CPU Comparison
Core i5-6500TE vs Intel Core i7-6700TE
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 specialized industrial software efficiently.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming. Low base clocks and 4 cores severely limit gaming performance.
Not intended for gaming; HD 530 is insufficient for modern titles.
Virtualization
Capable of running lightweight home server VMs due to quad-core design, though limited by 4 threads.
vPro makes it decent for light edge virtualization.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for its generation, tailored specifically for low-power envelopes.
Excellent efficiency for always-on embedded devices.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Low power limits restrict compute capacity
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU for inference
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
- Uses Intel HD Graphics 530
- Suitable only for basic display output
- Not for gaming applications
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
- Intel vPro support
- Long lifecycle availability
- 35W TDP for fanless designs
- Good burst performance
Cons
- Expensive due to embedded market
- Weak integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
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 i7-6700TE
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-7700TERival
Embedded
- Intel Core i5-6500TERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807BRival
Embedded
- Intel Atom x7-E3950Rival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000Alt
More cores and better efficiency.
- Intel Xeon E-2176GAlt
Server-grade embedded alternative with ECC.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Modern desktop embedded alternative.
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 reviewA robust embedded processor offering excellent longevity and vPro manageability for specialized industrial applications.
Best for: Designing a long-life medical or industrial edge device.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-6500TE or Intel Core i7-6700TE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6700TE 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 i7-6700TE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700TE leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Core i5-6500TE and Intel Core i7-6700TE.
Do Core i5-6500TE and Intel Core i7-6700TE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-6500TE: LGA 1151, Intel Core i7-6700TE: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-6700TE posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6700TE (6,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.