CPU
GPU
Core i3-6100E
A8-9600
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 i3-6100E is positioned at rank 902 and the A8-9600 is on rank 387, so the A8-9600 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6100E
Performance Per Dollar A8-9600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-6100E | A8-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-6100E | A8-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ 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 i3-6100E and A8-9600
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.
A8-9600
The A8-9600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,295 points. Launch price was $78.
Processing Power
The Core i3-6100E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A8-9600 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A8-9600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100E versus 3.4 GHz on the A8-9600 — a 23% clock advantage for the A8-9600. The Core i3-6100E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the A8-9600 uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100E scores 3,315 against the A8-9600's 3,295 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-6100E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100E vs 0 kB on the A8-9600.
| Feature | Core i3-6100E | A8-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.4 GHz+26% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 2048 kB+300% |
| Process | 14 nm-50% | 28 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 3,315 | 3,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 607 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,415 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches 2133 on the Core i3-6100E versus DDR4-2400 on the A8-9600 — the Core i3-6100E supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6100E supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-6100E) vs 8 (A8-9600) — the Core i3-6100E offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 100 Series,Intel C230 Series (Core i3-6100E) and A320,B350,X370 (A8-9600).
| Feature | Core i3-6100E | A8-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2133+53225% | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 | 32 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+100% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core i3-6100E) vs AMD-V (A8-9600). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6100E) and Radeon R7 Series (A8-9600) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-9600 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-9600 rivals Pentium G4560.
| Feature | Core i3-6100E | A8-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 530 | Radeon R7 Series |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Budget Desktop |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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