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 i7-2820QM 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 i7-2820QM: 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

✅Costs $421 less on MSRP ($147 MSRP vs $568 MSRP).
✅Delivers 282.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.5 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($147 MSRP vs $568 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,331 vs 4,379).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2820QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2820QM

2011

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 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 Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i3-6300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 29.5 PassMark/$ ($568 MSRP vs $147 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6300 better than Core i7-2820QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-6300 is ahead with a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2820QM pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark. Core i7-2820QM also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2820QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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 $421 cheaper on MSRP at $147 MSRP versus $568 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-2820QM is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.1% better PassMark. It is also 282.2% better value on MSRP (29.5 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), 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 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6300 vs Core i7-2820QM 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 i7-2820QM

The Core i7-2820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,379 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6300 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2820QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2820QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-6300 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2820QM — a 11.1% 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 i7-2820QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6300 scores 4,331 against the Core i7-2820QM's 4,379 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-2820QM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-6300 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2820QM.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i7-2820QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+12%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.8 GHz+65%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,331	4,379+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	554
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,763

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i7-2820QM
Socket	LGA1151	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-6300) / true (Core i7-2820QM). The Core i7-2820QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-6300 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2820QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i7-2820QM
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6300 was priced at $147, while the Core i7-2820QM came in at $568. On launch pricing ($147 vs $568), Core i3-6300 was $421 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6300 delivers 29.5 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-2820QM — making the Core i3-6300 the 117% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6300	Core i7-2820QM
MSRP	$147-74%	$568
Performance per Dollar	29.5+283%	7.7
Release Date	2015	2011

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