CPU
GPU
Core i5-6500TE
Core i3-7350K
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 i5-6500TE is positioned at rank 671 and the Core i3-7350K is on rank 636, so the Core i3-7350K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6500TE
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7350K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6500TE | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) | ✅ More affordable ($45) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6500TE | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+32%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) | ✅ More affordable ($45) |
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 i5-6500TE and Core i3-7350K
Core i5-6500TE
The Core i5-6500TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 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: 4,917 points. Launch price was $192.
Core i3-7350K
The Core i3-7350K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,886 points. Launch price was $179.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6500TE packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7350K offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-6500TE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6500TE versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-7350K — a 24% clock advantage for the Core i3-7350K (base: 2.3 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Core i5-6500TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-7350K uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6500TE scores 4,917 against the Core i3-7350K's 4,886 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-6500TE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500TE vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7350K.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.2 GHz+27% |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 4.2 GHz+83% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total)+50% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,917 | 4,886 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 3,100 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,298 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,740 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-6500TE) / true (Core i3-7350K). The Core i3-7350K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-6500TE requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 630 |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6500TE launched at $192 MSRP, while the Core i3-7350K debuted at $179. At current prices ($60 vs $45), the Core i3-7350K is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6500TE delivers 82.0 pts/$ vs 108.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-7350K — making the Core i3-7350K the 28% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | Core i3-7350K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192 | $179-7% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60 | $45-25% |
| Performance per Dollar | 82.0 | 108.6+32% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2017 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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