Intel Core i3-6100 vs Intel Core i5-6400

The Intel Core i5-6400 and the Intel Core i3-6100 are desktop processors based on the Intel Skylake S architecture, introduced in the third quarter of 2015, manufactured with a 14 nm process.

The Intel Core i5-6400 targeted the mainstream market for productivity and light multitasking, while the Intel Core i3-6100 served the entry-level segment for basic tasks. The Intel Core i5-6400 offers four physical cores, four threads, and 6 MB of Level 3 Cache. The Intel Core i3-6100 features two physical cores, four threads (thanks to Hyper-Threading), and 3 MB of Level 3 Cache.

Both have 0 MB of Level 2 Cache, support PCIe 3.0, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 34 GB/s. In single-core performance, the Intel Core i5-6400 is significantly more powerful in some benchmarks; the Intel Core i3-6100 achieves comparable values in others. For multi-core applications, the Intel Core i5-6400 is clearly superior, better positioned for gaming with modern titles.

The Intel Core i3-6100 is sufficient for less demanding games. Both come with Intel HD Graphics 530. Regarding power consumption, the Intel Core i5-6400 has a TDP of 65W; the Intel Core i3-6100 is more energy-efficient with 51W. Initially, the Intel Core i3-6100 was the more affordable option.

For multitasking, light content editing, or more demanding games, the Intel Core i5-6400 is recommended. For basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, where low power consumption is crucial, the Intel Core i3-6100 is excellently suited.