Core i3-6100E vs Core i7-6560U

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 i7-6560U 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 i7-6560U: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 530, while Core i7-6560U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,315 vs 3,347).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i7-6560U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.

Core i7-6560U

2015

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-6100E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6560U better than Core i3-6100E?

Yes. Core i7-6560U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6560U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i7-6560U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-6560U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-6560U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-6100E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (14.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6560U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-6100E vs Core i7-6560U 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 i7-6560U

The Core i7-6560U 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 3,347 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6100E and Core i7-6560U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100E versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-6560U — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-6560U. Both are built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-6100E scores 3,315 against the Core i7-6560U's 3,347 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-6560U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100E vs 4 MB on the Core i7-6560U.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	Core i7-6560U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.2 GHz+19%
Base Clock	—	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	3,315	3,347

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-6100E) / not specified (Core i7-6560U). The Core i3-6100E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-6560U requires a dedicated GPU.