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Rectangular green PCB with gold contacts and silver metal heat spreader, boxed Intel Core i5-6500 desktop processor

Intel

Intel Core i5-6500 BX80662I56500 desktop processor

SKU CH-TBN2-Q2B9V MPN BX80662I56500

Quad-core desktop processor running at 3.2 GHz with 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 530 and 65 W TDP on LGA 1151 socket

  • Processor classDesktop
  • Quad-core design handles multi-threaded workloads at 3.2 GHz
  • Turbo boost to 3.6 GHz accelerates single-threaded tasks
  • 6 MB L3 cache reduces memory latency for smoother performance
  • Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 drives displays without a discrete card
  • 65 W TDP keeps power draw and cooling needs modest

Processor overview

The Intel Core i5-6500 is a quad-core desktop processor built on 14nm Skylake architecture. It fits the LGA 1151 socket and runs at a base frequency of 3.2 GHz with a maximum turbo of 3.6 GHz. Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 provides display output without a discrete card. The 65W thermal design suits mainstream office and home systems.

Sustained-load behaviour

Under continuous workloads the four cores operate within the 65W envelope without hyper-threading. The 6MB L3 cache and four 256KB L2 caches help maintain steady throughput for multi-threaded tasks. PCI Express 3.0 with 16 lanes keeps graphics and storage bandwidth stable during extended sessions. The integrated graphics run at 350 MHz base and can reach 1.05 GHz dynamically.

Compatibility check

Verify that your motherboard uses the LGA 1151 socket and supports 6th-generation Core processors. Confirm the board firmware is recent enough to recognise the CPU. Ensure your cooler is rated for at least 65W dissipation. No other accessories are included with the processor.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Desktop Processors, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $80.99
Cheaper than about 74% of the 494 comparable items (median $149.99).

New to this? Buying a processor with crypto — what to check, what it costs to pay, and what is never asked for.

Specifications

Processor
Processor classDesktop

Questions about this item

How much heat does the 65 W TDP generate under sustained load?

The processor has a 65 W thermal design power, so a cooler rated for at least 65 W will handle continuous full-load operation.

What motherboard socket and graphics output does the CPU need to function?

It requires an LGA 1151 socket and a motherboard with video outputs to use the integrated Intel HD Graphics 530.

Will the 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes work with an older PCIe 2.0 graphics card?

The 16 PCI Express 3.0 lanes are backward compatible, so a PCIe 2.0 card will operate at its native speed.

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