Intel Core i3-6100 vs Intel Core i5-4258U Comparison

The Verdict

The data shows a near-total performance standoff between the Intel Core i5-4258U and the Intel Core i3-6100, with the desktop part taking a razor-thin lead in most CPU workloads. The i3-6100 wins 4 of the 7 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, but its margins are consistently under 1%, while the i5-4258U claims the two Geekbench tests with much larger deltas of 3.7% and 7.5%. The average benchmark score favors the i5-4258U at 902 versus 888 for the i3-6100, yet both processors sit at the 24th percentile of all CPUs, meaning they occupy the same performance tier.

For a mobile user prioritizing single-threaded responsiveness and integrated graphics capability, the i5-4258U is the clear pick. Its Geekbench single-core score of 844 beats the i3-6100's 785 by 7.5%, and its Geekbench multi-core score of 1664 beats 1605 by 3.7%. For a desktop builder who needs slightly stronger sustained multi-threaded output, the i3-6100 edges ahead in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests, though the differences are so small they would be imperceptible in daily use.

Neither chip is a winner on raw power. The i3-6100 has a 51 W TDP versus 28 W for the i5-4258U, but it also runs at a much higher 3.70 GHz base clock with no boost, while the i5-4258U starts at 2.40 GHz and boosts to 2.90 GHz. The i3-6100's architecture is newer, built on 14 nm versus 22 nm, and it supports DDR4 memory with a dual-channel bus and 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. The i5-4258U is limited to DDR3 and has no listed memory bandwidth figure.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and target different market segments. The i5-4258U is a Haswell mobile chip, released in June 2013, designed for thin laptops with a 28 W TDP and an Intel BGA 1168 socket. The i3-6100 is a Skylake desktop processor, released in August 2015, with a 51 W TDP and an Intel Socket 1151.

Both have 2 cores and 4 threads, but the similarities end there. The i5-4258U uses a 22 nm process with a die size of 118 mm², while the i3-6100 uses a 14 nm process with a die size of 150 mm². Both pack 1,400 million transistors, but the newer node gives the i3-6100 a density advantage. The i3-6100 also has a larger L3 cache: 4 MB shared versus 3 MB shared on the i5-4258U. L1 and L2 caches are identical at 64 KB and 256 KB per core.

Memory support diverges sharply. The i5-4258U supports DDR3 only, with no listed memory bus or bandwidth figures. The i3-6100 supports DDR4, has a dual-channel memory bus, and a rated memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The i3-6100 also exposes PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i5-4258U has no PCIe specification recorded.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The i5-4258U carries Intel HD 5100, while the i3-6100 uses Intel HD 530. The i5-4258U has a boost clock of 2.90 GHz, but the i3-6100 has no boost capability, relying solely on its 3.70 GHz base clock. The i3-6100 is marked as Active in production status, while the i5-4258U has no recorded production status.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite shows the i3-6100 winning all four multi-core tests but with negligible margins. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i3-6100 scores 224 against 222 for the i5-4258U, a delta of -0.9%. In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the gap narrows to -0.5%: 934 versus 929. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i3-6100 leads 2226 to 2213, a -0.6% delta. The i3-6100 also wins Cinebench R23 single-core with 314 to 312, another -0.6% margin. The only Cinebench tie is R20 single-core, where both post 131, and the database credits the i5-4258U on a zero delta.

The Geekbench results flip the script. The i5-4258U wins Geekbench single-core by a decisive 7.5%: 844 versus 785. It also wins Geekbench multi-core by 3.7%: 1664 versus 1605. These are the only two benchmarks where the delta exceeds 1%, and they are enough to make the i5-4258U's average score higher overall.

The pattern is clear: in Cinebench's workload, which stresses sustained x86 execution, the i3-6100's higher base clock (3.70 GHz) gives it a micro-edge. In Geekbench, which includes memory and broader system tasks, the i5-4258U's boost behavior and lower TDP appear to help it pull ahead. The i5-4258U wins 3 of the 7 head-to-head benchmarks, while the i3-6100 wins 4, but the total recorded data shows the i5-4258U with a higher average benchmark score of 902 against 888.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-4258U has an average benchmark score of 902, while the Intel Core i3-6100 scores 888. This puts the i5-4258U ahead by approximately 1.6% on average.

Q: How do the two chips compare in single-core performance?

A: The i5-4258U leads in Geekbench single-core with 844 versus 785, a 7.5% advantage. In Cinebench R20 single-core, both score exactly 131. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the i3-6100 edges ahead at 314 versus 312.

