Core i3-7100 vs Core i3-6100
Core i3-7100
Core i3-6100
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 i3-7100 is positioned at rank 532 and the Core i3-6100 is on rank 548, so the Core i3-7100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7100
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7100 | Core i3-6100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7100 | Core i3-6100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+32%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 i3-7100 and Core i3-6100
Core i3-7100
The Core i3-7100 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 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,306 points. Launch price was $117.
Core i3-6100
The Core i3-6100 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,270 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-7100 and Core i3-6100 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100 — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i3-7100 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-6100 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100 scores 4,306 against the Core i3-6100's 4,270 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-7100. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i3-6100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+5% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+5% | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 4,306 | 4,270 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2400 memory speed. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i3-6100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7100) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i3-6100) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop, Core i3-6100 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i3-6100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | HD Graphics 530 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7100 launched at $117 MSRP, while the Core i3-6100 debuted at $125. At current prices ($40 vs $30), the Core i3-6100 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7100 delivers 107.7 pts/$ vs 142.3 pts/$ for the Core i3-6100 — making the Core i3-6100 the 27.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7100 | Core i3-6100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117-6% | $125 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | $30-25% |
| Performance per Dollar | 107.7 | 142.3+32% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2015 |
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