Intel Core i3-6100U vs Raspberry Pi 5 B (Broadcom BCM2712)

The Intel Core i3-6100U, a processor based on the Skylake U-architecture, was introduced approximately in the third quarter of 2015.

It primarily targets the market for energy-efficient entry-level notebooks and mini-PCs. Manufactured using a 14 nm process, this processor features 2 cores and 4 threads, enabling it to efficiently handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It includes the Intel HD Graphics 520, an integrated graphics unit designed for everyday tasks and media playback.

The Core i3-6100U offers a maximum memory bandwidth of 30 GB/s and has 3 MB of Level 3 cache. Its application performance is sufficient for basic productivity and web browsing. In the gaming sector, it is limited to very simple or older titles. The Raspberry Pi 5 B, equipped with the Broadcom BCM2712 SoC based on the Cortex-A76 architecture, was launched at the end of 2023.

It targets users in the single-board computer, IoT, education, and embedded systems sectors. Manufactured using a 16 nm process, the chip features 4 cores and 4 threads. The integrated Broadcom VideoCore VII graphics unit offers significantly improved 3D performance compared to the previous generation but remains unsuitable for demanding gaming.

This processor supports PCIe Gen 2.0 for expansion cards and a maximum memory bandwidth of 17 GB/s. It has 2 MB of Level 2 cache and 2 MB of Level 3 cache. Its architecture is designed for high energy efficiency, making it ideal for battery-powered or fanless applications. In a direct comparison of single-core performance, the Broadcom BCM2712 of the Raspberry Pi 5 B shows significantly higher performance than the Intel Core i3-6100U in specific benchmarks.

In other measurements, the single-core performances of both processors are closely matched. For multi-core performance, the measured values of the Raspberry Pi 5 B are slightly, but not significantly, higher than those of the Intel Core i3-6100U, which is attributable to the Broadcom BCM2712's higher core count.

Overall, the Broadcom BCM2712 offers more modern and, in some disciplines, superior computing power, especially concerning efficiency per core. Neither of the two processors is designed for demanding gaming scenarios. The Intel Core i3-6100U with its Intel HD Graphics 520 allows playing very old or graphically very simple titles.

Although the Raspberry Pi 5 B with the Broadcom VideoCore VII offers improved graphics performance compared to earlier Raspberry Pi models and is better suited for emulation or light 3D games, it does not reach the level of dedicated gaming hardware. For occasional, undemanding gaming or retro emulation, the Raspberry Pi 5 B is more advantageous due to its more modern graphics unit.

The Intel Core i3-6100U, as a U-series processor, is designed for mobile applications and has a comparatively low Thermal Design Power (TDP) optimized for operation in notebooks. However, the Broadcom BCM2712 of the Raspberry Pi 5 B is superior in terms of energy efficiency. It was developed for operation in a compact single-board computer and requires significantly less power, making it ideal for projects where power consumption plays a critical role or fanless operation is desired.

The power consumption of the Broadcom BCM2712 is typically significantly lower than that of the Intel processor. The Intel Core i3-6100U is hardly available as a standalone component on the new market and is mainly found in older used laptops. A direct price-performance evaluation is therefore difficult.

The Raspberry Pi 5 B is available as a complete single-board computer at a very affordable price and offers an impressive variety of functions and solid computing power for this price. Its price-performance ratio is excellent, especially considering the integrated interfaces and the versatility of the entire system.

As a platform for development, embedded applications, and as a media center, the Raspberry Pi 5 B offers high value. The Intel Core i3-6100U scores with its established x86 architecture, which offers broad compatibility with existing software and operating systems. It is a solid choice for basic office work and multimedia applications in a traditional desktop or laptop environment.

The Raspberry Pi 5 B with the Broadcom BCM2712, on the other hand, impresses with its modern ARM architecture, high energy efficiency, and integrated platform for flexible projects. It is ideal for developers, makers, IoT applications, emulation systems, or as a cost-effective media player. For use in embedded systems or as a low-power mini-server, the Raspberry Pi 5 B is clearly the better choice, while the Intel Core i3-6100U is better suited for running traditional desktop software.