Core i3-6300 vs Core i5-3475S

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 i5-3475S 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 i5-3475S: 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

✅Better for gaming: +6.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $102 less on MSRP ($147 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).
✅Delivers 70.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.5 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($147 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).
✅Draws 51W instead of 65W, a 14W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3475S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3475S.

Core i5-3475S

2012

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i3-6300 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-6300.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-6300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,315 vs 4,331).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.3 vs 29.5 PassMark/$ ($249 MSRP vs $147 MSRP).
❌27.5% higher power demand at 65W vs 51W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6300 better than Core i5-3475S?

Yes. Core i3-6300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-6300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-6300 is the better buy right now. Core i3-6300 comes in $102 cheaper on MSRP at $147 MSRP versus $249 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 70.0% better value on MSRP (29.5 vs 17.3 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-6300 vs Core i5-3475S 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 i5-3475S

The Core i5-3475S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,315 points. Launch price was $219.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6300 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3475S offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3475S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-6300 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3475S — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-6300 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-6300 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3475S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6300 scores 4,331 against the Core i5-3475S's 4,315 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-6300. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-6300 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3475S.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i5-3475S
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+6%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.8 GHz+31%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,331	4,315
Geekbench 6 Single	—	705
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,544

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3475S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i5-3475S
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-6300) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3475S). The Core i5-3475S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i3-6300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3475S targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-3475S rivals FX-6300.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i5-3475S
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Budget

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6300 was priced at $147, while the Core i5-3475S came in at $249. On launch pricing ($147 vs $249), Core i3-6300 was $102 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6300 delivers 29.5 pts/$ vs 17.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3475S — making the Core i3-6300 the 51.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i5-3475S
MSRP	$147-41%	$249
Performance per Dollar	29.5+71%	17.3
Release Date	2015	2012

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