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 i7-8500Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,590 points. Launch price was $393.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-8500Y is positioned at rank #1035 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 i7-8500Y

#1023

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

2451%

#1024

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

2415%

#1025

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

2217%

#1026

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

2207%

#1027

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

2187%

#1029

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

2112%

#1030

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

2025%

#1031

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

2022%

#1032

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1967%

#1035

Core i7-8500Y

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#1037

Core i7-8665UE

MSRP: $409|Avg: $409

99%

#1038

Celeron T3300

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

98%

#1039

Celeron Dual-Core T3300

MSRP: $86|Avg: $30

98%

#1042

A10-7300

MSRP: $150|Avg: $50

97%

#1043

Core i7-3612QE

MSRP: $426|Avg: $50

97%

#1044

Pentium Dual Core T4200

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

96%

#1045

A6 Micro-6500T

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

96%

#1046

Pentium N3520

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

96%

#1047

E2-3800

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

95%

#1048

Athlon X2 QL-66

MSRP: $150|Avg: $5

94%

#1049

Athlon II Neo K145

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

94%

#1050

Celeron P4600

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-8500Y specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-8500Y is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz from a base frequency of 1.5 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 3,590, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-8500Y
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021)
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
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,590

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8500Y fits into the FCBGA1515 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i7-8500Y
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1515
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-8500Y has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 5 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-8500Y
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	5 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #1035 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2096 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-8500Y
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$393
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1035
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2096
Release DateLaunch date	28 August 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel