Core i3-6320
Intel
PassMark
4,421
MSRP
$160
AVG Price
$35
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.
Overview
The Core i3-6320 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 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,421 points. Launch price was $157.
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 i3-6320
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i3-6320 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
ARC Raiders
Counter-Strike 2
Hearts of Iron IV
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Minecraft
Once Human
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
Project Zomboid
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i3-6320 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i3-6320 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 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.9 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,421, 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 1,311, while multi-core reaches 2,730. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 2,853.
| Specification | Core i3-6320 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.9 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.9 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 150 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 1,400 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 × 8 GT/s |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 4,421 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 2,853 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,311 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 2,730 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-6320 fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 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: Intel HD Graphics 530 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core i3-6320 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | H110,H170,Z170,Q170,Q150,B150,B250,H270,Z270,Q270,Q250 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Core i3-6320 |
|---|---|
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | Yes |
Power & Cooling
The Core i3-6320 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 51 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler.
| Specification | Core i3-6320 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 51 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | Yes |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $35 (MSRP: $160), the Core i3-6320 delivers 126 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1954 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i3-6320 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $160 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $35 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $157 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1954 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 1 September 2015 (10 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2015 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Series | Intel Core i3 |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $157 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 1 September 2015 (10 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1954 |
Technical Specifications
16 specs
Technical Specifications
16 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Bus Type | DMI 3.0 |
| Die Size | 150 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 4 × 8 GT/s |
| Multiplier | 39 |
| Max Frequency | 3.9 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.9 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 1,400 million |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 65 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 51 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 34.134 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i3-6320
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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