Core i5-6200U vs Pentium Silver

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 i5-6200U vs Pentium Silver 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 i5-6200U vs Pentium Silver: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6200U

2015

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 520, while Pentium Silver needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Pentium Silver across 47 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Pentium Silver

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.9% higher average FPS across 47 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,989 vs 2,990).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6200U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6200U better than Pentium Silver?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium Silver is ahead with a 11.9% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6200U pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6200U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-6200U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-6200U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0% better PassMark.

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

Pentium Silver makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6200U vs Pentium Silver Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-6200U

The Core i5-6200U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,990 points. Launch price was $281.

Pentium Silver

The Pentium Silver is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 2,989 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6200U is built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-6200U scores 2,990 against the Pentium Silver's 2,989 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-6200U.

Feature	Core i5-6200U	Pentium Silver
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB	—
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	14 nm	—
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	—
PassMark	2,990	2,989
Geekbench 6 Single	946	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6200U) / not specified (Pentium Silver). The Core i5-6200U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 520), while the Pentium Silver requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6200U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6200U rivals A12-9700P.