Intel Core i3-6157U
The Intel Core i3-6157U is a dual-core SoC based on the Skylake architecture and has been launched in September 2015. The CPU can be found in medium-sized ultrabooks as well as normal notebooks. In addition to two CPU cores with Hyper-Threading clocked at 2.4 GHz (no Turbo Boost), the chip also integrates an Iris Graphics 550 GPU with 64 MB of eDRAM memory as well as a dual-channel DDR4-2133/DDR3L-1600 memory controller. The SoC is manufactured using a 14 nm process with FinFET transistors.
Architecture
Skylake replaces both Haswell and Broadwell and brings the same microarchitecture in every TDP class from 4.5 to 45 W. The extensive improvements of the Skylake design include increased out-of-order buffers, optimized prefetching and branch prediction as well as additional performance gains through Hyper-Threading. Overall, however, performance per clock has been increased by only 5 to 10 percent (compared to Haswell) respectively under 5 percent (compard to Broadwell), which is quite modest for a new architecture ("Tock").
Furthermore, the organisation of the eDRAM cache has been modified. Instead of acting like a victim cache, which has to be adressed via the L3/LLC, the eDRAM can now be adressed directly by programms just like the main memory. The size is still 128 MB for the quad-core models (4C + GT4e), while the dual-core chips (2C + GT3e) only offer 64 MB.
Performance
According to the specified clock rates and the improved architecture, the Core i3-6157U should perform similar to a Core i3-5157U (Broadwell, 15 W). Thus, the CPU has sufficient power for office and multimedia purposes as well as more demanding applications and multitasking.
Graphics
The integrated graphics unit called Iris Graphics 550 represents the "GT3e" version of the Skylake GPU (Intel Gen. 9). The 48 Execution Units, also called EUs, are clocked at 350 - 1000 MHz and offer (thanks to the fast eDRAM cache) a performance similar to a dedicated GeForce 930M. Games of 2015 can thus be played smoothly in low or medium settings. For more information about performance and features, check our page for the Iris Graphics 550.
Power Consumption
Specified at a TDP of 28 W (including CPU, GPU and memory controller), the CPU is best suited for medium-sized notebooks (13-inches and above). Optionally, the TDP can be lowered to 23 watts (cTDP down), reducing both heat dissipation and performance.
| Codename | Skylake | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Series | Intel Core i3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Series: Core i3 Skylake
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| Clock Rate | 2400 MHz | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 Cache | 128 KB | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 2 Cache | 512 KB | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 3 Cache | 3 MB | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Power Consumption (TDP = Thermal Design Power) | 28 Watt | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing Technology | 14 nm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Max. Temperature | 100 °C | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Socket | BGA | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Features | Dual-Channel DDR3L-1600/DDR4-2133 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, AVX2, Quick Sync, Virtualization, AES-NI | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GPU | Intel Iris Graphics 550 (300 - 1000 MHz) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 64 Bit | 64 Bit support | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Architecture | x86 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting Price | $304 U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Announcement Date | 09/01/2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Product Link (external) | ark.intel.com | ||||||||||||||||||||
Benchmarks
- Average benchmark values for this graphics card* Smaller numbers mean a higher performance
Reviews for the Intel Core i3-6157U processor
Chuwi CoreBook Pro 13: Intel Iris Graphics 550, 13.30", 1.3 kg
External Review » Chuwi CoreBook Pro 13
Acer Aspire E15 E5-575-36N6: Intel Iris Graphics 550, 15.60", 2.4 kg
External Review » Acer Aspire E15 E5-575-36N6
Acer Aspire V3-372-34W8: Intel Iris Graphics 550, 13.30", 1.5 kg
External Review » Acer Aspire V3-372-34W8
Medion Akoya E6432-MD99970: Intel Iris Graphics 550, 15.60", 2.3 kg
External Review » Medion Akoya E6432-MD99970
