Core i7-6498DU vs Core i5-2500S
Core i7-6498DU
Core i5-2500S
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 i7-6498DU is positioned at rank 377 and the Core i5-2500S is on rank 854, so the Core i7-6498DU offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6498DU
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6498DU | Core i5-2500S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($61) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6498DU | Core i5-2500S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($61) |
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 i7-6498DU and Core i5-2500S
Core i7-6498DU
The Core i7-6498DU is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,372 points. Launch price was $393.
Core i5-2500S
The Core i5-2500S 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,373 points. Launch price was $75.
Processing Power
The Core i7-6498DU packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2500S offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2500S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-6498DU versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500S — a 17.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500S (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i7-6498DU uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2500S uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6498DU scores 3,372 against the Core i5-2500S's 3,373 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-2500S. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-6498DU vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2500S.
| Feature | Core i7-6498DU | Core i5-2500S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.7 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.7 GHz+8% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 6144 kB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 3,372 | 3,373 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 600 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-6498DU) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2500S). The Core i5-2500S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-6498DU requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500S rivals Phenom II X4 980.
| Feature | Core i7-6498DU | Core i5-2500S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Desktop |
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