Core i3-6100T vs Core i5-3335S

Intel

Core i3-6100T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-3335S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i3-6100T vs Core i5-3335S Performance Spectrum

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 i3-6100T vs Core i5-3335S 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 i5-3335S: 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

  • Costs $108 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 90.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.1 vs 16.3 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Core i5-3335S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3335S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,641 vs 3,672).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-3335S

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.3 vs 31.1 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-6100T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-6100T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3335S better than Core i3-6100T?
Yes. Core i5-3335S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3335S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.9% 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 i5-3335S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% 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 i5-3335S is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3335S comes in 92.3% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-6100T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 90.7% better value on paper (31.1 vs 16.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.
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 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100T vs Core i5-3335S Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i5-3335S

The Core i5-3335S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,672 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i3-6100T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3335S offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3335S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-6100T versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3335S — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i3-6100T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3335S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100T scores 3,641 against the Core i5-3335S's 3,672 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-3335S. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100T vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3335S.

FeatureCore i3-6100TCore i5-3335S
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+19%
2.7 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB
6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache
512 kB+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
3,641
3,672
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,041
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,071
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3335S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-6100TCore i5-3335S
Socket
LGA1151
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6100T) / not specified (Core i5-3335S). The Core i3-6100T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i5-3335S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100T targets Budget.

FeatureCore i3-6100TCore i5-3335S
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6100T was priced at $117, while the Core i5-3335S came in at $225. On launch pricing ($117 vs $225), Core i3-6100T was $108 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100T delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 16.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3335S — making the Core i3-6100T the 62.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-6100TCore i5-3335S
MSRP
$117-48%
$225
Performance per Dollar
31.1+91%
16.3
Release Date
2015
2012

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