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 i5-4590T 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 i5-4590T: 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

✅Costs $75 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅Delivers 60.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 34.1 vs 21.2 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4590T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,985 vs 4,064).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590T.

Core i5-4590T

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-6300T.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.2 vs 34.1 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4590T better than Core i3-6300T?

Yes. Core i5-4590T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4590T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 i5-4590T is the stronger fit. You are getting 2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i5-4590T is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4590T comes in 64.1% more expensive on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-6300T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 60.9% better value on paper (34.1 vs 21.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-6300T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6300T vs Core i5-4590T 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 i5-4590T

The Core i5-4590T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,064 points. Launch price was $192.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-6300T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-4590T offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-4590T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-6300T versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-4590T — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-6300T (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-6300T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4590T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6300T scores 3,985 against the Core i5-4590T's 4,064 — a 2% lead for the Core i5-4590T. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i3-6300T vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590T.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i5-4590T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+10%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+65%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	3,985	4,064+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	917

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6300T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4590T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6300T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4590T — the Core i3-6300T supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6300T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i5-4590T
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+33%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6300T) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590T). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6300T) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4590T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6300T targets Desktop Low Power, Core i5-4590T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590T rivals A8-7600.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i5-4590T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop Low Power	Low Power Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-6300T was priced at $117, while the Core i5-4590T came in at $192. On launch pricing ($117 vs $192), Core i3-6300T was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-6300T delivers 34.1 pts/$ vs 21.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-4590T — making the Core i3-6300T the 46.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i5-4590T
MSRP	$117-39%	$192
Performance per Dollar	34.1+61%	21.2
Release Date	2015	2014

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