Core i5-6500 vs Xeon E3-1220 v6

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 Xeon E3-1220 v6 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 Xeon E3-1220 v6: 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

✅Better for gaming: +9.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $133 less on MSRP ($239 MSRP vs $372 MSRP).
✅Delivers 56.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.4 vs 15.0 PassMark/$ ($239 MSRP vs $372 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 72W, a 7W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Xeon E3-1220 v6

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-6500 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,589 vs 5,600).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.0 vs 23.4 PassMark/$ ($372 MSRP vs $239 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6500 better than Xeon E3-1220 v6?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 v6 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-6500 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-6500 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.5% 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 i5-6500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-6500 is the better buy right now. Core i5-6500 comes in $133 cheaper on MSRP at $239 MSRP versus $372 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 56.0% better value on MSRP (23.4 vs 15.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E3-1220 v6 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6500 vs Xeon E3-1220 v6 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.

Xeon E3-1220 v6

The Xeon E3-1220 v6 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 March 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 72 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400, DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,589 points. Launch price was $193.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-6500 and Xeon E3-1220 v6 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-6500 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 v6 — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-6500 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-6500 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6500 scores 5,600 against the Xeon E3-1220 v6's 5,589 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-6500. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500 vs 8 MB on the Xeon E3-1220 v6.

Feature	Core i5-6500	Xeon E3-1220 v6
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+7%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	5,600	5,589

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i5-6500	Xeon E3-1220 v6
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6500 was priced at $239, while the Xeon E3-1220 v6 came in at $372. On launch pricing ($239 vs $372), Core i5-6500 was $133 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6500 delivers 23.4 pts/$ vs 15.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220 v6 — making the Core i5-6500 the 43.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6500	Xeon E3-1220 v6
MSRP	$239-36%	$372
Performance per Dollar	23.4+56%	15.0
Release Date	2015	2017

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