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 Pentium 8500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture. It features 5 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1781. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 2,900 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium 8500 is positioned at rank #991 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 Pentium 8500

#979

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

2023%

#980

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1994%

#981

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1830%

#982

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1822%

#983

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1805%

#985

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1743%

#986

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1672%

#987

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1669%

#988

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1624%

#991

Pentium 8500

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

100%

#992

A6-8500P

MSRP: $100|Avg: $16

100%

#994

Core i7-4700EQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $180

99%

#995

Core i3-8145UE

MSRP: $281|Avg: $50

99%

#996

Core i7-4712MQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $60

97%

#997

Core i7-3615QE

MSRP: $400|Avg: $100

97%

#998

Celeron M U3400

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

97%

#999

3015Ce

MSRP: $150|Avg: $40

96%

#1000

Core i7-4700MQ

MSRP: $383|Avg: $50

96%

#1001

Athlon II M340

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

96%

#1005

Pentium P6000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium 8500 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium 8500 is a 5-core / 6-thread processor based on the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.4 GHz from a base frequency of 1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,900, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,250, while multi-core reaches 2,100.

Specification	Pentium 8500
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	5C / 6T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Alder Lake-U (2022)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	Intel 7 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1.25 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	80K (per core)
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,900
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,250
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	2,100

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium 8500 fits into the FCBGA1781 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 14 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4, DDR5 memory at speeds up to LPDDR5-5200 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics (48 EU) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Pentium 8500
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Alder Lake-M
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1781
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 5.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	14
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4, DDR5
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	LPDDR5-5200
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel UHD Graphics (48 EU)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	SoC
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Pentium 8500 is primarily designed for Entry Level Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Pentium 8500
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Entry Level Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium 8500 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 9 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Laptop Cooling.

Specification	Pentium 8500
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	9 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	None
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Cooling

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $200, the Pentium 8500 delivers 15 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #991 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1652 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium 8500
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$200
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$200
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#991
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1652
Release DateLaunch date	2007-01-01
Release Year	2022
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel