CPU
GPU
Core i3-6100
Core i7-2920XM
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-6100 is positioned at rank 548 and the Core i7-2920XM is on rank 717, so the Core i3-6100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6100
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2920XM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-6100 | Core i7-2920XM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-6100 | Core i7-2920XM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-6100 and Core i7-2920XM
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 i7-2920XM
The Core i7-2920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,336 points. Launch price was $1,096.
Processing Power
The Core i3-6100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2920XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2920XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2920XM — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-6100 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-6100 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2920XM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100 scores 4,270 against the Core i7-2920XM's 4,336 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-2920XM. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-6100 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2920XM.
| Feature | Core i3-6100 | Core i7-2920XM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+6% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+48% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,270 | 4,336+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-6100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2920XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6100 versus 1600 on the Core i7-2920XM — the Core i7-2920XM supports 199% 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 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-6100 | Core i7-2920XM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | 1600+39900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+209715100% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-2920XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6100) vs true (Core i7-2920XM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6100) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2920XM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2920XM rivals Core i7-2820QM.
| Feature | Core i3-6100 | Core i7-2920XM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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