Core i5-8500B vs Core i7-6700K

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 i5-8500B vs Core i7-6700K 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 i5-8500B vs Core i7-6700K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-8500B

2018

Why buy it

✅Costs $158 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
✅Delivers 81.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 46.4 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 91W, a 26W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-6700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,900 vs 8,933).

Core i7-6700K

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +18.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.5 vs 46.4 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌40% higher power demand at 91W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6700K better than Core i5-8500B?

Yes. Core i7-6700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 18.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 18.4% 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 i7-6700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-6700K is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-6700K comes in 82.3% more expensive on MSRP at $350 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-8500B only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 18.4% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i5-8500B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-8500B vs Core i7-6700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-8500B

The Core i5-8500B is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,900 points. Launch price was $192.

Core i7-6700K

The Core i7-6700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 August 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,933 points. Launch price was $339.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-8500B packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Core i7-6700K offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-8500B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-8500B versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-6700K — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-6700K (base: 3 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i5-8500B uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-6700K uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-8500B scores 8,900 against the Core i7-6700K's 8,933 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-6700K. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-8500B vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-6700K.

Feature	Core i5-8500B	Core i7-6700K
Cores / Threads	6 / 6+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	4.2 GHz+2%
Base Clock	3 GHz	4 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	9 MB (total)+13%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	8,900	8,933
Geekbench 6 Single	1,364	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8500B uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-6700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-8500B versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-6700K — the Core i5-8500B supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-8500B	Core i7-6700K
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+25%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-6700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8500B) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6700K). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i5-8500B) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i7-6700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8500B targets Mini PC/Embedded, Core i7-6700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-8500B rivals Ryzen 5 2600.

Feature	Core i5-8500B	Core i7-6700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mini PC/Embedded	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-8500B was priced at $192, while the Core i7-6700K came in at $350. On launch pricing ($192 vs $350), Core i5-8500B was $158 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-8500B delivers 46.4 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-6700K — making the Core i5-8500B the 58% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-8500B	Core i7-6700K
MSRP	$192-45%	$350
Performance per Dollar	46.4+82%	25.5
Release Date	2018	2015

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