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Overview

The Core i3-6006U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 November 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,273 points. Launch price was $281.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-6006U is positioned at rank #370 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6006U

#358

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

516%

#359

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

509%

#360

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

467%

#361

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

465%

#362

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

461%

#364

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

445%

#365

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

427%

#366

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

426%

#367

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

414%

#370

Core i3-6006U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#375

Pentium Dual Core T3200

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

99%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-6006U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-6006U specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-6006U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,273, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 630, while multi-core reaches 1,313. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 2,200.

Specification	Core i3-6006U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	98.57 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1750 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,273
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	2,200
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	630
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,313

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6006U fits into the BGA1356 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3, DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 520 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-6006U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1356
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	12
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3, DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 520
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Skylake-U
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-6006U is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i3-6006U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mobile
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-6006U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: false.

Specification	Core i3-6006U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	false

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #370 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2475 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-6006U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$281
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#370
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2475
Release DateLaunch date	10 November 2016 (9 years ago)
Release Year	2016
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel