Intel Core i3-6100 vs Intel Core i5-2500K
The Intel Core i5-2500K is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 3%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i3-6100 | Intel Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 33/100 | 34/100 |
| Tier | D | D |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 2 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 51 W | 95 W |
| Release year | 2015 | 2011 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i5-2500K is the better buy — it holds a 3% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The Intel Core i5-2500K has more cores (4 vs 2), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i3-6100 runs 44W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.