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. The Core i7-6498DU is positioned at rank #377 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i7-6498DU

#365

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

522%

#366

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

514%

#367

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

472%

#368

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

470%

#369

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

466%

#371

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

450%

#372

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

431%

#373

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

431%

#374

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

419%

#377

Core i7-6498DU

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#391

Core i5-1145GRE

MSRP: $362|Avg: N/A

97%

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.

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.

Specification	Core i7-6498DU
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	98.57 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1750 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,372

🧠

Memory & Platform

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

Specification	Core i7-6498DU
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (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.

Specification	Core i7-6498DU
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #377 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2143 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-6498DU
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$393
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#377
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2143
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel