Core i3-6100TE vs FX-4320

Intel

Core i3-6100TE

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-4320

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i3-6100TE vs FX-4320 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 i3-6100TE vs FX-4320 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 FX-4320: 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

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while FX-4320 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-4320 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

FX-4320

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,150 vs 3,152).
  • 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 i3-6100TE better than FX-4320?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-4320 is ahead with a 6.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100TE pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100TE 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 i3-6100TE is the better buy right now. Core i3-6100TE comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $250 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that FX-4320 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 6.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.1% better value on MSRP (12.6 vs 12.6 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6100TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-6100TE vs FX-4320 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

FX-4320

The FX-4320 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4096 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,150 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i3-6100TE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4320 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4320 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100TE versus 4.1 GHz on the FX-4320 — a 41.2% clock advantage for the FX-4320. The Core i3-6100TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-4320 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100TE scores 3,152 against the FX-4320's 3,150 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-6100TE. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i3-6100TE vs 4096 kB on the FX-4320.

FeatureCore i3-6100TEFX-4320
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz
4.1 GHz+52%
Base Clock
4 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB
4096 kB
L2 Cache
512 kB
4096 kB+700%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark
3,152
3,150
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-4320 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-6100TEFX-4320
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
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6100TE) / not specified (FX-4320). The Core i3-6100TE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the FX-4320 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6100TE targets Embedded.

FeatureCore i3-6100TEFX-4320
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Embedded
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6100TE was priced at $250, while the FX-4320 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($250 vs $250), FX-4320 was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6100TE delivers 12.6 pts/$ vs 12.6 pts/$ for the FX-4320 — making the Core i3-6100TE the 0.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-6100TEFX-4320
MSRP
$250
$250
Performance per Dollar
12.6
12.6
Release Date
2015
2012

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