CPU
GPU
Core i5-6500TE
Core i7-3612QE
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 i7-3612QE is on rank 1042, so the Core i5-6500TE 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 i7-3612QE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6500TE | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6500TE | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+20%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
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 i7-3612QE
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 i7-3612QE
The Core i7-3612QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,929 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6500TE packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3612QE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6500TE versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QE — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-6500TE (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-6500TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3612QE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6500TE scores 4,917 against the Core i7-3612QE's 4,929 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-3612QE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500TE vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3612QE.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+6% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz+10% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6144 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,917 | 4,929 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 640 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,200 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6500TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3612QE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-6500TE) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3612QE). The Core i7-3612QE includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-6500TE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QE targets Industrial/Embedded.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Industrial/Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6500TE launched at $192 MSRP, while the Core i7-3612QE debuted at $426. At current prices ($60 vs $50), the Core i7-3612QE is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6500TE delivers 82.0 pts/$ vs 98.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3612QE — making the Core i7-3612QE the 18.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-55% | $426 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60 | $50-17% |
| Performance per Dollar | 82.0 | 98.6+20% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2012 |
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