Core i5-6500 vs Core i7-3820QM

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 i5-6500 vs Core i7-3820QM 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 i5-6500 vs Core i7-3820QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6500

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3820QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,600 vs 5,607).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $239 MSRP, while Core i7-3820QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-3820QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-6500 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3820QM better than Core i5-6500?

Yes. Core i7-3820QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3820QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.4% 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 i7-3820QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-3820QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3820QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $239 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6500 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (23.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-6500 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 i5-6500 vs Core i7-3820QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-6500

The Core i5-6500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 July 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,600 points. Launch price was $192.

Core i7-3820QM

The Core i7-3820QM 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,607 points. Launch price was $498.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6500 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3820QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-6500 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3820QM — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-3820QM (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-6500 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3820QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6500 scores 5,600 against the Core i7-3820QM's 5,607 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-3820QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3820QM.

Feature	Core i5-6500	Core i7-3820QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.7 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+19%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,600	5,607
Geekbench 6 Single	—	604

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6500 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3820QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-6500	Core i7-3820QM
Socket	LGA1151	PGA988
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: not specified (Core i5-6500) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820QM). The Core i7-3820QM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-6500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3820QM targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820QM rivals A10-4600M.