Core i3-6100U vs Core i5-3320M

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 i3-6100U vs Core i5-3320M 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 i3-6100U vs Core i5-3320M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6100U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,631 vs 2,660).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3320M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3320M

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i3-6100U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i3-6100U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3320M better than Core i3-6100U?

Yes. Core i5-3320M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3320M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 i5-3320M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3320M is the better buy right now. Core i5-3320M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6100U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6100U vs Core i5-3320M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6100U

The Core i3-6100U 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,631 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i5-3320M

The Core i5-3320M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,660 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6100U and Core i5-3320M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-6100U versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3320M — a 35.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3320M (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-6100U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3320M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100U scores 2,631 against the Core i5-3320M's 2,660 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-3320M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100U vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3320M.

Feature	Core i3-6100U	Core i5-3320M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	3.3 GHz+43%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.6 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,631	2,660+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3320M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-6100U	Core i5-3320M
Socket	BGA1356	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-6100U) / true (Core i5-3320M). The Core i5-3320M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i3-6100U requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3320M rivals AMD A10-4600M.