Core i3-6100H vs Core i5-4200H

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 i3-6100H vs Core i5-4200H 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 i3-6100H vs Core i5-4200H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6100H

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,003 vs 3,036).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4200H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-4200H

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i3-6100H needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4200H better than Core i3-6100H?

Yes. Core i5-4200H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4200H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 i5-4200H 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 i5-4200H still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-4200H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-6100H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100H vs Core i5-4200H Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6100H

The Core i3-6100H 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,003 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i5-4200H

The Core i5-4200H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,036 points. Launch price was $257.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6100H and Core i5-4200H share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100H versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-4200H — a 23% clock advantage for the Core i5-4200H (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-6100H uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4200H uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100H scores 3,003 against the Core i5-4200H's 3,036 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-4200H. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-6100H	Core i5-4200H
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.4 GHz+26%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	3,003	3,036+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	990
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,927

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100H uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4200H uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-6100H	Core i5-4200H
Socket	BGA1440	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-6100H) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4200H). The Core i5-4200H includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i3-6100H requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4200H targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i5-4200H rivals Core i7-4500U.