CPU
GPU
Core i3-6300T
Core i7-7660U
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 i7-7660U is on rank 550, so the Core i3-6300T 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 i7-7660U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-6300T | Core i7-7660U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| 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 i7-7660U |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-6300T and Core i7-7660U
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.
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 |
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 — 66.7% 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 | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+33% | 12 |
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 |
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