Core i3-6100T vs Xeon W3580

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 Xeon W3580 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 Xeon W3580: 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

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $177 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 151.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.1 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 130W, a 95W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W3580 across 6 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W3580, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon W3580

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.6% higher average FPS across 6 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,638 vs 3,641).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 31.1 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌271.4% higher power demand at 130W 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 i3-6100T better than Xeon W3580?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3580 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-6100T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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 $177 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon W3580 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.6% average FPS lead across 6 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 151.5% better value on MSRP (31.1 vs 12.4 PassMark/$), 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 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-6100T vs Xeon W3580 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.

Xeon W3580

The Xeon W3580 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,638 points. Launch price was $215.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-6100T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon W3580 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon W3580 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-6100T versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W3580 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Xeon W3580 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i3-6100T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W3580 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100T scores 3,641 against the Xeon W3580's 3,638 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-6100T. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100T vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W3580.

Feature	Core i3-6100T	Xeon W3580
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+12%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.33 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)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,641	3,638
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 Xeon W3580 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-6100T	Xeon W3580
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6100T) / not specified (Xeon W3580). The Core i3-6100T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon W3580 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100T targets Budget.

Feature	Core i3-6100T	Xeon W3580
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
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 Xeon W3580 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($117 vs $294), Core i3-6100T was $177 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100T delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W3580 — making the Core i3-6100T the 86.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6100T	Xeon W3580
MSRP	$117-60%	$294
Performance per Dollar	31.1+151%	12.4
Release Date	2015	2009

Search Core i3-6100T on Amazon

Search Xeon W3580 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.