Intel Core i3-6100 vs Intel Core i5-6600

The Intel Core i5-6600 and Intel Core i3-6100 are 6th generation (Skylake-S) desktop processors, both manufactured using the 14nm process.

They utilize PCIe 3.0 and offer a maximum memory bandwidth of 34 GB/s, as well as the integrated Intel HD Graphics 530. The Intel Core i5-6600 is designed for the mainstream market and features four physical cores without Hyper-Threading (four threads). It has 6 MB of Level-3 cache and achieves superior single-core performance due to higher clock speeds.

Its multi-core performance is significantly higher than that of the Intel Core i3-6100 thanks to its four cores, making it more powerful for demanding applications and gaming. The Intel Core i3-6100 is positioned in the entry-level segment and offers two physical cores with Hyper-Threading (four threads).

It is equipped with 3 MB of Level-3 cache. Its single-core performance is lower than that of the Intel Core i5-6600, and its multi-core performance is also noticeably lower due to the fewer physical cores. It is well-suited for everyday tasks and less demanding applications. In gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i5-6600 delivers better performance.

The integrated graphics of both CPUs are only conditionally suitable for demanding games. Both processors have a similar thermal design power (TDP), with the Intel Core i5-6600 requiring slightly more power under full load. In the used market, the Intel Core i3-6100 offers a more cost-effective option for basic use, while the Intel Core i5-6600 provides a noticeable performance boost for more demanding tasks.