Core i3-6102E vs Core i7-860S
Core i3-6102E
Core i7-860S
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 Core i7-860S is on rank 1033, so the Core i3-6102E 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 Core i7-860S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-6102E | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($96) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-6102E | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+177%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($96) |
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 Core i7-860S
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.
Core i7-860S
The Core i7-860S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,324 points. Launch price was $422.
Processing Power
The Core i3-6102E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-860S offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-860S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-6102E versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860S — a 58.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-860S. The Core i3-6102E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-860S uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6102E scores 2,349 against the Core i7-860S's 2,324 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-6102E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6102E vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860S.
| Feature | Core i3-6102E | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 1.9 GHz | 3.46 GHz+82% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.53 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-69% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,349+1% | 2,324 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,332 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6102E versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-860S — 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 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-6102E | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+300% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6102E) vs Yes (Core i7-860S). The Core i3-6102E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-860S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6102E targets Embedded.
| Feature | Core i3-6102E | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-6102E launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i7-860S debuted at $299. At current prices ($35 vs $96), the Core i3-6102E is $61 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6102E delivers 67.1 pts/$ vs 24.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-860S — making the Core i3-6102E the 94% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-6102E | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-25% | $299 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $35-64% | $96 |
| Performance per Dollar | 67.1+177% | 24.2 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2010 |
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