Core i5-6500TE vs FX-8320E

Intel

Core i5-6500TE

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-8320E

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i5-6500TE vs FX-8320E 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 i5-6500TE vs FX-8320E 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 FX-8320E: 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

  • Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8320E across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (4,917 vs 4,960).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.6 vs 33.7 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $147 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike FX-8320E.

FX-8320E

2014

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +25.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $45 less on MSRP ($147 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
  • Delivers 31.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.7 vs 25.6 PassMark/$ ($147 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-6500TE.

Trade-offs

  • 171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8320E better than Core i5-6500TE?
Yes. FX-8320E is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 25.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, FX-8320E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 25.2% 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, FX-8320E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-8320E is the better buy right now. FX-8320E comes in $45 cheaper on MSRP at $147 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 25.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 31.8% better value on MSRP (33.7 vs 25.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-6500TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6500TE vs FX-8320E Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

FX-8320E

The FX-8320E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,960 points. Launch price was $147.

Processing Power

The Core i5-6500TE packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8320E offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8320E has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6500TE versus 4 GHz on the FX-8320E — a 19.2% clock advantage for the FX-8320E (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-6500TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8320E uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6500TE scores 4,917 against the FX-8320E's 4,960 — a 0.9% lead for the FX-8320E.

FeatureCore i5-6500TEFX-8320E
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz
4 GHz+21%
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
3.2 GHz+39%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
8192 kB+3100%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark
4,917
4,960
Geekbench 6 Single
439
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,734
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6500TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8320E uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-6500TEFX-8320E
Socket
LGA1151
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-6500TE) / AMD-V (FX-8320E).

FeatureCore i5-6500TEFX-8320E
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6500TE was priced at $192, while the FX-8320E came in at $147. On launch pricing ($192 vs $147), FX-8320E was $45 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6500TE delivers 25.6 pts/$ vs 33.7 pts/$ for the FX-8320E — making the FX-8320E the 27.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-6500TEFX-8320E
MSRP
$192
$147-23%
Performance per Dollar
25.6
33.7+32%
Release Date
2015
2014

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