Core i7-3612QE vs Core i5-6500TE
Core i7-3612QE
Core i5-6500TE
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 i7-3612QE is positioned at rank 1042 and the Core i5-6500TE is on rank 671, 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 i7-3612QE
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6500TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3612QE | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3612QE | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+20%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
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 i7-3612QE and Core i5-6500TE
Core i7-3612QE
The Core i7-3612QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,929 points. Launch price was $69.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3612QE packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-6500TE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QE versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-6500TE — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-6500TE (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i7-3612QE uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-6500TE uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3612QE scores 4,929 against the Core i5-6500TE's 4,917 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-3612QE. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3612QE vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6500TE.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QE | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.3 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.3 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 4,929 | 4,917 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 640 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,200 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3612QE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6500TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QE | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3612QE) / not specified (Core i5-6500TE). The Core i7-3612QE includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-6500TE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QE targets Industrial/Embedded.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QE | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Industrial/Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3612QE launched at $426 MSRP, while the Core i5-6500TE debuted at $192. At current prices ($50 vs $60), the Core i7-3612QE is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3612QE delivers 98.6 pts/$ vs 82.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-6500TE — making the Core i7-3612QE the 18.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QE | Core i5-6500TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $426 | $192-55% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-17% | $60 |
| Performance per Dollar | 98.6+20% | 82.0 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2015 |
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