Core i3-6102E vs A8-3870K
Core i3-6102E
A8-3870K
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 i3-6102E is positioned at rank 989 and the A8-3870K is on rank 502, so the A8-3870K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6102E
Performance Per Dollar A8-3870K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-6102E | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-6102E | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i3-6102E and A8-3870K
Core i3-6102E
The Core i3-6102E 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: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,349 points. Launch price was $225.
A8-3870K
The A8-3870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Core i3-6102E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A8-3870K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-6102E versus 3 GHz on the A8-3870K — a 44.9% clock advantage for the A8-3870K. The Core i3-6102E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the A8-3870K uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6102E scores 2,349 against the A8-3870K's 2,360 — a 0.5% lead for the A8-3870K. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6102E vs 0 kB on the A8-3870K.
| Feature | Core i3-6102E | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 1.9 GHz | 3 GHz+58% |
| Base Clock | — | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 1 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 2,349 | 2,360 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 380 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6102E versus DDR3-1866 on the A8-3870K — the Core i3-6102E supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6102E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-6102E) vs 20 (A8-3870K) — the A8-3870K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-6102E | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | FM1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the A8-3870K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6102E) vs AMD-V (A8-3870K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6102E) and Radeon HD 6550D (A8-3870K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6102E targets Embedded, A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125.
| Feature | Core i3-6102E | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | Radeon HD 6550D |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Embedded | Budget Gaming Desktop |
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