Core i3-6100TE vs FX-4170
Core i3-6100TE
FX-4170
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-6100TE is positioned at rank 949 and the FX-4170 is on rank 796, so the FX-4170 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6100TE
Performance Per Dollar FX-4170
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-6100TE | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($90) | ✅ More affordable ($23) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-6100TE | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+287%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($90) | ✅ More affordable ($23) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-6100TE and FX-4170
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.
FX-4170
The FX-4170 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 February 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,121 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i3-6100TE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4170 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4170 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100TE versus 4.3 GHz on the FX-4170 — a 45.7% clock advantage for the FX-4170. The Core i3-6100TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-4170 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100TE scores 3,152 against the FX-4170's 3,121 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-6100TE. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i3-6100TE vs 8192 kB on the FX-4170.
| Feature | Core i3-6100TE | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 4.3 GHz+59% |
| Base Clock | — | 4.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 8192 kB+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 4096 kB+700% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 3,152 | 3,121 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-6100TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-4170 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-6100TE | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6100TE) / not specified (FX-4170). The Core i3-6100TE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the FX-4170 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100TE targets Embedded.
| Feature | Core i3-6100TE | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-6100TE launched at $250 MSRP, while the FX-4170 debuted at $157. At current prices ($90 vs $23), the FX-4170 is $67 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100TE delivers 35.0 pts/$ vs 135.7 pts/$ for the FX-4170 — making the FX-4170 the 117.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-6100TE | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250 | $157-37% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $90 | $23-74% |
| Performance per Dollar | 35.0 | 135.7+288% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2012 |
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