Core i3-6100H vs Core i7-860

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 i7-860 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 i7-860: 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

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-860 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,003 vs 3,011).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Core i7-860

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $284 MSRP, while Core i3-6100H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-860 better than Core i3-6100H?

Yes. Core i7-860 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-860 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.4% 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 i7-860 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 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?

Core i7-860 is the better buy right now. Core i7-860 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $284 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6100H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100H vs Core i7-860 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 i7-860

The Core i7-860 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,011 points. Launch price was $229.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6100H packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-860 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-860 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100H versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860 — a 24.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-860 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-6100H uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-860 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100H scores 3,003 against the Core i7-860's 3,011 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-860. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100H vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860.

Feature	Core i3-6100H	Core i7-860
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.46 GHz+28%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,003	3,011

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100H uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-860 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.