Core i5-3570K 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 i5-3570K 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 i5-3570K 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 i5-3570K

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-6500TE needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-6500TE.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.1 vs 25.6 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌120% higher power demand at 77W vs 35W.

Core i5-6500TE

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $33 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 15.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.6 vs 22.1 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 77W, a 42W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3570K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,917 vs 4,971).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3570K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3570K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3570K better than Core i5-6500TE?

Yes. Core i5-3570K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3570K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3570K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3570K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3570K comes in 17.2% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6500TE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 15.9% better value on paper (25.6 vs 22.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i5-6500TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3570K vs Core i5-6500TE Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3570K

The Core i5-3570K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,971 points. Launch price was $235.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3570K and Core i5-6500TE share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570K versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6500TE — a 14.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-3570K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-3570K uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6500TE uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3570K scores 4,971 against the Core i5-6500TE's 4,917 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-3570K. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3570K	Core i5-6500TE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+15%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+48%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,971+1%	4,917
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3570K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6500TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3570K	Core i5-6500TE
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-3570K) / not specified (Core i5-6500TE). The Core i5-3570K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-6500TE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570K targets Legacy Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570K rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-3570K	Core i5-6500TE
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Legacy Gaming Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3570K was priced at $225, while the Core i5-6500TE came in at $192. On launch pricing ($225 vs $192), Core i5-6500TE was $33 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3570K delivers 22.1 pts/$ vs 25.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-6500TE — making the Core i5-6500TE the 14.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3570K	Core i5-6500TE
MSRP	$225	$192-15%
Performance per Dollar	22.1	25.6+16%
Release Date	2012	2015

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