Core i3-6100T vs Core i5-4460T

Intel

Core i3-6100T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-4460T

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i3-6100T vs Core i5-4460T 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 i5-4460T 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 i5-4460T: 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

  • +29% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $70 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $187 MSRP).
  • Delivers 59.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.1 vs 19.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $187 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,641 vs 3,651).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-4460T

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (807 vs 1,041).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.5 vs 31.1 PassMark/$ ($187 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6100T better than Core i5-4460T?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-6100T is ahead with a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4460T pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i5-4460T 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 i5-4460T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% 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 $70 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $187 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-4460T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 59.4% better value on MSRP (31.1 vs 19.5 PassMark/$), 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 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100T vs Core i5-4460T 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 i5-4460T

The Core i5-4460T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,651 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i3-6100T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-4460T offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-4460T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-6100T versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-4460T — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-6100T (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i3-6100T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4460T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100T scores 3,641 against the Core i5-4460T's 3,651 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-4460T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,041 vs 807, a 25.3% 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 i5-4460T.

FeatureCore i3-6100TCore i5-4460T
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+19%
2.7 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz+68%
1.9 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)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
3,641
3,651
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,041+29%
807
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,071
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4460T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6100T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4460T — the Core i3-6100T supports 33.3% 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 H81,H87,Z87,Q87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4460T).

FeatureCore i3-6100TCore i5-4460T
Socket
LGA1151
LGA1150
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133+33%
DDR3-1600
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, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4460T). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6100T) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4460T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100T targets Budget, Core i5-4460T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4460T rivals A8-7600.

FeatureCore i3-6100TCore i5-4460T
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Budget
Low Power Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6100T was priced at $117, while the Core i5-4460T came in at $187. On launch pricing ($117 vs $187), Core i3-6100T was $70 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100T delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 19.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-4460T — making the Core i3-6100T the 45.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-6100TCore i5-4460T
MSRP
$117-37%
$187
Performance per Dollar
31.1+59%
19.5
Release Date
2015
2014

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