Core i3-8100 vs Core i5-6600

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 i3-8100 vs Core i5-6600 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 i3-8100 vs Core i5-6600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8100

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $107 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
✅Delivers 91.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 51.9 vs 27.0 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 630, while Core i5-6600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Core i5-6600

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-8100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,058 vs 6,073).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 27.0 vs 51.9 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-8100 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-8100.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8100 better than Core i5-6600?

Yes. Core i3-8100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% 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 i3-8100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% 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 i3-8100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-8100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-8100 comes in $107 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $224 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 91.9% better value on MSRP (51.9 vs 27.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-8100 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 4 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 i3-8100 vs Core i5-6600 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8100

The Core i3-8100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,073 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i5-6600

The Core i5-6600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,058 points. Launch price was $224.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-8100 and Core i5-6600 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-8100 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-6600 — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i5-6600 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i3-8100 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-6600 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8100 scores 6,073 against the Core i5-6600's 6,058 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-8100. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Core i5-6600
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.9 GHz+8%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+9%	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	6,073	6,058
Geekbench 6 Single	1,200	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,600	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Core i5-6600
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-8100) / not specified (Core i5-6600). The Core i3-8100 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-6600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8100 targets Budget Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Core i5-6600
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Budget Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8100 was priced at $117, while the Core i5-6600 came in at $224. On launch pricing ($117 vs $224), Core i3-8100 was $107 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8100 delivers 51.9 pts/$ vs 27.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-6600 — making the Core i3-8100 the 63% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Core i5-6600
MSRP	$117-48%	$224
Performance per Dollar	51.9+92%	27.0
Release Date	2017	2015

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