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.

Overview

The Core i5-8500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) 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: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,521 points. Launch price was $202.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8500

#257

Core i5-4460T

MSRP: $187|Avg: $30

102%

#258

Ryzen 7 8700F

MSRP: $270|Avg: $257

102%

#259

Core i9-14900KF

MSRP: $564|Avg: $480

102%

#260

Core i7-4790

MSRP: $339|Avg: $60

102%

#261

Athlon II X2 255

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

102%

#262

Core i3-7320

MSRP: $99|Avg: $40

101%

#263

Athlon X4 830

MSRP: $70|Avg: $25

101%

#264

Core i7-12700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $285

101%

#265

Athlon II X3 445

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

101%

#266

Core i9-13900KF

MSRP: $599|Avg: $480

101%

#267

Core i7-12700

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

101%

#268

Core Ultra 5 245T

MSRP: $270|Avg: $270

101%

#269

Pentium G4500T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $20

101%

#270

FX-4300

MSRP: $122|Avg: $25

101%

#271

Athlon 5350

MSRP: $55|Avg: $15

101%

#272

Core i5-8500

MSRP: $192|Avg: $80

100%

#273

Athlon II X4 645

MSRP: $126|Avg: $20

100%

#274

Core i5-2500K

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

99%

#275

Core i5-9400F

MSRP: $182|Avg: $80

99%

#276

Core i5-11400

MSRP: $182|Avg: $141

99%

#277

Core i5-3470S

MSRP: $184|Avg: $37

99%

#278

FX-6300

MSRP: $132|Avg: $35

99%

#279

Celeron G540

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

99%

#280

Core i5-13600K

MSRP: $329|Avg: $319

99%

#281

Core i5-13500

MSRP: $242|Avg: $264

99%

#282

Ryzen 7 8700G

MSRP: $329|Avg: $269

99%

#283

Core i7-14700

MSRP: $384|Avg: $348

99%

#284

Athlon 64 X2 4000+

MSRP: $328|Avg: $10

99%

#285

Core 2 Duo E6400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $10

99%

#286

Pentium E6500

MSRP: $84|Avg: $10

99%

#287

Ryzen 5 2500X

MSRP: $159|Avg: $80

99%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-8500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-8500 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-8500 is a 6-core / 6-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.1 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 9 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 9,521, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-8500
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 6T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	9 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	149 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	9,521

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8500 fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3, DDR4 memory.

Specification	Core i5-8500
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1151
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3, DDR4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-8500 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-8500
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $80 (MSRP: $192), the Core i5-8500 delivers 119 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1333 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-8500
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$192
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$80
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$202
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1333
Release DateLaunch date	14 February 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	desktop
Series	Intel Core i5
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$202
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	14 February 2018 (7 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)
Performance Ranking Position	1333

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	6
Threads	6
Bus Type	DMI 3.0
Die Size	149 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	9 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 × 8 GT/s
Multiplier	30
Max Frequency	4.1 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3 GHz
Process Technology	14 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	+
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	72 °C