Core i3-6100T vs Ryzen 7 3700X

Intel

Core i3-6100T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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Core i3-6100T vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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 Ryzen 7 3700X: 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 $212 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Ryzen 7 3700X needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Ryzen 7 3700X.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 8 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,641 vs 22,430).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 31.1 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +340.7% higher average FPS across 8 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Delivers 119.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 31.1 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 181.2% HIGHER MSRP
    $329 MSRPvs$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 Ryzen 7 3700X better than Core i3-6100T?
Yes. Ryzen 7 3700X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 340.7% average FPS lead across 8 shared CPU game tests in our data, 516% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 3700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 340.7% more average FPS across 8 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 7 3700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 516% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in 181.2% more expensive on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 340.7% average FPS lead across 8 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 119.1% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 31.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2015), 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-6100T vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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.

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

Processing Power

The Core i3-6100T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 3700X has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-6100T versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 31.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-6100T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100T scores 3,641 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 144.1% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100T vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X.

FeatureCore i3-6100TRyzen 7 3700X
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
8 / 16+300%
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
4.4 GHz+38%
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.6 GHz+12%
L3 Cache
3 MB
32 MB+967%
L2 Cache
512 kB
512K (per core)
Process
14 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
PassMark
3,641
22,430+516%
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,041
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,071
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6100T versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 3700X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-6100T) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 3700X) — the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Core i3-6100T) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 3700X).

FeatureCore i3-6100TRyzen 7 3700X
Socket
LGA1151
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
DDR4-3200+50%
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
128 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
24+50%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6100T) / not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X). The Core i3-6100T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Ryzen 7 3700X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100T targets Budget.

FeatureCore i3-6100TRyzen 7 3700X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6100T was priced at $117, while the Ryzen 7 3700X came in at $329. On launch pricing ($117 vs $329), Core i3-6100T was $212 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100T delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 68.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 3700X — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 74.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-6100TRyzen 7 3700X
MSRP
$117-64%
$329
Performance per Dollar
31.1
68.2+119%
Release Date
2015
2019

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