273 against the Core i7-940XM's 2,269 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-6006U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6006U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940XM.

Feature	Core i3-6006U	Core i7-940XM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2 GHz	3.33 GHz+67%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.13 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,273	2,269
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,200	—
Geekbench 6 Single	630	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,313	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6006U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-940XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6006U versus 1333 on the Core i7-940XM — the Core i3-6006U supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6006U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-6006U) vs 16 (Core i7-940XM) — the Core i7-940XM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Skylake-U (Core i3-6006U) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-940XM).

Feature	Core i3-6006U	Core i7-940XM
Socket	BGA1356	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-940XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-6006U) vs true (Core i7-940XM). The Core i3-6006U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 520), while the Core i7-940XM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6006U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-940XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.