Q: What are the thermal design power differences?

A: The i5-4258U has a TDP of 28 W, while the i3-6100 has a TDP of 51 W. This makes the i5-4258U substantially more power-efficient, suitable for mobile designs.

Q: Do both processors have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both have 2 cores and 4 threads. Neither has an unlocked multiplier.

Q: What memory types do they support?

A: The i5-4258U supports DDR3 only. The i3-6100 supports DDR4 with a dual-channel bus and a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s.

Q: Which chip has more L3 cache?

A: The i3-6100 has 4 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i5-4258U has 3 MB. L1 and L2 caches are identical at 64 KB and 256 KB per core.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-4258U wins in scenarios that favor single-threaded responsiveness and memory-sensitive workloads. Its Geekbench single-core score of 844 is the standout number, 7.5% above the i3-6100's 785. This makes it the better choice for applications that rely heavily on one thread, such as legacy software, light web browsing, or productivity tools that are not fully multi-threaded. Its Geekbench multi-core win of 1664 to 1605 also suggests it handles mixed workloads with memory access patterns more efficiently. The 28 W TDP means it fits into ultraportable laptops, where thermal constraints are tight and battery life matters. The data does not include a launch MSRP for either chip, but the i5-4258U's mobile positioning is clear from its BGA socket and 2013 release.

The i3-6100 wins in sustained multi-threaded CPU rendering tasks. Its Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 224 beats 222, its R20 multi-core score of 934 beats 929, and its R23 multi-core score of 2226 beats 2213. These margins are small, but they are consistent across all three Cinebench versions. The i3-6100 also wins Cinebench R23 single-core with 314 to 312, showing it can hold its own even in single-threaded Cinebench work. Its support for DDR4 memory with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes makes it a more modern foundation for a desktop build, allowing faster memory and current expansion cards. The 51 W TDP and Socket 1151 target it at mainstream desktop systems where power draw is less critical.

The database shows the i3-6100 with a higher base clock of 3.70 GHz versus 2.40 GHz, and that advantage shows up in Cinebench's fixed workload. The i5-4258U's boost clock of 2.90 GHz is lower than the i3-6100's static clock, but the i5-4258U still manages to win Geekbench tests, suggesting its Haswell memory controller or boost behavior benefits that particular benchmark suite. For users who run Cinebench-style rendering loops, the i3-6100 is the slightly stronger choice. For users who run Geekbench-style mixed workloads or need a low-power mobile chip, the i5-4258U is the better fit.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in almost every physical and feature specification except core count, thread count, L1/L2 cache, transistor count, and ECC support (both lack ECC).

• Base clock: 2.40 GHz (i5-4258U) versus 3.70 GHz (i3-6100)
• Boost clock: 2.90 GHz (i5-4258U) versus none (i3-6100)
• TDP: 28 W (i5-4258U) versus 51 W (i3-6100)
• Socket: Intel BGA 1168 (i5-4258U) versus Intel Socket 1151 (i3-6100)
• Architecture/Codename: Haswell (i5-4258U) versus Skylake (i3-6100)
• Process node: 22 nm (i5-4258U) versus 14 nm (i3-6100)
• Die size: 118 mm² (i5-4258U) versus 150 mm² (i3-6100)
• L3 cache: 3 MB shared (i5-4258U) versus 4 MB shared (i3-6100)
• Memory support: DDR3 (i5-4258U) versus DDR4 (i3-6100)
• Memory bus: not listed (i5-4258U) versus Dual-channel (i3-6100)
• Memory bandwidth: not listed (i5-4258U) versus 34.1 GB/s (i3-6100)
• PCIe: not listed (i5-4258U) versus Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) (i3-6100)
• Integrated graphics: Intel HD 5100 (i5-4258U) versus Intel HD 530 (i3-6100)
• Market segment: Mobile (i5-4258U) versus Desktop (i3-6100)
• Release date: 2013-06-03 (i5-4258U) versus 2015-08-31 (i3-6100)
• Production status: not listed (i5-4258U) versus Active (i3-6100)
• Part number: SR18A (i5-4258U) versus SR2HG (i3-6100)

Both share 1,400 million transistors, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and a 2-core/4-thread layout. Neither has an unlocked multiplier. The i3-6100 is the newer, more feature-complete desktop part, while the i5-4258U is the older, lower-power mobile part with a smaller die and older memory standard.