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.

Overview

The Core i3-6100T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,641 points. Launch price was $117.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-6100T is positioned at rank #581 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 i3-6100T

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

10017%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

9465%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

6872%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2070%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1640%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1435%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

822%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

811%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

738%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

738%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

730%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

710%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

700%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

698%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

691%

#278

Ryzen Threadripper 1900X

MSRP: $549|Avg: $116

98%

#382

Ryzen Embedded R2544

MSRP: $280|Avg: $280

97%

#581

Core i3-6100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $20

100%

#582

Athlon X4 970

MSRP: $85|Avg: $85

100%

#583

FX-8370

MSRP: $199|Avg: $100

100%

#584

Pentium G4520

MSRP: $86|Avg: $45

100%

#585

Core i3-4170

MSRP: $117|Avg: $40

100%

#586

Celeron G460

MSRP: $37|Avg: $10

99%

#587

A4 PRO-7350B

MSRP: $50|Avg: $11

99%

#589

Pentium G3220T

MSRP: $54|Avg: $15

98%

#590

Celeron G1620

MSRP: $52|Avg: $40

98%

#591

Core i5-7600T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $60

98%

#593

Core i3-7300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $128

97%

#594

Celeron G1830

MSRP: $52|Avg: $5

96%

#596

Core i3-4160

MSRP: $117|Avg: $52

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-6100T across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-6100T specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-6100T 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 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.2 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 3,641, 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 1,041, while multi-core reaches 2,071. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 2,500.

Specification	Core i3-6100T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.2 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
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	66 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,641
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	2,500
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,041
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	2,071

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6100T fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 530 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-6100T
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1151
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 530
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H110,B150,H170,Z170
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-6100T is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i3-6100T
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-6100T has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i3-6100T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	66 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Stock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $117), the Core i3-6100T delivers 182 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #581 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2082 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-6100T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$117
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$117
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#581
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2082
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel