Core i3-6100U vs Core i7-3687U

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 i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U: 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

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3687U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3687U

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i3-6100U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,621 vs 2,631).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6100U better than Core i7-3687U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3687U is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100U pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Core i7-3687U also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6100U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-6100U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-6100U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark.

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 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-6100U vs Core i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U

The Core i7-3687U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,621 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6100U and Core i7-3687U 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 i7-3687U — a 35.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-3687U (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i3-6100U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3687U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6100U scores 2,631 against the Core i7-3687U's 2,621 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-6100U. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6100U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3687U.

Feature	Core i3-6100U	Core i7-3687U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	3.3 GHz+43%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz+10%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
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	2,621
Geekbench 6 Single	—	640
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,240

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3687U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-6100U	Core i7-3687U
Socket	BGA1356	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-6100U) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3687U). The Core i7-3687U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i3-6100U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3687U targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i7-3687U rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.