CPU Comparison
Core i5-6500TE vs Intel Core i5-4570TE
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.
Adequate for basic kiosk software and legacy office apps.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming. Low base clocks and 4 cores severely limit gaming performance.
Not intended for gaming; HD 4600 is too weak.
Virtualization
Capable of running lightweight home server VMs due to quad-core design, though limited by 4 threads.
Not designed for virtualization workloads.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for its generation, tailored specifically for low-power envelopes.
Excellent thermal efficiency for always-on operation.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Low power limits restrict compute capacity
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for AI workloads
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
- Not designed for gaming
- Weak integrated graphics
- Low core count
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
- Designed for 24/7 reliability
- Low 35W TDP
- Good for legacy industrial software
- Socketed LGA 1150 design
Cons
- Very outdated performance
- Dual-core only
- DDR3 memory support
- Hard to find in consumer channels
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 i5-4570TE
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570TRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4770TERival
Embedded
- AMD Embedded R-SeriesRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i3-4330TERival
Embedded
- AMD A10-6700TRival
Low Power Desktop
Modern embedded chip with vastly better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BAlt
Superior embedded alternative with Vega graphics.
Newer embedded platform with 6 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Cheap consumer alternative if socket compatibility isn't needed.
- Intel N100Alt
Massively more efficient for basic kiosk tasks.
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 reviewReliable for legacy industrial use, but completely unsuited for modern consumer desktop computing.
Best for: Purchasing a Core i5-4570TE today is an unusual proposition for the average consumer. It should only be sought if you are repairing a specific piece of industrial equipment or embedded system that requires this exact socket and chip. For general computing, it is obsolete and offers poor value compared to modern alternatives. If you are building a DIY project and find one extremely cheap, it can serve as a basic low-power server or a retro computing node, but its dual-core limitations are severe. Do not expect it to handle modern multitasking well. Furthermore, ensure that your motherboard supports the 'TE' variant, as some BIOS versions might not recognize embedded SKUs properly. For anyone looking to build a new system, even the lowest-tier modern processors will vastly outperform this aging chip in every metric, including power efficiency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-6500TE or Intel Core i5-4570TE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-6500TE comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 i5-4570TE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4570TE leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Core i5-6500TE and Intel Core i5-4570TE.
Do Core i5-6500TE and Intel Core i5-4570TE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-6500TE: LGA 1151, Intel Core i5-4570TE: Intel Socket 1150 (LGA1150)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i5-6500TE has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-6500TE (4 cores), Intel Core i5-4570TE (2 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4570TE posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4570TE (3,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.