Core i3-9100T vs Core i5-6600T
Core i3-9100T
Core i5-6600T
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9100T
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6600T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-9100T | Core i5-6600T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-9100T | Core i5-6600T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+42%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
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 i3-9100T and Core i5-6600T
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.
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 |
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 | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-9100T launched at $122 MSRP, while the Core i5-6600T debuted at $213. At current prices ($50 vs $35), the Core i5-6600T is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100T delivers 112.0 pts/$ vs 159.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-6600T — making the Core i5-6600T the 34.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-9100T | Core i5-6600T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $122-43% | $213 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50 | $35-30% |
| Performance per Dollar | 112.0 | 159.0+42% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2015 |
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