How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i5-6600K scores 25.4/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 4 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-6600K wins 6.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-8100 and the Intel Core i5-6600K?

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 29% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 91 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $242. Intel Core i5-6600K advantages: Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-8100 or Intel Core i5-6600K?

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $242 for the Intel Core i5-6600K.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i5-6600K

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-6600K

$242

26.3Single-core29

23.7Multi-core24

21.9Gaming23.8

4 spec wins — Intel Core i3-81006 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6600K

InnoReviews verdict

This one is close to a dead heat: Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24 against 25.4 for Intel Core i5-6600K. Pick by the categories that matter to you — Intel Core i5-6600K edges ahead in Single-core and gaming, or by price.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-8100

29% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 91 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $242

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-6600K

Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-6600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-6600K
Announced	2017	2015
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1151
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Base TDP	65 W+29%	91 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-6600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-6600K
Cores	4	4
Performance cores	4	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	4
Base clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	3.9 GHz+8%
L2 cache	1 MB	1 MB
L3 cache	6 MB	6 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-6600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-6600K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 530
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,150 MHz+5%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-6600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-6600K
Memory support	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600
Max memory	64 GB	64 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-6600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-6600K
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-6600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-6600K
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200	1,300+8%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350	3,350
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,110
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800	4,050+7%
PassMark	6,100	6,400+5%

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