Core i5-6500 vs Opteron 6238
Core i5-6500
Opteron 6238
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 i5-6500 is positioned at rank 715 and the Opteron 6238 is on rank 61, so the Opteron 6238 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6500
Performance Per Dollar Opteron 6238
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6500 | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($123) | ✅ More affordable ($118) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Interlagos (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6500 | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+5%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($123) | ✅ More affordable ($118) |
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 i5-6500 and Opteron 6238
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.
Opteron 6238
The Opteron 6238 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,625 points. Launch price was $455.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6500 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Opteron 6238 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Opteron 6238 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-6500 versus 3.2 GHz on the Opteron 6238 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-6500 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-6500 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Opteron 6238 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6500 scores 5,600 against the Opteron 6238's 5,625 — a 0.4% lead for the Opteron 6238. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500 vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6238.
| Feature | Core i5-6500 | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 12 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+12% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+23% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB (per module)+700% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Interlagos (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 5,600 | 5,625 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6500 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6238 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-6500 | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | G34 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6500 launched at $239 MSRP, while the Opteron 6238 debuted at $455. At current prices ($123 vs $118), the Opteron 6238 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6500 delivers 45.5 pts/$ vs 47.7 pts/$ for the Opteron 6238 — making the Opteron 6238 the 4.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6500 | Opteron 6238 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $239-47% | $455 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $123 | $118-4% |
| Performance per Dollar | 45.5 | 47.7+5% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2011 |
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