Core i7-6950X vs Core 3 100HL
Core i7-6950X
Core 3 100HL
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 i7-6950X
Performance Per Dollar Core 3 100HL
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6950X | Core 3 100HL |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($180) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($280) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-E (2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-PS (2024) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6950X | Core 3 100HL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+56%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($180) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($280) |
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 i7-6950X and Core 3 100HL
Core i7-6950X
The Core i7-6950X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 17,580 points. Launch price was $1,723.
Core 3 100HL
The Core 3 100HL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 17,586 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i7-6950X packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core 3 100HL offers 8 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-6950X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-6950X versus 4.6 GHz on the Core 3 100HL — a 14% clock advantage for the Core 3 100HL (base: 3 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-6950X uses the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 3 100HL uses Raptor Lake-PS (2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6950X scores 17,580 against the Core 3 100HL's 17,586 — a 0% lead for the Core 3 100HL. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-6950X vs 12 MB (total) on the Core 3 100HL.
| Feature | Core i7-6950X | Core 3 100HL |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20+25% | 8 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.6 GHz+15% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+43% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+108% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+700% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Broadwell-E (2016) | Raptor Lake-PS (2024) |
| PassMark | 17,580 | 17,586 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-6950X uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 3 100HL uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-6950X | Core 3 100HL |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-6950X launched at $1723 MSRP, while the Core 3 100HL debuted at $306. At current prices ($180 vs $280), the Core i7-6950X is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6950X delivers 97.7 pts/$ vs 62.8 pts/$ for the Core 3 100HL — making the Core i7-6950X the 43.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-6950X | Core 3 100HL |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1723 | $306-82% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180-36% | $280 |
| Performance per Dollar | 97.7+56% | 62.8 |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2024 |
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