CPU Comparison
Core i5-6500TE vs Intel Core i5-8500B
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-6500TE is a specialized, low-power variant of the standard 6th generation Skylake desktop processors. Released in late 2015, it is designed for embedded systems, mini PCs, and all-in-one computers where thermal constraints and power efficiency are paramount. It features a significantly reduced TDP of 35W compared to the standard 65W of the i5-6400. To achieve this, its base clock is lowered to 2.3 GHz, though it retains the ability to boost up to 3.3 GHz when thermal headroom allows. The processor still offers 4 cores and 4 threads, along with 6MB of L3 cache, ensuring reliable performance for continuous workloads. It supports both DDR3L and DDR4 memory, providing flexibility for system builders. The integrated HD Graphics 530 handles 4K media playback effortlessly. While not designed for high-performance gaming or heavy compute tasks, the 6500TE excels in fanless designs and digital signage applications where 24/7 operation is required.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks and kiosk applications perfectly, though slower than standard desktop chips.
Handles office tasks and moderate programming workloads efficiently.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming. Low base clocks and 4 cores severely limit gaming performance.
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming in thin iMacs when paired with a discrete mobile GPU.
Virtualization
Capable of running lightweight home server VMs due to quad-core design, though limited by 4 threads.
Good for basic VMs, but 6 threads limit heavy parallel virtualization.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for its generation, tailored specifically for low-power envelopes.
Balanced performance within a standard 65W power envelope.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Low power limits restrict compute capacity
- No AI-specific hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to lack of threads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low base clock of 2.3 GHz
- Designed for stability, not burst gaming frame rates
- HD 530 graphics are insufficient for modern gaming
- Usually paired with discrete mobile GPUs in iMacs
- Integrated UHD 630 is only for light gaming
- Thermally constrained by AIO chassis
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Supports passive cooling designs
- Reliable 4-core performance for 24/7 use
- Supports Intel vPro for enterprise management
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.3 GHz
- Locked multiplier
- Hard to find as a standalone retail part
- Not suited for high-performance tasks
Pros
- Soldered design saves physical space
- 6 physical cores for multitasking
- 4.1 GHz turbo boost
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630
- Optimized for thin AIO thermals
Cons
- Soldered to motherboard (not upgradeable)
- No Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- Only available via OEM channels
- End-of-life platform
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-6500TE
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600TRival
Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7500TRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i3-6100TRival
Low Power
- AMD A8-9600Rival
Low Power
- Intel Pentium G4400TRival
Low Power
More modern architecture with better efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
Better integrated graphics and multi-threading in a 35W envelope.
Standard desktop alternative if power consumption is not a strict limit.
Compare head-to-headNewer generation low-power alternative with slightly better clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GEAlt
Modern budget low-power alternative for embedded builds.
Intel Core i5-8500B
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600HRival
Mobile/Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Embedded AIO
A higher-tier soldered BGA processor for iMacs.
Compare head-to-headNewer generation socketed alternative with marginally better speeds.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An excellent specialized processor for its intended niche, offering quad-core performance in a highly constrained 35W thermal envelope for 24/7 operation.
Best for: Building a fanless home server or repurposing an embedded board
Read the full reviewAn efficient 6-core processor tailored for OEMs. Its soldered BGA design saves space but prevents user upgrades, making it strictly for pre-built systems.
Best for: Board-level repair of an existing Apple iMac or embedded system.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-6500TE or Intel Core i5-8500B?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-8500B comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. 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, Core i5-6500TE or Intel Core i5-8500B?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8500B leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Core i5-6500TE and Intel Core i5-8500B.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-6500TE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-6500TE (35 W), Intel Core i5-8500B (65 W).
Do Core i5-6500TE and Intel Core i5-8500B use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-6500TE: LGA 1151, Intel Core i5-8500B: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-8500B has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-6500TE (4 cores), Intel Core i5-8500B (6 cores).