Core i5-6500TE vs Core i5-7442EQ

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 i5-6500TE vs Core i5-7442EQ 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 i5-6500TE vs Core i5-7442EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6500TE

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $58 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 32.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.6 vs 19.3 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌40% higher power demand at 35W vs 25W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7442EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-7442EQ

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 35W, a 10W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-6500TE needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,834 vs 4,917).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.3 vs 25.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6500TE better than Core i5-7442EQ?

Yes. Core i5-6500TE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-6500TE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 i5-6500TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-6500TE is the better buy right now. Core i5-6500TE comes in $58 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 32.4% better value on MSRP (25.6 vs 19.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-7442EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6500TE vs Core i5-7442EQ Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-7442EQ

The Core i5-7442EQ 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 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,834 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-6500TE and Core i5-7442EQ share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6500TE versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i5-7442EQ — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-6500TE. The Core i5-6500TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-7442EQ uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6500TE scores 4,917 against the Core i5-7442EQ's 4,834 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i5-6500TE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500TE vs 6 MB on the Core i5-7442EQ.

Feature	Core i5-6500TE	Core i5-7442EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+57%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	4,917+2%	4,834
Geekbench 6 Single	—	728
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,387

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-6500TE) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7442EQ). The Core i5-7442EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-6500TE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7442EQ targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i5-6500TE	Core i5-7442EQ
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6500TE was priced at $192, while the Core i5-7442EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($192 vs $250), Core i5-6500TE was $58 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6500TE delivers 25.6 pts/$ vs 19.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-7442EQ — making the Core i5-6500TE the 27.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6500TE	Core i5-7442EQ
MSRP	$192-23%	$250
Performance per Dollar	25.6+33%	19.3
Release Date	2015	2017

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