Core i3-6100E vs Core i5-L16G7

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 i3-6100E vs Core i5-L16G7 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 i3-6100E vs Core i5-L16G7: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6100E

2015

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅77.8% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 9) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i5-L16G7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌400% higher power demand at 35W vs 7W.

Core i5-L16G7

2020

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 7W instead of 35W, a 28W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,280 vs 3,315).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-L16G7 better than Core i3-6100E?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-L16G7 is ahead with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100E pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark. Core i5-L16G7 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100E is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-L16G7 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-L16G7 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-6100E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (14.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older platform.

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

Core i5-L16G7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2015) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100E vs Core i5-L16G7 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-L16G7

The Core i5-L16G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Lakefield (2020) architecture. It features 5 cores and 5 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FC-CSP1016. Thermal design power (TDP): 7 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR4X-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 3,280 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6100E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-L16G7 offers 5 cores / 5 threads — the Core i5-L16G7 has 3 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100E versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-L16G7 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-L16G7. The Core i3-6100E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-L16G7 uses Lakefield (2020) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100E scores 3,315 against the Core i5-L16G7's 3,280 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-6100E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100E vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-L16G7.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Core i5-L16G7
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	5 / 5+150%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3 GHz+11%
Base Clock	—	1.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Lakefield (2020)
PassMark	3,315+1%	3,280

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches 2133 on the Core i3-6100E versus LPDDR4x-4267 on the Core i5-L16G7 — the Core i5-L16G7 supports 100% 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 8 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-6100E) vs 9 (Core i5-L16G7) — the Core i3-6100E offers 7 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Core i5-L16G7
Socket	—	FC-CSP1016
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	2133	LPDDR4x-4267+100%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+700%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16+78%	9

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-6100E) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-L16G7). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6100E) and UHD Graphics (Core i5-L16G7) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-L16G7 targets Mobile.