Core i7-3555LE vs Pentium P6100

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 i7-3555LE vs Pentium P6100 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 i7-3555LE vs Pentium P6100: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3555LE

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 35W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,238 vs 2,245).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.5 vs 22.4 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

Pentium P6100

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $200 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 200.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.4 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌40% higher power demand at 35W vs 25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3555LE better than Pentium P6100?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3555LE is ahead with a 1.7% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium P6100 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i7-3555LE also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium P6100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core i7-3555LE is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3555LE comes in 200.0% more expensive on MSRP at $300 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium P6100 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 200.9% better value on paper (22.4 vs 7.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i7-3555LE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3555LE vs Pentium P6100 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3555LE

The Core i7-3555LE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,238 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium P6100

The Pentium P6100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,245 points. Launch price was $12.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3555LE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium P6100's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-3555LE versus 2 GHz on the Pentium P6100 — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3555LE (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-3555LE uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium P6100 uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3555LE scores 2,238 against the Pentium P6100's 2,245 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium P6100. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3555LE vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium P6100.

Feature	Core i7-3555LE	Pentium P6100
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+60%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+25%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,238	2,245

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3555LE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium P6100 uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3555LE	Pentium P6100
Socket	BGA1023	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3555LE was priced at $300, while the Pentium P6100 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($300 vs $100), Pentium P6100 was $200 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3555LE delivers 7.5 pts/$ vs 22.4 pts/$ for the Pentium P6100 — making the Pentium P6100 the 100.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3555LE	Pentium P6100
MSRP	$300	$100-67%
Performance per Dollar	7.5	22.4+199%
Release Date	2012	2010

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