Core i3-6100H vs Core i5-6200U

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 i5-6200U 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 i5-6200U: 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

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌3313.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6200U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-6200U

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 512W, a 497W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 520, while Core i3-6100H needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,990 vs 3,003).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6100H better than Core i5-6200U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-6200U is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100H pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100H is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-6100H still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-6100H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark.

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 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 i3-6100H vs Core i5-6200U 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 i5-6200U

The Core i5-6200U 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 2,990 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6100H and Core i5-6200U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100H versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-6200U — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-6200U (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-6100H scores 3,003 against the Core i5-6200U's 2,990 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-6100H. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-6100H	Core i5-6200U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+17%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	3,003	2,990
Geekbench 6 Single	—	946

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100H uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6200U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-6100H	Core i5-6200U
Socket	BGA1440	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-6100H) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6200U). The Core i5-6200U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 520), while the Core i3-6100H requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6200U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6200U rivals A12-9700P.