Intel’s new sixth-gen processor provides lower speeds than its older twin

Although Intel is in the midst of slowly rolling out its seventh-generation “Kaby Lake” processor lineup, the company hasn’t abandoned its previous-generation “Skylake” platform. In fact, Intel just released a fresh new processor for its sixth-generation family, the Core i3-6006U, but the chip is clocked lower in speed than the near-identical Core i3-6100U model launched in the third quarter of 2015. Both focus on laptops and other mobile computing devices, yet despite their speed differences, they share the same recommended price of $281.

Here is a comparison of the two:

Of course, this table is a watered-down, combined version of the details listed on the individual product pages. But upon close examination each set of hardware specifications, the two processors are identical save for the base clock speeds and the maximum integrated graphics clock speeds. Thus, given that both products feature the same price point, you must wonder why Intel is now offering a new chip at slower speeds for the same cost.

What could be going on here is that Intel is offering notebook manufacturers a solution that saves on the overall battery use. Sure, both parts draw 15 watts of power maximum from the battery, but a slightly lowered clock in computing and rendering can equal to a slightly longer battery life because the chip isn’t hitting that 15-watt ceiling. Then again, a slightly cheaper price point would seemingly be in order for the newer chip. Perhaps Intel hasn’t adjusted the pricing on the older model just yet.

Regardless, just for kicks, here is a bit more on what consumers can expect graphics-wise from a laptop relying on either processor’s internal GPU component: