Core i7-6498DU
CPU·Budget

Core i7-6498DU

Intel

PassMark

3,372

1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
15 Watt
Skylake (2015−2016)

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.

Overview

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.

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

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-6498DU across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Among Us

Among Us

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra54 FPS
4k
low57 FPS
medium55 FPS
high55 FPS
ultra49 FPS
Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3

1080p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra73 FPS
1440p
low84 FPS
medium81 FPS
high64 FPS
ultra50 FPS
4k
low52 FPS
medium44 FPS
high38 FPS
ultra28 FPS
Civilization VI

Civilization VI

1080p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high75 FPS
ultra55 FPS
1440p
low46 FPS
medium41 FPS
high29 FPS
ultra19 FPS
4k
low23 FPS
medium22 FPS
high17 FPS
ultra11 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra66 FPS
1440p
low84 FPS
medium81 FPS
high74 FPS
ultra57 FPS
4k
low67 FPS
medium58 FPS
high41 FPS
ultra28 FPS
Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra50 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra48 FPS
4k
low57 FPS
medium50 FPS
high43 FPS
ultra34 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra84 FPS
1440p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra84 FPS
4k
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra84 FPS
Palworld

Palworld

1080p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra73 FPS
1440p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high75 FPS
ultra61 FPS
4k
low74 FPS
medium66 FPS
high53 FPS
ultra36 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra80 FPS
1440p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high82 FPS
ultra64 FPS
4k
low67 FPS
medium55 FPS
high42 FPS
ultra33 FPS
Rocket League

Rocket League

1080p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra84 FPS
1440p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra84 FPS
4k
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra84 FPS
Starfield

Starfield

1080p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra73 FPS
1440p
low84 FPS
medium84 FPS
high84 FPS
ultra67 FPS
4k
low68 FPS
medium63 FPS
high51 FPS
ultra39 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-6498DU specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i7-6498DU is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.1 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,372, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore i7-6498DU
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSkylake (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor98.57 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1750 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score3,372
🧠

Memory & Platform

It supports DDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600 memory.

SpecificationCore i7-6498DU
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i7
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-6498DU has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationCore i7-6498DU
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2143 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i7-6498DU
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$393
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2143
Release DateLaunch date1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

Specifications Reference

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

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

TypeLaptop
SeriesIntel Core i7
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$393
Release Date1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
Architecture CodenameSkylake (2015−2016)
Performance Ranking Position2143

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores2
Threads4
Bus TypeOPI
Die Size98.57 mm2
L1 Cache128 kB
L2 Cache512 kB
L3 Cache4 MB
Bus Speed4 GT/s
Multiplier25
Max Frequency3.1 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.5 GHz
Transistor Count1750 Million
Process Technology14 nm
Max Core Temperature100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

3 specs

PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
Power Consumption (TDP)15 Watt
Max Processors In Config1 (Uniprocessor)

Memory

4 specs

RAM TypesDDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth34.134 GB/s
Max Memory Capacity32 GB

Our Recommendation for Core i7-6498DU

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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