Core i5-6500T vs N200

Intel

Core i5-6500T

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

N200

4 Cores4 Thrd6 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2023
Similar parts
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Core i5-6500T vs N200 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-6500T vs N200 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 i5-6500T vs N200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6500T

2015

Why buy it

  • +0.7% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $76 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $193 MSRP).
  • Delivers 66.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 40.7 vs 24.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $193 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while N200 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.
  • Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while N200 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

N200

2023

Why buy it

  • Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.
  • Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (4,729 vs 4,764).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.5 vs 40.7 PassMark/$ ($193 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6500T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is N200 better than Core i5-6500T?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, N200 is ahead with a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6500T pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6500T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
N200 is still the much better call for a fresh build. N200 comes in 65.0% more expensive on MSRP at $193 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6500T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 66.2% better value on paper (40.7 vs 24.5 PassMark/$), 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?
N200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2015) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-6500T vs N200 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-6500T

The Core i5-6500T 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 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: 4,764 points. Launch price was $192.

Intel

N200

The N200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 4,729 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-6500T and N200 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-6500T versus 3.7 GHz on the N200 — a 17.6% clock advantage for the N200. The Core i5-6500T is built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-6500T scores 4,764 against the N200's 4,729 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-6500T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500T vs 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N200.

FeatureCore i5-6500TN200
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.1 GHz
3.7 GHz+19%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm
Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
4,764
4,729
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6500T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the N200 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-6500TN200
Socket
LGA1151
FCBGA1264
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6500T) / not specified (N200). The Core i5-6500T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the N200 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6500T targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i5-6500TN200
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6500T was priced at $117, while the N200 came in at $193. On launch pricing ($117 vs $193), Core i5-6500T was $76 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6500T delivers 40.7 pts/$ vs 24.5 pts/$ for the N200 — making the Core i5-6500T the 49.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-6500TN200
MSRP
$117-39%
$193
Performance per Dollar
40.7+66%
24.5
Release Date
2015
2023

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