Intel Core i3-6100

Intel Core i3-6100: Outdated, but Still Useful? A Detailed Review in 2025
The Relevance of the Budget Skylake Processor Nearly a Decade Later
Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance
The Intel Core i3-6100 processor, released in 2015, belongs to the Skylake generation. Despite its age, its specifications still attract the attention of enthusiasts looking for budget builds.
- Architecture and Manufacturing Process: 14-nm technology, LGA 1151 socket.
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.
- Base Frequency: 3.7 GHz (without Turbo Boost).
- Cache: 3 MB L3 + 512 KB L2.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 530 (base frequency 350 MHz, max 1050 MHz).
- Power Consumption: TDP of 51 W.
Performance:
- In Geekbench 6 (2025), the processor scores 1187 points in single-threaded tests and 2317 in multi-threaded tests. For comparison, the modern Intel Core i3-12100 (2023) scores ~2400 (Single) and ~9000 (Multi).
- Key Features: Support for DDR4, PCIe 3.0, hardware video acceleration (HEVC 8-bit), virtualization technology VT-x.
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
The processor uses the LGA 1151 (v1) socket. Suitable chipsets include:
- H110: Budget option (no USB 3.1, maximum of 2 RAM slots).
- B150: Basic features + support for M.2 (NVMe via adapters).
- H170/Z170: Enhanced capabilities (more PCIe lanes, RAM overclocking on Z170).
Selection Features in 2025:
- New motherboards for LGA 1151 v1 are scarcely produced. Prices for leftovers start at $70-90 (for example, ASUS H110M-K).
- It is important to check the BIOS version: some motherboards require an update to work with Skylake.
Memory: DDR4 and Beyond
The Core i3-6100 supports:
- DDR4-2133 (officially) and DDR3L-1600 (with reduced voltage of 1.35 V).
- Maximum capacity: 64 GB (but for a budget build, 8-16 GB is sufficient).
Recommendations:
- DDR4 is preferred due to higher bandwidth.
- Example: 8 GB DDR4-2133 (Crucial CT8G4DFS8213) — $25-30.
Power Supply: Minimum Expense
With a TDP of 51 W, the processor does not require a powerful PSU:
- For systems without a discrete graphics card: a 300-350 W power supply is sufficient (for example, be quiet! System Power 10 — $45).
- With a GPU like the GTX 1650: models 400-450 W are recommended (EVGA 450 BR — $55).
Important: Cheap "noname" power supplies may operate unstably with modern storage devices (e.g., NVMe SSDs via adapters).
Pros and Cons of i3-6100 in 2025
Pros:
- Low price (new units — $50-70).
- Energy efficiency.
- Integrated graphics for basic tasks.
- Support for DDR4 and PCIe 3.0.
Cons:
- Only 2 cores: potential slowdowns during multitasking (e.g., streaming + gaming).
- No support for PCIe 4.0/5.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2.
- Outdated instructions: lack of AVX2, limited support for AI workloads.
Use Cases: Where is it Still Relevant?
1. Office Tasks: Working with documents, browsers (10-15 tabs), Zoom.
2. Multimedia: Watching 4K videos (via hardware decoding), streaming Netflix.
3. Light Gaming:
- CS:GO — 60 FPS on medium settings (720p).
- Minecraft — 40-50 FPS (1080p, integrated graphics).
4. Home Server: NAS or media center based on Proxmox/Plex.
Practical Example: A user built a PC with an i3-6100 + 16 GB DDR4 + 500 GB SSD for studies. The system handles simultaneous work in Word, a browser, and Telegram, but experiences lag when launching a virtual machine.
Comparison with Competitors
- AMD Athlon 3000G (2020): 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3. Cheaper ($60), but weaker in Single-Core performance (Geekbench 6: ~900).
- Intel Core i3-10100 (2020): 4 cores/8 threads, UHD 630. Priced at $80-100 in the second-hand market.
- Market in 2025: New budget CPUs (e.g., Ryzen 3 8300G) offer 3-4 times higher performance for $120-150.
Conclusion: The i3-6100 falls behind modern counterparts but remains suitable for ultra-budget builds.
Building Tips
1. Motherboard: Look for models with M.2 (can connect NVMe via PCIe adapter). Example: ASRock B150M Pro4S.
2. Memory: 8 GB DDR4 is the minimum, 16 GB is comfortable.
3. Storage: An SSD is a must (Kingston A400 480 GB — $35).
4. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation, replace it with a Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 V2 ($20).
5. Upgrade: Adding a GPU (GTX 1650) will turn the system into a basic gaming PC.
Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the i3-6100?
This processor should only be considered in cases such as:
- Ultra-Budget Builds: When the budget is limited to $200-300.
- Temporary Solution: For example, while waiting for discounts on modern components.
- Retro PC Enthusiasts: Building systems on older hardware for experimentation.
Alternative for 2025: For $120-150, one can buy a new Ryzen 3 8300G or Intel Core i3-13100F, which are significantly more powerful. However, if the i3-6100 is acquired for free or at a nominal price — it can still serve a purpose!
Prices are valid as of April 2025. Information is based on data from publicly available sources and user experiences.