Core i3-9100T vs Core i5-6600T

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 i3-9100T vs Core i5-6600T 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 i3-9100T vs Core i5-6600T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9100T

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $91 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
✅Delivers 75.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.9 vs 26.1 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6600T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-6600T

2015

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Core i3-9100T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,565 vs 5,600).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 26.1 vs 45.9 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100T better than Core i5-6600T?

Yes. Core i3-9100T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 i3-9100T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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 i3-9100T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9100T is the better buy right now. Core i3-9100T comes in $91 cheaper on MSRP at $122 MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 75.7% better value on MSRP (45.9 vs 26.1 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9100T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 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 i3-9100T vs Core i5-6600T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9100T

The Core i3-9100T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,600 points. Launch price was $122.

Core i5-6600T

The Core i5-6600T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 July 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,565 points. Launch price was $192.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-9100T and Core i5-6600T share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-9100T versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-6600T — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100T (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i3-9100T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-6600T uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100T scores 5,600 against the Core i5-6600T's 5,565 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-9100T. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Core i5-6600T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+6%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+15%	2.7 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	5,600	5,565
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	7,083
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,175
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,212

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Core i5-6600T
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-9100T) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6600T). The Core i5-6600T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i3-9100T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6600T targets Office. Direct competitor: Core i5-6600T rivals AMD Athlon II X4 640.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Core i5-6600T
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Office

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100T was priced at $122, while the Core i5-6600T came in at $213. On launch pricing ($122 vs $213), Core i3-9100T was $91 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100T delivers 45.9 pts/$ vs 26.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-6600T — making the Core i3-9100T the 54.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9100T	Core i5-6600T
MSRP	$122-43%	$213
Performance per Dollar	45.9+76%	26.1
Release Date	2019	2015

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