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Intel Core i5-6500 desktop processor in tray packaging

Intel

Intel i5-6500Product desktop processor

SKU CH-4QZG-ZWJBT MPN i5-6500Product

Quad-core desktop processor running at 3.2 GHz with 6 MB L3 cache, Turbo up to 3.6 GHz and integrated HD Graphics 530 for LGA 1151 boards

  • Product nameCore i5-6500
  • CPU coresQuad-Core
  • CPU socketLGA 1151
  • Maximum turbo clock3.6 GHz
  • TDP rating65 W
  • Processor classDesktop
  • Quad-core design handles everyday multitasking smoothly with four 3.2 GHz cores
  • Turbo Boost raises clock to 3.6 GHz for short bursts of extra speed
  • 6 MB L3 cache keeps frequent data close to the cores
  • Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 drives displays without a separate card
  • Dual-channel memory controller supports DDR4 up to 2133 MT/s and DDR3L at 1.35 V

Intel Core i5-6500 3.2 GHz quad-core

The Intel Core i5-6500 is a desktop processor with four cores and four threads running at a base frequency of 3.2 GHz. It uses the LGA 1151 socket and is built on a 14 nm manufacturing process. Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 provides display output without a discrete card.

Suited for everyday productivity and light gaming

This CPU suits office work, web browsing, media playback and entry-level gaming at modest settings. It lacks Hyper-Threading, so heavily threaded workloads such as video encoding or virtualization will run slower than on processors with more threads. Builders needing higher multi-thread throughput should consider alternatives.

6 MB L3 cache and dual-channel DDR4-2133 support

The 6 MB L3 cache and dual-channel memory controller handle typical multitasking and mainstream applications comfortably. Memory support tops out at DDR4-2133 and DDR3L-1600 at 1.35 V, limiting bandwidth for memory-sensitive tasks. The 3.6 GHz maximum turbo frequency offers brief headroom for bursty single-thread loads.

How it compares

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

Price $23.99
Cheaper than about 95% of the 494 comparable items (median $149.99).
Maximum turbo clock 3.6 GHz
Lower than about 91% of the 246 comparable items (median 4.7 GHz).
TDP rating 65 W
Lower than about 60% of the 320 comparable items (median 95 W).

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

Specifications

Product
Brand nameIntel
Product lineCore i5 6th Gen
Model nameCM8066201920404
Product nameCore i5-6500
Performance
Working frequency3.2 GHz
Processor
CPU coresQuad-Core
CPU socketLGA 1151
Maximum turbo clock3.6 GHz
TDP rating65 W
Processor classDesktop
Processor codenameSkylake
CPU threads4-Threads
Level 2 cache4 × 256 KB
Level 3 cache6 MB
Process node14 nm
CPU instruction set64-Bit
Hyper-ThreadingNo
Virtualization supportYes
Max PCIe lanes16
Memory
Supported memoryDDR4-1866 / 2133, DDR3L-1333 / 1600 @ 1.35 V
Channel configuration2
Graphics
Built-in graphicsIntel HD Graphics 530
GPU base clock350 MHz
Graphics max dynamic frequency1.05 GHz
Ports & slots
PCIe generation3.0
In the box
Included coolerNot included - Processor Only

Questions about this item

What motherboard socket is required for the LGA 1151 CPU?

A motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket is required to install the processor. The chip fits only this socket type.

Can I keep my existing DDR3L memory modules when upgrading to this quad-core 3.2 GHz chip?

Yes, the memory controller supports DDR3L at 1333 and 1600 MT/s running at 1.35 V, so compatible modules can be reused.

How do I verify the integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 is active after building the system?

Enter the BIOS and confirm the iGPU is enabled, then check Device Manager in Windows to see Intel HD Graphics 530 listed without errors.

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