Core i5-8500B vs Core i7-6700K
Core i5-8500B
Core i7-6700K
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8500B
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-8500B | Core i7-6700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($192) | ✅ More affordable ($142) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-8500B | Core i7-6700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+36%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($192) | ✅ More affordable ($142) |
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 i5-8500B and Core i7-6700K
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.
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 | — |
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. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. 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 | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-8500B launched at $192 MSRP, while the Core i7-6700K debuted at $350. At current prices ($192 vs $142), the Core i7-6700K is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-8500B delivers 46.4 pts/$ vs 62.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-6700K — making the Core i7-6700K the 30.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-8500B | Core i7-6700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-45% | $350 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $192 | $142-26% |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.4 | 62.9+36% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2015 |
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