CPU Comparison

The Intel Core i3-6100 and Intel Core i7-860 are separated by six years of architecture, yet they land in the same performance tier. The newer Skylake chip brings modern features and efficiency, while the older Lynnfield part leverages its physical core and thread advantage. Benchmark data shows the i7-860 winning every head-to-head test, but the i3-6100 counters with platform longevity and lower power draw.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The i7-860 has 4 physical cores and 8 threads, double the i3-6100's 2 cores and 4 threads. This raw resource advantage drives the older chip's consistent multi-core benchmark wins.

Q: Does the i3-6100 have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the i3-6100 includes Intel HD 530 graphics. The i7-860 has no integrated graphics, meaning a discrete GPU is mandatory with that CPU.

Q: How much L3 cache does each processor have?

A: The i7-860 has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i3-6100 has 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger cache on the older chip partially compensates for its slower clock speeds.

Q: What memory types do these CPUs support?

A: The i3-6100 supports DDR4 memory, while the i7-860 supports DDR3. The i3-6100 also has a rated memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the i7-860's bandwidth is not specified in the data.

Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?

A: The i3-6100 has a TDP of 51W, compared to the i7-860's 95W TDP. This nearly 2x difference makes the newer chip significantly easier to cool and cheaper to run.

Q: Are both CPUs still in production?

A: No. The i3-6100 is listed as "Active" production status, while the i7-860 is "End-of-life." This means the i3-6100 is still available through normal channels, whereas the i7-860 is a legacy part.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two CPUs is substantial. The i3-6100 is built on a 14 nm process node, while the i7-860 uses a 45 nm process. This manufacturing difference explains the transistor counts: the i3-6100 packs 1,400 million transistors on a 150 mm² die, while the i7-860 uses 774 million transistors on a larger 296 mm² die.

Core configuration is the other major divide. The i3-6100 is a dual-core with Hyper-Threading, offering 2 cores and 4 threads. The i7-860 is a true quad-core with Hyper-Threading, providing 4 cores and 8 threads. This doubling of execution resources is why the older chip wins all multi-threaded tests despite its older architecture.

Clock speeds tell a different story. The i3-6100 has a 3.70 GHz base clock with no boost capability. The i7-860 runs at 2.80 GHz base but can boost up to 3.47 GHz. The newer chip's higher sustained clock helps it close the gap in single-threaded workloads, but the i7-860 still wins those tests by a margin.

Platform support differs completely. The i3-6100 uses Intel Socket 1151 with PCIe Gen 3 (16 lanes) and DDR4 memory. The i7-860 uses Intel Socket 1156 with PCIe Gen 2 (16 lanes) and DDR3 memory. The i3-6100 also includes integrated graphics, which the i7-860 lacks entirely. These platform differences mean upgrading to either CPU requires a different motherboard and memory kit.

Both CPUs have identical L1 and L2 cache layouts: 64 KB per core for L1 and 256 KB per core for L2. The L3 cache is where they diverge, with the i7-860 offering 8 MB versus the i3-6100's 4 MB. Neither processor supports ECC memory, and both have locked multipliers, so overclocking is not officially supported.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the i7-860 wins all five head-to-head tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-860 scores 259 against the i3-6100's 224, a delta of -13.5%. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows a similar pattern: 1081 versus 934, again -13.6%. The R23 multi-core test puts the i7-860 at 2574 and the i3-6100 at 2226, a -13.5% difference.

Single-threaded results are closer but still favor the older chip. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the i7-860 scores 152 versus the i3-6100's 131, a -13.8% delta. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 363 for the i7-860 and 314 for the i3-6100, a -13.5% margin. This is notable because the i3-6100's newer architecture and higher base clock do not overcome the i7-860's boost clock and larger cache.

The overall average benchmark scores confirm this parity. The i3-6100 averages 888 points, while the i7-860 averages 886 points. Both CPUs sit at the 24th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The nearest rival list for each includes the other, with the i3-6100 showing a 0.2% delta over the i7-860, while the i7-860 shows a -0.3% delta versus the i3-6100.

Interestingly, the i3-6100 has Geekbench scores that the i7-860 lacks. The i3-6100 scores 1605 in Geekbench multi-core and 785 in single-core. These results are not directly comparable since the i7-860 has no Geekbench entries, but they provide context for the newer chip's performance profile.

The Verdict

The data makes a clear case: the i7-860 is the faster processor for raw compute workloads. It wins every benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, with margins consistently around 13.5-13.8%. For users who prioritize multi-threaded performance, the older chip is the better choice despite its age.

However, the i3-6100 is the more practical purchase for a new build. It is still in active production, uses a modern socket with DDR4 support, includes integrated graphics, and draws significantly less power. The i7-860 is end-of-life, requires a legacy platform, and has no integrated graphics, meaning a discrete GPU is mandatory.

Users who already own a Socket 1156 motherboard and DDR3 memory could find the i7-860 a worthwhile upgrade. Users building fresh should consider the i3-6100's platform benefits, but must accept that it will trail the i7-860 in sustained multi-threaded workloads. The 51W TDP of the i3-6100 also makes it easier to cool, which matters in small form factor builds.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-6100 | Intel Core i7-860 |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 2 | 4 |

| Threads | 4 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 3.70 GHz | 2.80 GHz |

| Boost Clock | None | 3.47 GHz |

| TDP | 51W | 95W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel Socket 1156 |

| Architecture | Skylake | Nehalem |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 45 nm |

| Transistors | 1,400 million | 774 million |

| Die Size | 150 mm² | 296 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 34.1 GB/s | Not specified |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes | Gen 2, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 530 | None |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2015-08-31 | 2009-09-07 |

Where Each One Wins

The i7-860 wins every directly comparable benchmark. Its 4-core, 8-thread configuration delivers superior results in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests. It also wins single-core tests in R20 and R23, thanks to its boost clock and larger L3 cache. This makes it the better choice for rendering, video encoding, and other multi-threaded workloads where the extra cores can be fully utilized.

The i3-6100 wins on platform and efficiency rather than raw performance. Its 51W TDP versus 95W for the i7-860 means lower heat output and potentially quieter operation. It supports DDR4 memory with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth, which is essential for modern motherboards. The integrated Intel HD 530 graphics means a system can run without a discrete GPU, useful for basic desktop use or troubleshooting. Its active production status ensures availability, and the Socket 1151 platform offers a clear upgrade path to newer Intel processors.

For users who already have a Socket 1156 board with DDR3 memory, the i7-860 is the pick. For users assembling a new system, the i3-6100 offers modern features and efficiency, but they must accept that it will lag the i7-860 by roughly 13.5% in most compute benchmarks. The choice comes down to whether platform longevity or raw compute wins matters more.