CPU
GPU
Core i3-6300T
Core i5-7260U
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-6300T is positioned at rank 549 and the Core i5-7260U is on rank 297, so the Core i5-7260U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6300T
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7260U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-6300T | Core i5-7260U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-6300T | Core i5-7260U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Counter-Strike 2
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-6300T and Core i5-7260U
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 i5-7260U
The Core i5-7260U 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,953 points. Launch price was $304.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-6300T and Core i5-7260U 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 i5-7260U — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i5-7260U (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-6300T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-7260U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6300T scores 3,985 against the Core i5-7260U's 3,953 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-6300T. Both processors carry 4 MB of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-6300T | Core i5-7260U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.4 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+50% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 4 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 512 kB |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 3,985 | 3,953 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,192 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-6300T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7260U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2133 memory speed. The Core i3-6300T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-6300T) vs 12 (Core i5-7260U) — the Core i3-6300T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-6300T | Core i5-7260U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | BGA1356 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+33% | 12 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6300T) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7260U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6300T) and Iris Plus Graphics 640 (Core i5-7260U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6300T targets Desktop Low Power, Core i5-7260U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7260U rivals A12-9720P.
| Feature | Core i3-6300T | Core i5-7260U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | Iris Plus Graphics 640 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop Low Power | Mainstream Laptop |
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