Intel Core i3-7100T vs Intel Core i5-6500

The Intel Core i5-6500, based on the Skylake-S architecture, was introduced in the third quarter of 2015.

Manufactured using the 14 nm process, this processor was aimed at mainstream desktop users seeking solid computing performance for everyday applications, productivity, and moderate gaming requirements. It features four physical cores and four threads, giving it noticeably superior multi-core performance compared to the Intel Core i3-7100T.

The maximum memory bandwidth is 34 GB/s, supported by PCIe 3.0. Equipped with 6 MB of Level-3 cache and integrated Intel HD Graphics 530, it provides a good basis for multitasking scenarios and has a TDP of 65 Watts. In single-core benchmarks, it can outperform the Intel Core i3-7100T.

The Intel Core i3-7100T is a Kaby Lake-S architecture processor that came to market in the first quarter of 2017. Also manufactured using the 14 nm process, it targets energy-efficient desktop systems that require good performance with low heat generation and low power consumption, such as in mini-PCs or all-in-one devices.

It has two physical cores and four threads thanks to Hyper-Threading. The maximum memory bandwidth is 38 GB/s and it supports PCIe 3.0. This processor features 3 MB of Level-3 cache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 630. In single-core benchmarks, the Intel Core i3-7100T is often close to the Intel Core i5-6500, but is significantly inferior in multi-core applications due to its lower core count.

Its TDP is only 35 Watts. For gaming scenarios or compute-intensive applications that benefit from more cores, the Intel Core i5-6500 offers more robust performance. The Intel Core i3-7100T is the better choice for compact, energy-efficient systems or office applications where low power consumption is a priority.