Core i3-7320 vs Core i5-6500TE

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.

Core i3-7320 vs Core i5-6500TE FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-7320 vs Core i5-6500TE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-7320

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $93 less on MSRP ($99 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅Delivers 90.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 48.8 vs 25.6 PassMark/$ ($99 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-6500TE needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,831 vs 4,917).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌45.7% higher power demand at 51W vs 35W.

Core i5-6500TE

2015

Why buy it

✅+1.8% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 51W, a 16W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7320 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.6 vs 48.8 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $99 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7320 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-7320.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7320 better than Core i5-6500TE?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7320 is ahead with a 11.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6500TE pulls ahead with 1.8% better PassMark. Core i5-6500TE also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6500TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-7320 is the better buy right now. Core i3-7320 comes in $93 cheaper on MSRP at $99 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-6500TE is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.8% better PassMark. It is also 90.5% better value on MSRP (48.8 vs 25.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-7320 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7320 vs Core i5-6500TE Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-7320

The Core i3-7320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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: 4,831 points. Launch price was $157.

Core i5-6500TE

The Core i5-6500TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,917 points. Launch price was $192.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-7320 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-6500TE offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-6500TE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-7320 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6500TE — a 21.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-7320 (base: 4.1 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-7320 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-6500TE uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7320 scores 4,831 against the Core i5-6500TE's 4,917 — a 1.8% lead for the Core i5-6500TE. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7320 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500TE.

Feature	Core i3-7320	Core i5-6500TE
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+24%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	4.1 GHz+78%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,831	4,917+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,388	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-7320	Core i5-6500TE
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7320) / not specified (Core i5-6500TE). The Core i3-7320 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-6500TE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7320 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7320 rivals Ryzen 3 1300X.

Feature	Core i3-7320	Core i5-6500TE
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7320 was priced at $99, while the Core i5-6500TE came in at $192. On launch pricing ($99 vs $192), Core i3-7320 was $93 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7320 delivers 48.8 pts/$ vs 25.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-6500TE — making the Core i3-7320 the 62.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7320	Core i5-6500TE
MSRP	$99-48%	$192
Performance per Dollar	48.8+91%	25.6
Release Date	2017	2015

Search Core i3-7320 on Amazon

Search Core i5-6500TE on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.