Core i3-6100E vs FX-4150

Core i3-6100E vs FX-4150 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-6100E

2 / 4

3,315

0.0%

3,327

+0.4%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i3-6100E vs FX-4150 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 FX-4150: 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

✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 530, while FX-4150 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-4150 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,315 vs 3,327).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.7 vs 24.3 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $137 MSRP).

FX-4150

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $88 less on MSRP ($137 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 64.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.3 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($137 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-6100E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-4150 better than Core i3-6100E?

Yes. FX-4150 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, FX-4150 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.8% 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, FX-4150 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

FX-4150 is the better buy right now. FX-4150 comes in $88 cheaper on MSRP at $137 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 64.8% better value on MSRP (24.3 vs 14.7 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6100E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100E vs FX-4150 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.

FX-4150

The FX-4150 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,327 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6100E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4150 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4150 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100E versus 4 GHz on the FX-4150 — a 38.8% clock advantage for the FX-4150. The Core i3-6100E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-4150 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100E scores 3,315 against the FX-4150's 3,327 — a 0.4% lead for the FX-4150. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100E vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-4150.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	FX-4150
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	4 GHz+48%
Base Clock	—	3.8 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB	4 MB+700%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	3,315	3,327

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-6100E) / not specified (FX-4150). The Core i3-6100E includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the FX-4150 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	FX-4150
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 530	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6100E was priced at $225, while the FX-4150 came in at $137. On launch pricing ($225 vs $137), FX-4150 was $88 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100E delivers 14.7 pts/$ vs 24.3 pts/$ for the FX-4150 — making the FX-4150 the 49% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6100E	FX-4150
MSRP	$225	$137-39%
Performance per Dollar	14.7	24.3+65%
Release Date	2015	2012

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