Intel Core i5-6500 vs Intel Core i3-7100

The Intel Core i5-6500 (Skylake S) is a 14 nm desktop mid-range processor. It features 4 cores, 4 threads, and 6 MB of Level 3 Cache.

With a maximum memory bandwidth of 34 GB/s and PCIe 3.0 support, it integrates Intel HD Graphics 530. The Intel Core i3-7100 (Kaby Lake S), also manufactured on a 14 nm process, is an entry-level desktop processor.

It offers 2 cores, 4 threads through Hyper-Threading, and 3 MB of Level 3 Cache. The maximum memory bandwidth is 38 GB/s, it supports PCIe 3.0, and integrates Intel HD Graphics 630. The single-core performance of both processors is comparable, with the Intel Core i5-6500 being slightly superior in some benchmarks.

However, the multi-core performance of the Intel Core i5-6500 significantly surpasses the Intel Core i3-7100, which positions it better for multitasking and more computationally intensive applications. For gaming, the Intel Core i5-6500 with its 4 physical cores is more advantageous and offers more stable performance in modern games.

Both are energy-efficient for their generation and have moderate power consumption. The Intel Core i5-6500 originally offered good value for money for the mainstream market, while the Intel Core i3-7100 was a budget-friendly option for basic systems. In the used market, the Intel Core i5-6500 is often the more attractive choice due to its better multi-core and gaming performance.

For versatile use, gaming, and productive tasks, the Intel Core i5-6500 is recommended. For basic applications and a limited budget, the Intel Core i3-7100 is sufficient.