Core i3-6300 vs Core i5-6350HQ

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 i5-6350HQ 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 i5-6350HQ: 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: +9.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $147 MSRP, while Core i5-6350HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6350HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-6350HQ

2016

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 51W, a 6W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics 580, while Core i3-6300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-6300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,255 vs 4,331).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6300 better than Core i5-6350HQ?

Yes. Core i3-6300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.8% better PassMark, 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 9.1% 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 1.8% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $147 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (29.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-6350HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2015) and 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6300 vs Core i5-6350HQ 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 i5-6350HQ

The Core i5-6350HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,255 points. Launch price was $306.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6300 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-6350HQ offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-6350HQ has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-6300 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-6350HQ — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-6300 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-6300 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-6350HQ uses Skylake-H (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6300 scores 4,331 against the Core i5-6350HQ's 4,255 — a 1.8% lead for the Core i3-6300. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-6300 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6350HQ.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i5-6350HQ
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+19%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.8 GHz+65%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Skylake-H (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,331+2%	4,255
Geekbench 6 Single	—	803

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6350HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i5-6350HQ
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2133
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, EPT (Core i5-6350HQ). The Core i5-6350HQ includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 580), while the Core i3-6300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6350HQ targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6350HQ rivals FX-9830P.