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

#117

Core i7-13790F

MSRP: $392|Avg: $350

105%

#118

Core i5-14500

MSRP: $239|Avg: $251

104%

#119

Core i5-11600KF

MSRP: $237|Avg: $157

104%

#120

Ryzen 5 5600XT

MSRP: $192|Avg: $180

104%

#121

Core i5-13600

MSRP: $255|Avg: $255

104%

#122

Core i3-13100F

MSRP: $109|Avg: $119

103%

#123

Ryzen 5 5600G

MSRP: $259|Avg: $160

103%

#124

Core Ultra 9 285K

MSRP: $589|Avg: $550

103%

#125

Core i5-13400E

MSRP: $221|Avg: $221

103%

#126

Ryzen 7 8700F

MSRP: $270|Avg: $257

102%

#127

Core i9-14900KF

MSRP: $564|Avg: $480

102%

#128

Core i7-12700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $285

101%

#129

Core i9-13900KF

MSRP: $599|Avg: $480

101%

#130

Core i7-12700

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

101%

#131

Core Ultra 5 245T

MSRP: $270|Avg: $270

101%

#132

Core i5-8500

MSRP: $192|Avg: $80

100%

#133

Core i5-9400F

MSRP: $182|Avg: $80

99%

#134

Core i5-11400

MSRP: $182|Avg: $141

99%

#135

Core i5-13600K

MSRP: $329|Avg: $319

99%

#136

Core i5-13500

MSRP: $242|Avg: $264

99%

#137

Ryzen 7 8700G

MSRP: $329|Avg: $269

99%

#138

Core i7-14700

MSRP: $384|Avg: $348

99%

#139

Ryzen 5 2500X

MSRP: $159|Avg: $80

99%

#140

Athlon Gold PRO 3150GE

MSRP: $100|Avg: $60

98%

#141

Core i9-13900K

MSRP: $599|Avg: $500

98%

#142

Core i3-14100

MSRP: $134|Avg: $131

98%

#143

Ryzen 5 3400G

MSRP: $149|Avg: $80

97%

#144

Core i7-10700KF

MSRP: $405|Avg: $160

97%

#145

Core i5-11600K

MSRP: $262|Avg: $170

96%

#146

Core i7-13700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $400

96%

#147

Ryzen 5 PRO 3400G

MSRP: $149|Avg: $80

95%

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