Core i7-860S vs Core i3-6102E
Core i7-860S
Core i3-6102E
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 i7-860S is positioned at rank 1033 and the Core i3-6102E is on rank 989, so the Core i3-6102E offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-860S
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6102E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-860S | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($96) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-860S | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+177%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($96) | ✅ 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 i7-860S and Core i3-6102E
Core i7-860S
The Core i7-860S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,324 points. Launch price was $422.
Core i3-6102E
The Core i3-6102E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,349 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
The Core i7-860S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-6102E offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-860S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860S versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-6102E — a 58.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-860S. The Core i7-860S uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-6102E uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-860S scores 2,324 against the Core i3-6102E's 2,349 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-6102E. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860S vs 3 MB on the Core i3-6102E.
| Feature | Core i7-860S | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.46 GHz+82% | 1.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+167% | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 2,324 | 2,349+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 451 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,332 | — |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-860S versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6102E — the Core i3-6102E supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6102E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-860S | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | — |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2133+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 64 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: Yes (Core i7-860S) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-6102E). The Core i3-6102E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-860S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-6102E targets Embedded.
| Feature | Core i7-860S | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 530 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-860S launched at $299 MSRP, while the Core i3-6102E debuted at $225. At current prices ($96 vs $35), the Core i3-6102E is $61 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-860S delivers 24.2 pts/$ vs 67.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-6102E — making the Core i3-6102E the 94% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-860S | Core i3-6102E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299 | $225-25% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $96 | $35-64% |
| Performance per Dollar | 24.2 | 67.1+177% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2015 |
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