Core i3-6300T vs Core i7-7660U

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 i7-7660U 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 i7-7660U: 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

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,985 vs 4,059).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core i7-7660U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.

Core i7-7660U

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7660U better than Core i3-6300T?

Yes. Core i7-7660U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-7660U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 i7-7660U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-7660U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-7660U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-6300T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (34.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-7660U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-6300T vs Core i7-7660U 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 i7-7660U

The Core i7-7660U 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 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: 4,059 points. Launch price was $415.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-6300T and Core i7-7660U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-6300T versus 4 GHz on the Core i7-7660U — a 19.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-7660U (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-6300T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-7660U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6300T scores 3,985 against the Core i7-7660U's 4,059 — a 1.8% lead for the Core i7-7660U. Both processors carry 4 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i7-7660U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	4 GHz+21%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+32%	2.5 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	4,059+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	1,759
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,150
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,285

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6300T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-7660U 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 — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-6300T) vs 12 (Core i7-7660U) — the Core i3-6300T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i7-7660U
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	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6300T) and Iris Plus 640 (Core i7-7660U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6300T targets Desktop Low Power, Core i7-7660U targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-7660U rivals Core i5-8250U.

Feature	Core i3-6300T	Core i7-7660U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	Iris Plus 640
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop Low Power	Productivity