
Core i5-8365UE vs Core i7-2600K

Core i5-8365UE

Core i7-2600K
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 i5-8365UE is positioned at rank 919 and the Core i7-2600K is on rank 860, so the Core i7-2600K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8365UE
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-8365UE | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($297) | ✅ More affordable ($109) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-8365UE | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+175%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($297) | ✅ More affordable ($109) |
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 i5-8365UE and Core i7-2600K

Core i5-8365UE
The Core i5-8365UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,435 points. Launch price was $297.

Core i7-2600K
The Core i7-2600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,484 points. Launch price was $317.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-8365UE and Core i7-2600K share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-8365UE versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600K — a 7.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-8365UE (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-8365UE uses the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2600K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-8365UE scores 5,435 against the Core i7-2600K's 5,484 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-2600K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-8365UE vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2600K.
| Feature | Core i5-8365UE | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+8% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | 3.4 GHz+112% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,435 | 5,484 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 707 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-8365UE uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2600K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-8365UE | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1528 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-8365UE) / VT-x (Core i7-2600K). The Core i7-2600K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i5-8365UE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600K rivals FX-8150.
| Feature | Core i5-8365UE | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-8365UE launched at $297 MSRP, while the Core i7-2600K debuted at $317. At current prices ($297 vs $109), the Core i7-2600K is $188 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-8365UE delivers 18.3 pts/$ vs 50.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600K — making the Core i7-2600K the 93.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-8365UE | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $297-6% | $317 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $297 | $109-63% |
| Performance per Dollar | 18.3 | 50.3+175% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
















