Core i3-6300 vs Core i3-7100

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 i3-6300 vs Core i3-7100 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 i3-6300 vs Core i3-7100: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6300

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 29.5 vs 36.8 PassMark/$ ($147 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7100 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-7100

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $30 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $147 MSRP).
✅Delivers 24.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 36.8 vs 29.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $147 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i3-6300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,306 vs 4,331).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7100 better than Core i3-6300?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7100 is ahead with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6300 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Core i3-6300 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 i3-6300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i3-7100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-7100 comes in $30 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $147 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-6300 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 24.9% better value on MSRP (36.8 vs 29.5 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6300 vs Core i3-7100 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6300

The Core i3-6300 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 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,331 points. Launch price was $147.

Core i3-7100

The Core i3-7100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,306 points. Launch price was $117.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6300 and Core i3-7100 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-6300 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i3-6300 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-7100 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6300 scores 4,331 against the Core i3-7100's 4,306 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-6300. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-6300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i3-7100
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.9 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.8 GHz	3.9 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	4,331	4,306

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i3-7100
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-6300) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100). The Core i3-7100 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-6300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i3-7100
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6300 was priced at $147, while the Core i3-7100 came in at $117. On launch pricing ($147 vs $117), Core i3-7100 was $30 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6300 delivers 29.5 pts/$ vs 36.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-7100 — making the Core i3-7100 the 22.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i3-7100
MSRP	$147	$117-20%
Performance per Dollar	29.5	36.8+25%
Release Date	2015	2017

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