Core i7-870 vs Core i3-6100TE
Core i7-870
Core i3-6100TE
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 i7-870 is positioned at rank 987 and the Core i3-6100TE is on rank 949, so the Core i3-6100TE offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-870
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6100TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-870 | Core i3-6100TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($90) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-870 | Core i3-6100TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+13%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($90) |
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 i7-870 and Core i3-6100TE
Core i7-870
The Core i7-870 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,164 points. Launch price was $305.
Core i3-6100TE
The Core i3-6100TE 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: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,152 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
The Core i7-870 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-6100TE offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-870 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6100TE — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-870. The Core i7-870 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-6100TE uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-870 scores 3,164 against the Core i3-6100TE's 3,152 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-870. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870 vs 4 MB on the Core i3-6100TE.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | Core i3-6100TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+33% | 2.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+100% | 4 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 3,164 | 3,152 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 476 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,541 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-870 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-6100TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-870 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i3-6100TE — the Core i3-6100TE supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-6100TE 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 i7-870 | Core i3-6100TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1151 |
| 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
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i3-6100TE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i3-6100TE targets Embedded.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | Core i3-6100TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | HD Graphics 530 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-870 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Core i3-6100TE debuted at $250. At current prices ($80 vs $90), the Core i7-870 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-870 delivers 39.5 pts/$ vs 35.0 pts/$ for the Core i3-6100TE — making the Core i7-870 the 12.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | Core i3-6100TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $250-17% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80-11% | $90 |
| Performance per Dollar | 39.5+13% | 35.0 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2015 |
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