Core i3-7100 vs Core i5-6350HQ

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 i3-7100 vs Core i5-6350HQ 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 i3-7100 vs Core i5-6350HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-7100

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core i5-6350HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-6350HQ

2016

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 51W, a 6W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,255 vs 4,306).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7100 better than Core i5-6350HQ?

Yes. Core i3-7100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% 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 i3-7100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.9% 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 i3-7100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-7100 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (36.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-7100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2016) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7100 vs Core i5-6350HQ Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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 i5-6350HQ

The Core i5-6350HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,255 points. Launch price was $306.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-6350HQ offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-6350HQ has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7100 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-6350HQ — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-7100 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-7100 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-6350HQ uses Skylake-H (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7100 scores 4,306 against the Core i5-6350HQ's 4,255 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-7100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-7100 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6350HQ.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i5-6350HQ
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+22%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+70%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Skylake-H (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,306+1%	4,255
Geekbench 6 Single	—	803

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6350HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7100 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6350HQ — the Core i3-7100 supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. 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 i5-6350HQ
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+13%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7100) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6350HQ). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7100) and Iris Pro Graphics 580 (Core i5-6350HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7100 targets Desktop, Core i5-6350HQ targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6350HQ rivals FX-9830P.

Feature	Core i3-7100	Core i5-6350HQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	Iris Pro Graphics 580
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	High Performance Laptop