Core i3-6102E vs Core i7-1060G7

Intel

Core i3-6102E

2 Cores4 Thrd25 WWMax: 1.9 GHz2015
VS
Intel

Core i7-1060G7

4 Cores8 Thrd9 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2019

Core i3-6102E vs Core i7-1060G7 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 i3-6102E vs Core i7-1060G7 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 i3-6102E vs Core i7-1060G7: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6102E

2015

Why buy it

  • βœ…+1.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-1060G7 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
  • ❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i7-1060G7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • ❌177.8% higher power demand at 25W vs 9W.

Core i7-1060G7

2019

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +6.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
  • βœ…Draws 9W instead of 25W, a 16W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (2,322 vs 2,349).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-1060G7 better than Core i3-6102E?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-1060G7 is ahead with a 6.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6102E pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark. Core i7-1060G7 also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6102E is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-1060G7 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-1060G7 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-6102E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (10.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-1060G7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2015) and 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6102E vs Core i7-1060G7 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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 (2015βˆ’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.

Intel

Core i7-1060G7

The Core i7-1060G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake (Client) (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR4-3733. Passmark benchmark score: 2,322 points. Launch price was $69.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i3-6102E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-1060G7 offers 4 cores / 8 threads β€” the Core i7-1060G7 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-6102E versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-1060G7 β€” a 66.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-1060G7. The Core i3-6102E uses the Skylake (2015βˆ’2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-1060G7 uses Ice Lake (Client) (2019) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6102E scores 2,349 against the Core i7-1060G7's 2,322 β€” a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-6102E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6102E vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-1060G7.

FeatureCore i3-6102ECore i7-1060G7
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
1.9 GHz
3.8 GHz+100%
Base Clock
β€”
1 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB
8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache
512 kB+100%
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm
10 nm-29%
Architecture
Skylake (2015βˆ’2016)
Ice Lake (Client) (2019)
PassMark
2,349+1%
2,322
Geekbench 6 Single
β€”
1,523
🧠

Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6102E versus LPDDR4-3733 on the Core i7-1060G7 β€” the Core i7-1060G7 supports 75% 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 β€” 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureCore i3-6102ECore i7-1060G7
Socket
β€”
BGA1440
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
LPDDR4-3733+75%
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i7-1060G7 supports AVX-512 instructions β€” important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6102E) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1060G7). Both include integrated graphics β€” HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6102E) and Iris Plus Graphics (Core i7-1060G7) β€” useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6102E targets Embedded, Core i7-1060G7 targets Premium Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i7-1060G7 rivals Ryzen 7 4700U.

FeatureCore i3-6102ECore i7-1060G7
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Iris Plus Graphics
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Embedded
Premium Ultrabook