Core i3-8100 vs Core i5-6500
Performance score
Core i3-8100 is 5% faster than Core i5-6500 by our estimate.
Both CPUs use the same socket (LGA1151), so you can swap one for the other on the same board (check BIOS support).
The score is our own estimate from the specs (cores, threads, clocks, architecture generation), not a benchmark run. 100 = the fastest CPU in our database.
Real tests
What the test measures
Blender is a popular free 3D graphics program. The test makes the device render three ready-made 3D scenes (light, shadows, reflections) and counts how many render passes it finishes per minute. The higher the number, the faster the device handles heavy work: 3D, video editing, photo processing. On a CPU the test loads all cores at once, so it shows the chip's full power; on a graphics card it shows its compute strength.
Median of real test runs on users' computers. It does not show FPS in games. Data updated: 31.10.2026.
Overview
| Core i3-8100 | Core i5-6500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Score (0–100) | 16.2 | 15.42 |
| Ranking position | 468 | 470 |
| Power efficiency (0–100) | 13.02 | 12.4 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake | Skylake |
| Release date | Q4 2017 | Q3 2015 |
Specifications
| Core i3-8100 | Core i5-6500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 6 MB |
| Process node | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Unlocked multiplier | no | no |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| NPU (AI accelerator) | no | no |
Compatibility
| Core i3-8100 | Core i5-6500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| TDP | 65 W | 65 W |
Memory and PCI Express
| Core i3-8100 | Core i5-6500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-1866/2133 |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max memory | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| PCI Express version | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Pros and cons
Core i3-8100
- 5% higher overall score
- newer: released in 2017
Core i5-6500
- no notable advantages
Other comparisons
Preliminary data: specs are still being checked against the manufacturer's website.
Visitor rating
Questions and comments
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