Core i3-6100 vs Core i3-8109U

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 i3-6100 vs Core i3-8109U 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 i3-6100 vs Core i3-8109U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6100

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $125 MSRP, while Core i3-8109U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌82.1% higher power demand at 51W vs 28W.

Core i3-8109U

2018

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 28W instead of 51W, a 23W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-6100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,184 vs 4,270).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6100 better than Core i3-8109U?

Yes. Core i3-6100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 2.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-6100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.8% 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 i3-6100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-6100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-6100 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $125 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (34.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-8109U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2015) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100 vs Core i3-8109U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6100

The Core i3-6100 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,270 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i3-8109U

The Core i3-8109U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,184 points. Launch price was $304.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6100 and Core i3-8109U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-8109U — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-6100 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-6100 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-8109U uses Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100 scores 4,270 against the Core i3-8109U's 4,184 — a 2% lead for the Core i3-6100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-6100 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-8109U.

Feature	Core i3-6100	Core i3-8109U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+3%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+23%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019)
PassMark	4,270+2%	4,184
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,100

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-8109U uses FCBGA1528 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6100 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8109U — the Core i3-8109U supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6100 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.

Feature	Core i3-6100	Core i3-8109U
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1528
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	DDR4-2400+13%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6100) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-8109U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6100) and Iris Plus Graphics 655 (Core i3-8109U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100 targets Desktop, Core i3-8109U targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8109U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.

Feature	Core i3-6100	Core i3-8109U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	Iris Plus Graphics 655
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Performance Laptop