CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8600T vs Intel Core i3-8100
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-8600T is a low-power, six-core desktop processor introduced as part of the 8th Generation Coffee Lake lineup, designed specifically for small form factor (SFF) systems and mini PCs where thermal constraints are strict.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office applications, large spreadsheets, and multitasking without issues.
The lack of Hyper-Threading severely limits performance in heavily threaded office applications compared to newer 8-thread budget chips.
Gaming
Capable of light eSports gaming using integrated graphics, but not suited for AAA titles.
Paired with a strong discrete GPU, it can still handle older eSports titles, but modern AAA games will be heavily CPU bottlenecked.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs, but lacks Hyper-Threading for heavy parallel workloads.
4 threads is the absolute minimum for running a modern OS and a single light virtual machine.
Efficiency
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for low-power segments.
The 14nm process is power-hungry compared to modern 7nm or 5nm alternatives, drawing 65W for modest performance.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Low core clocks limit CPU-based inference
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Lacks AVX-512
- Far too slow for any practical AI inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- UHD 630 handles older or lightweight games well
- Pairs best with discrete GPUs for 1080p gaming
- Not ideal for high-refresh-rate AAA gaming
- Requires a dedicated GPU for any gaming
- Fixed clock speed prevents single-thread boosts
- 4 cores are becoming the bare minimum for modern games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- 6 physical cores for multitasking
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630
- Runs exceptionally cool
- Quiet operation potential
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.3 GHz
- No Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- End-of-life platform
- Limited upgrade path
Pros
- Historically significant for bringing 4 cores to the i3 tier
- Very cheap on the used market
- Low 65W TDP is easy to cool
- UHD 630 iGPU is sufficient for basic display tasks
- Stable, mature platform with abundant used motherboards
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading (4 cores, 4 threads only)
- No Turbo Boost (fixed 3.6 GHz clock)
- DDR4 memory speed artificially capped at 2400 MT/s
- Outdated 14nm architecture with poor efficiency
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-8600T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GERival
Low Power Desktop
Better raw performance if power constraints are not a strict issue.
Compare head-to-headCheaper alternative for basic office needs.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GAlt
Significantly better integrated graphics performance.
Newer generation with slightly higher boost clocks.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i3-8100
- AMD Ryzen 3 1200Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GRival
Budget Desktop APU
- Intel Pentium Gold G5400Rival
Entry Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1400Rival
Mid-Range Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7400Rival
Previous Gen Mid-Range
A drop-in replacement (with a BIOS update) that adds Hyper-Threading for 8 threads and much higher clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Alt
Offers SMT (8 threads) and a modern upgrade path to Ryzen 5000 series.
If staying on the exact same platform, the 8400 offers 6 cores for much better multitasking.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
A massively faster 12-thread CPU that redefines budget performance.
The current king of budget computing, offering IPC gains that make the 8100 look stationary.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An efficient 6-core chip that trades raw clock speed for a strict 35W thermal envelope, making it perfect for compact systems but less ideal for heavy workloads.
Best for: Building or upgrading a low-power, small form factor system where a 35W TDP is strictly required.
Read the full reviewA landmark chip in 2017 for bringing quad-core computing to the masses, but thoroughly outclassed by modern budget processors in every metric.
Best for: The only justifiable scenario for purchasing an Intel Core i3-8100 today is if you are repairing an existing LGA 1151 v2 system (like an office PC or a hand-me-down) and can find the CPU for under $20 on the used market. Even then, you must consider that the 8100 lacks Hyper-Threading, which severely limits its longevity in modern operating systems that are increasingly optimized for 8 or more threads. If you are building a new system, even the absolute cheapest new motherboard and CPU combo from AMD or Intel's 12th/13th gen will offer exponentially better performance, efficiency, and platform features like PCIe 4.0 or DDR5. Do not buy this CPU for gaming, as the lack of Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading will cause severe stuttering in modern titles compared to a modern Ryzen 3.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8600T or Intel Core i3-8100?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-8600T comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-8600T or Intel Core i3-8100?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8600T leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-8600T and Intel Core i3-8100.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-8600T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-8600T (35 W), Intel Core i3-8100 (65 W).
Do Intel Core i5-8600T and Intel Core i3-8100 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8600T: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i3-8100: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-8600T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-8600T (6 cores), Intel Core i3-8100 (4 cores).