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 i3-6100T vs Core i5-2320 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 i3-6100T vs Core i5-2320: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6100T

2015

Why buy it

✅+85.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $60 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅Delivers 49.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.1 vs 20.8 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,641 vs 3,688).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-2320

2011

Why buy it

✅+1.3% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (560 vs 1,041).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.8 vs 31.1 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6100T better than Core i5-2320?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-6100T is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2320 pulls ahead with 1.3% better PassMark. Core i5-2320 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i3-6100T is the better buy right now. Core i3-6100T comes in $60 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2320 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.3% better PassMark. It is also 49.4% better value on MSRP (31.1 vs 20.8 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100T vs Core i5-2320 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6100T

The Core i3-6100T 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,641 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i5-2320

The Core i5-2320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,688 points. Launch price was $160.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-6100T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2320 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2320 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-6100T versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2320 — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2320 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-6100T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2320 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100T scores 3,641 against the Core i5-2320's 3,688 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i5-2320. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,041 vs 560, a 60.1% lead for the Core i3-6100T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100T vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2320.

Feature	Core i3-6100T	Core i5-2320
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.3 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+7%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,641	3,688+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,041+86%	560
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,071	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2320 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6100T versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2320 — the Core i3-6100T supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6100T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Core i3-6100T) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2320).

Feature	Core i3-6100T	Core i5-2320
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6100T) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i5-2320). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6100T) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2320) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100T targets Budget, Core i5-2320 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2320 rivals Phenom II X4 965.

Feature	Core i3-6100T	Core i5-2320
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Legacy Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6100T was priced at $117, while the Core i5-2320 came in at $177. On launch pricing ($117 vs $177), Core i3-6100T was $60 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100T delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 20.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-2320 — making the Core i3-6100T the 39.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6100T	Core i5-2320
MSRP	$117-34%	$177
Performance per Dollar	31.1+50%	20.8
Release Date	2015	2011

Search Core i3-6100T on Amazon

Search Core i5-2320 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.