Core i3-6300T vs Core i3-7101TE

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 i3-6300T vs Core i3-7101TE 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 i3-6300T vs Core i3-7101TE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-6300T

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i3-7101TE

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,956 vs 3,985).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-6300T better than Core i3-7101TE?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7101TE is ahead with a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-6300T pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark. Core i3-6300T 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 i3-6300T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% 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 i3-6300T is the better buy right now. Core i3-6300T comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $117 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i3-7101TE is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.7% better value on MSRP (34.1 vs 33.8 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7101TE 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 i3-6300T vs Core i3-7101TE Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6300T

The Core i3-6300T 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,985 points. Launch price was $147.

Core i3-7101TE

The Core i3-7101TE 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,956 points. Launch price was $117.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6300T and Core i3-7101TE share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-6300T versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-7101TE — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101TE (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-6300T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-7101TE uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6300T scores 3,985 against the Core i3-7101TE's 3,956 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-6300T. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i3-6300T vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7101TE.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i3-7101TE
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	3,985	3,956
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,188
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,368

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6300T versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7101TE — the Core i3-7101TE supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i3-7101TE
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	DDR4-2400+13%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6300T) vs Yes (Core i3-7101TE). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6300T) and Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7101TE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6300T targets Desktop Low Power.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i3-7101TE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	Intel HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	Desktop Low Power	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6300T was priced at $117, while the Core i3-7101TE came in at $117. On launch pricing ($117 vs $117), Core i3-7101TE was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6300T delivers 34.1 pts/$ vs 33.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-7101TE — making the Core i3-6300T the 0.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i3-7101TE
MSRP	$117	$117
Performance per Dollar	34.1	33.8
Release Date	2015	2017

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