Core i3-6100TE vs Core i3-4170T

Both the Core i3-6100TE and Core i3-4170T share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100TE versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-4170T — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-4170T. The Core i3-6100TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-4170T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100TE scores 3,152 against the Core i3-4170T's 3,133 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-6100TE. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i3-6100TE vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4170T.

The Core i3-6100TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-4170T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6100TE versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4170T — the Core i3-6100TE supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6100TE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6100TE) and Intel HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4170T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100TE targets Embedded, Core i3-4170T targets Low Power Desktop.

The Core i3-6100TE launched at $250 MSRP, while the Core i3-4170T debuted at $117. At current prices ($90 vs $17), the Core i3-4170T is $73 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100TE delivers 35.0 pts/$ vs 184.3 pts/$ for the Core i3-4170T — making the Core i3-4170T the 136.1% better value option.