CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-6500 vs Intel Core i5-5675R
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-6500 is a 6th generation Skylake quad-core processor designed for mainstream desktop users, offering solid base performance and DDR4 memory support without the premium of an unlocked multiplier.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Lacks the thread count for modern multi-tasking and rendering workloads.
3.6GHz turbo boost provides good single-thread performance for office apps.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs heavily in newer titles; fine for older or esports games.
Iris Pro 6200 handles older games and eSports titles well at 1080p.
Virtualization
Very limited for running VMs due to 4 threads.
Adequate for light VMs but limited by DDR3 and 4 threads.
Efficiency
65W TDP is easy to cool and fairly efficient for a 14nm quad-core.
14nm Broadwell is efficient within its 65W thermal envelope.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware acceleration
- 4 threads severely limit local LLM and inference capabilities
- No dedicated AI acceleration
- DDR3 bandwidth bottlenecks execution units
Content Creation
Gaming
- Severe 1% low frame drops in modern CPU-heavy games
- Adequate for CS:GO and Valorant
- No overclocking headroom to alleviate bottlenecks
- Similar iGPU performance to the i5-5675C
- Can play CS:GO and Dota 2 comfortably
- Not suitable for modern AAA gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Low 65W TDP, easy to cool
- Solid IPC for its generation
- Included a stock cooler
- HD 530 iGPU for troubleshooting
Cons
- Only 4 threads without Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Struggles with modern gaming workloads
- End-of-life platform with no upgrade path
Pros
- Strong integrated graphics performance
- High 3.6 GHz turbo boost for single-thread tasks
- 65W TDP is great for small form factors
- Includes 128MB eDRAM cache
Cons
- Soldered to the motherboard (BGA)
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- Limited to DDR3 memory
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Difficult to find as a standalone part
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-6500
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD FX-6350Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4590Rival
Previous Gen
- Intel Core i3-6100Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD A10-7870KRival
APU Desktop
Modern budget king that easily outpaces the i5-6500 in all metrics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Incredible integrated graphics and 12 threads for a similar used price.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
The modern equivalent with vastly superior multi-threading and gaming performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Older but highly capable 6-core/12-thread CPU on a cheap platform.
Provides 12 threads on a budget LGA 1200 platform.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-5675R
- AMD A10-7870KRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5575RRival
Desktop BGA
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-5775RRival
Desktop BGA
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5675CRival
Desktop Socketed
- AMD A8-7670KRival
Desktop APU
- Intel NUC 11 ExtremeAlt
A modern mini PC platform offering vastly superior performance and upgradability.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
A modern desktop APU that obliterates this chip in every metric.
A cheap, modern CPU that offers much better single and multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GEAlt
A low-TDP modern alternative for embedded or small form factor builds.
Our Verdict on Each
A reliable workhorse in its day, the i5-6500 delivered excellent value for locked mainstream builds, though its 4-thread limitation renders it obsolete for modern heavy workloads.
Best for: The i5-6500 is only viable today if you are repairing an older LGA 1151 system on an extreme budget or building a basic home server. It can handle web browsing, office applications, and retro or esports gaming adequately. However, buying one new or even used at a high price makes no sense. Modern entry-level chips like the i3-12100F obliterate it in single-core and multi-core performance while offering a modern platform with an upgrade path. If you already own this chip, keep it as long as your tasks remain basic, but do not invest money into this platform expecting a noticeable uplift over your existing setup without moving to a newer generation.
Read the full reviewA solid embedded processor that brings strong clock speeds and Iris Pro graphics to small form factor systems, though it lacks the overclocking features of its socketed sibling.
Best for: Purchasing a used mini PC with this chip for a cheap media center.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-6500 or Intel Core i5-5675R?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-5675R comes out ahead with a score of 7.2/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-6500 or Intel Core i5-5675R?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-5675R leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i5-6500 and Intel Core i5-5675R.
Do Intel Core i5-6500 and Intel Core i5-5675R use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-6500: LGA 1151, Intel Core i5-5675R: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-6500 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-6500 (5,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.