
Core i5-7260U vs Core i3-6098P

Core i5-7260U

Core i3-6098P
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 i5-7260U is positioned at rank 297 and the Core i3-6098P is on rank 550, so the Core i5-7260U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7260U
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6098P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7260U | Core i3-6098P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($59) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7260U | Core i3-6098P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($59) |
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 i5-7260U and Core i3-6098P

Core i5-7260U
The Core i5-7260U 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,953 points. Launch price was $304.

Core i3-6098P
The Core i3-6098P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 December 2015 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,978 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-7260U and Core i3-6098P share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-7260U versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-6098P — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-6098P (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-7260U uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-6098P uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7260U scores 3,953 against the Core i3-6098P's 3,978 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-6098P. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i5-7260U vs 3 MB on the Core i3-6098P.
| Feature | Core i5-7260U | Core i3-6098P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.6 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+64% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB+33% | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 512 kB |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 3,953 | 3,978 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,192 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-7260U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-6098P uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-7260U versus 2133 on the Core i3-6098P — the Core i3-6098P supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6098P supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-7260U) vs 16 (Core i3-6098P) — the Core i3-6098P offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-7260U | Core i3-6098P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1356 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | 2133+53225% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+52428700% | 64 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7260U) vs true (Core i3-6098P). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Plus Graphics 640 (Core i5-7260U) and Intel HD Graphics 510 (Core i3-6098P) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7260U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7260U rivals A12-9720P.
| Feature | Core i5-7260U | Core i3-6098P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Iris Plus Graphics 640 | Intel HD Graphics 510 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
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