CPU
GPU
Core i5-6500TE
FX-8140
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 FX-8140 is on rank 759, 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 FX-8140
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6500TE | FX-8140 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6500TE | FX-8140 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+102%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) |
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 FX-8140
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.
FX-8140
The FX-8140 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,860 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6500TE packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8140 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8140 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6500TE versus 4.1 GHz on the FX-8140 — a 21.6% clock advantage for the FX-8140 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-6500TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8140 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6500TE scores 4,917 against the FX-8140's 4,860 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-6500TE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500TE vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-8140.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | FX-8140 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.1 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 3.2 GHz+39% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 8 MB+3100% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 4,917+1% | 4,860 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6500TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8140 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | FX-8140 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6500TE launched at $192 MSRP, while the FX-8140 debuted at $225. At current prices ($60 vs $120), the Core i5-6500TE is $60 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6500TE delivers 82.0 pts/$ vs 40.5 pts/$ for the FX-8140 — making the Core i5-6500TE the 67.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6500TE | FX-8140 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-15% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60-50% | $120 |
| Performance per Dollar | 82.0+102% | 40.5 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2012 |
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