Core i3-6100TE vs Core i7-870

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 i3-6100TE vs Core i7-870 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 i3-6100TE vs Core i7-870: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-6100TE

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $50 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 19.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.6 vs 10.5 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Core i7-870 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-870 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,152 vs 3,164).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-870.

Core i7-870

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i3-6100TE.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.5 vs 12.6 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-6100TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-870 better than Core i3-6100TE?

Yes. Core i7-870 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-870 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.5% 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 i7-870 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-870 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-870 comes in 20.0% more expensive on MSRP at $300 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-6100TE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 19.5% better value on paper (12.6 vs 10.5 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6100TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100TE vs Core i7-870 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6100TE

The Core i3-6100TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,152 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i7-870

The Core i7-870 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 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: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,164 points. Launch price was $305.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6100TE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-870 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-870 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100TE versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-870. The Core i3-6100TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-870 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100TE scores 3,152 against the Core i7-870's 3,164 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-870. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i3-6100TE vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870.

Feature	Core i3-6100TE	Core i7-870
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.6 GHz+33%
Base Clock	—	2.93 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,152	3,164
Geekbench 6 Single	—	476
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,541

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-870 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6100TE versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-870 — the Core i3-6100TE supports 60% 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 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-6100TE	Core i7-870
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i3-6100TE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100TE targets Embedded, Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-6100TE	Core i7-870
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Embedded	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6100TE was priced at $250, while the Core i7-870 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($250 vs $300), Core i3-6100TE was $50 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100TE delivers 12.6 pts/$ vs 10.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-870 — making the Core i3-6100TE the 17.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6100TE	Core i7-870
MSRP	$250-17%	$300
Performance per Dollar	12.6+20%	10.5
Release Date	2015	2009

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