Core i3-7350K vs Core i5-6500TE
Core i3-7350K
Core i5-6500TE
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-7350K is positioned at rank 636 and the Core i5-6500TE is on rank 671, so the Core i3-7350K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7350K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6500TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7350K | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($45) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7350K | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+32%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($45) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-7350K and Core i5-6500TE
Core i3-7350K
The Core i3-7350K 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 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,886 points. Launch price was $179.
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 i3-7350K 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 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-7350K versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6500TE — a 24% clock advantage for the Core i3-7350K (base: 4.2 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-7350K uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-6500TE uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7350K scores 4,886 against the Core i5-6500TE's 4,917 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-6500TE. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7350K vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500TE.
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+27% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+83% | 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 | 4,886 | 4,917 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,100 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,298 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,740 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | 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 | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i3-7350K) / not specified (Core i5-6500TE). The Core i3-7350K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-6500TE requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 630 | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7350K launched at $179 MSRP, while the Core i5-6500TE debuted at $192. At current prices ($45 vs $60), the Core i3-7350K is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7350K delivers 108.6 pts/$ vs 82.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-6500TE — making the Core i3-7350K the 28% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $179-7% | $192 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $45-25% | $60 |
| Performance per Dollar | 108.6+32% | 82.0 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2015 |
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