Core i3-6300
CPU·Budget

Core i3-6300

Intel

PassMark

4,331

MSRP

$147

AVG Price

$99

1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
51 Watt
Skylake (2015−2016)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i3-6300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,331 points. Launch price was $147.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-6300

#768
Core i9-10900
MSRP: $483|Avg: $426
103%
#769
Athlon 64 FX-72
MSRP: $799|Avg: $40
103%
#770
Ryzen Embedded V1605B
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
102%
#771
Celeron 430
MSRP: $49|Avg: $10
102%
#772
Core i9-10900K
MSRP: $499|Avg: $500
102%
#773
Celeron G4930
MSRP: $42|Avg: $57
102%
#774
Phenom X4 9750B
MSRP: $215|Avg: $34
102%
#775
Ryzen 7 2700E
MSRP: $329|Avg: $329
102%
#776
Core i5-6402P
MSRP: $182|Avg: $120
102%
#777
Ryzen Embedded V2516
MSRP: $300|Avg: $300
102%
#778
Core i5-3550S
MSRP: $205|Avg: $100
102%
#779
Ryzen Threadripper 9970X
MSRP: $2499|Avg: $2442
101%
#780
Core i9-14901E
MSRP: $557|Avg: $689
101%
#781
Celeron G5900T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $50
100%
#782
Athlon X4 730
MSRP: $60|Avg: $52
100%
#783
Core i3-6300
MSRP: $147|Avg: $99
100%
#784
Core i5-760
MSRP: $230|Avg: $61
100%
#785
Celeron G6900TE
MSRP: $53|Avg: $64
99%
#786
Core i5-8600T
MSRP: $213|Avg: $213
99%
#787
Celeron G4950
MSRP: $52|Avg: $63
98%
#788
Athlon 64 FX-53
MSRP: $799|Avg: $15
98%
#789
Core i9-10900E
MSRP: $488|Avg: $450
98%
#790
Xeon E5-2608L v4
MSRP: $363|Avg: $174
98%
#791
Core i7-9700KF
MSRP: $374|Avg: $333
98%
#792
Pentium E5500
MSRP: $75|Avg: $25
97%
#793
Pentium G3450T
MSRP: $75|Avg: $45
97%
#794
Phenom II X4 820
MSRP: $150|Avg: $50
97%
#795
Core 2 Quad Q6700
MSRP: $530|Avg: $50
96%
#796
Pentium G4560
MSRP: $64|Avg: $85
95%
#797
Pentium Dual-Core E2220
MSRP: $32|Avg: $32
95%
#798
Core i5-8400T
MSRP: $182|Avg: $179
95%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-6300 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i3-6300 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 3.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,331, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore i3-6300
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSkylake (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor150 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 × 8 GT/s
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score4,331
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6300 fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

SpecificationCore i3-6300
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1151
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-6300 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 51 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationCore i3-6300
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload51 Watt
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $99 (MSRP: $147), the Core i3-6300 delivers 44 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1967 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i3-6300
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$147
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$99
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$147
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1967
Release DateLaunch date1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core i3-6300

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