Core i7-6700K vs Core i5-8500B
Core i7-6700K
Core i5-8500B
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. The Core i7-6700K is positioned at rank #677 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i7-6700K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8500B
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6700K | Core i5-8500B |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($142) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($192) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6700K | Core i5-8500B |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+36%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($142) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($192) |
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 i7-6700K and Core i5-8500B
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-6700K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-8500B offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core i5-8500B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-6700K versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-8500B — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-6700K (base: 4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-6700K uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-8500B uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6700K scores 8,933 against the Core i5-8500B's 8,900 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-6700K. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-6700K vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-8500B.
| Feature | Core i7-6700K | Core i5-8500B |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 6+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+2% | 4.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+33% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 9 MB (total)+13% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 8,933 | 8,900 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,364 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-6700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-8500B uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2133 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 i7-6700K | Core i5-8500B |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | BGA1440 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-2666 |
| 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 (Core i7-6700K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8500B). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i7-6700K) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i5-8500B) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6700K targets Desktop, Core i5-8500B targets Mini PC/Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-8500B rivals Ryzen 5 2600.
| Feature | Core i7-6700K | Core i5-8500B |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Mini PC/Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-6700K launched at $350 MSRP, while the Core i5-8500B debuted at $192. At current prices ($142 vs $192), the Core i7-6700K is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6700K delivers 62.9 pts/$ vs 46.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-8500B — making the Core i7-6700K the 30.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-6700K | Core i5-8500B |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $350 | $192-45% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $142-26% | $192 |
| Performance per Dollar | 62.9+36% | 46.4 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2018 |
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