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Intel Core i5 8500 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£150
  • PassMark benchmark result: 9512
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.1 GHz

Intel Core i5 8500 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.4

Technical Score

10.0%

8.9

User score

Poor
4.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.5

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.8

Platform

1.0%

7.1

Integrated Graphics

Poor
8.9

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

8.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(169)
amazon
4.5
(63)
amazon
4.6
(5)
amazon
4.5
(2)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 3.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.0

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.9

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.9

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.3

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.7
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.1

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.2

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.3

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i5-8500
  • intel-core-i5-8500
  • intel-core-i5-8500
intel-core-i5-8500
intel-core-i5-8500
intel-core-i5-8500

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-8500 is an 8th Generation 'Coffee Lake' desktop processor featuring 6 physical cores and 6 threads, with a base clock speed of 3.00 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.10 GHz. Built on a 14nm process with a 65W TDP, it includes 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache, supports dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory up to 64 GB, and integrates Intel UHD Graphics 630. Main pros include a significant 50% core count increase over previous i5 generations for better multitasking, strong mid-range gaming performance at 1080p, and high power efficiency. Notable cons are the lack of Hyper-Threading, an locked multiplier that prevents traditional overclocking, and its reliance on the older LGA 1151 socket, which limits upgrade paths to modern platforms.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 8500

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.5

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.8

Platform

1.0%

7.1

Integrated Graphics

4.4
Intel Core i5 8500 has a technical score of 4.41 points, which is lower than that of 68.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

8.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(169)
amazon
4.5
(63)
amazon
4.6
(5)
amazon
4.5
(2)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.9
Intel Core i5 8500 has a user score of 8.9 points, which is higher than that of 87.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
8.7
Intel Core i5 8500 has a popularity of 8.7 points, which is higher than 87.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

6.3
Intel Core i5 8500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 51% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i5 8500 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1151
Intel Core i5 8500 uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
Intel Core i5 8500 supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i5 8500 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

6
Intel Core i5 8500 has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

6
Intel Core i5 8500 offers 6 CPU threads, which is fewer than 64.8% of processors and equal to 2.2% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core i5 8500 offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.1 GHz
Intel Core i5 8500 reaches a boost clock of 4.1 GHz which is lower than that of 56.2% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

6 x 3.0 GHz
Intel Core i5 8500 has a base clock of 6x3.0 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i5 8500 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i5 8500 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

9 MB
Intel Core i5 8500 has an L3 cache of 9 MB which is larger than that of 51.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1.5 MB
Intel Core i5 8500 has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 62.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

384 KB
Intel Core i5 8500 has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 45% of processors and equal to that of 15.8% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i5 8500 supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i5 8500 supports memory speeds up to 2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i5 8500 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i5 8500 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i5 8500 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i5 8500 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% of processors and equal to that in 8.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i5 8500 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i5 8500 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 8500 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 8500 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i5 8500 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i5 8500 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 8500 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 8500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 8500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 8500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 8500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 8500 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Intel Core i5 8500 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 8.65x more popular
    Intel Core i5 8500 is more popular than the average processor (8.65 vs 1.000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i5 8500 is more popular than the average processor (8.65 vs 1.000).8.65 vs 1
  • 11.2% higher user score
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.90 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.90 vs 8.000).8.9 vs 8
  • 13.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower die size than the average processor (154 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower die size than the average processor (154 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².154 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 26.8% faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (420.7 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (420.7 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.420.7 vs 331.88
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 8500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 8500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 8500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).
  • 26.8% faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (420.7 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 20.2% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (5,763 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 13.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower die size than the average processor (154 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 8500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 8500 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 8500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 8500 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 8500 has an older release date than the average processor (2,018 vs 2,020).
    April 2018
  • 23.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (370 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 8500 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 17.8% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,287 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 4.7% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i5 8500 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 2 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 8500 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (6 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 5% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,397 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 8500 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 8500 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 9.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 8500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 23.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (370 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i5 8500 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (370 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.370 vs 484
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 8500 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 8500 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i5 8500 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 8500 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i5 8500 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 8500 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i5 8500 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 8500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 8500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 8500 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i5 8500 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 8500 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 8500 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 8500 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
169 Reviews
amazon
4.5
63 Reviews
amazon
4.6
5 Reviews
amazon
4.5
2 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 8500?

  • Solid 1080p gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU
  • Energy efficient with a 65W TDP that runs well even on the stock cooler
  • Noticeable multi-threaded gains over previous 7th-gen quad-core models
  • Strong single-core performance compared to same-generation competitors like Ryzen 2600
  • Included stock cooling solution is sufficient for most non-intensive tasks
  • Reliable architecture that remains adequate for general home office use and light gaming

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 8500?

  • Lack of Hyper-Threading (6 cores / 6 threads) limits heavy multitasking and modern productivity
  • Locked multiplier prevents significant overclocking
  • Restricted to the 300-series chipset, offering no compatibility with older or much newer motherboards
  • Limited upgrade path as the LGA 1151-v2 socket is no longer supported
  • Integrated UHD 630 graphics are not suitable for modern, demanding games
  • Becoming obsolete compared to newer budget chips like the i3-12100 which offer better IPC

Expert reviews

T
techpowerup.com
08/05/2018
Intel Core i5-8500 3.0 GHz Review - Web Performance | TechPowerUp

The TechPowerUp review identifies the Intel Core i5-8500 as a highly efficient 6-core/6-thread, 14nm++ mid-range CPU that offers exceptional gaming value and performance nearly identical to the more expensive i5-8600. With a 65W TDP, it provides strong, power-efficient performance, particularly in single-threaded tasks and gaming, often outpacing the Ryzen 5 2600. However, key cons...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
08/05/2018
Intel Core i5-8500 3.0 GHz Review - Game Tests 720p | TechPowerUp

The Intel Core i5-8500 is a 6-core "Coffee Lake" processor offering a significant multi-threaded performance boost over older quad-core chips while maintaining high single-threaded efficiency. Positioned for gamers, it delivers nearly identical performance to the more expensive i5-8600 and i5-8600K. Key specifications include a 3.0 GHz base clock, 4.1 GHz turbo, and 9 MB L3 cache,...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
08/05/2018
Intel Core i5-8500 3.0 GHz Review - Overclocking | TechPowerUp

The Intel Core i5-8500, a Coffee Lake-based 6-core processor from 2018, serves as a budget-conscious alternative to the i5-8600, offering near-identical gaming performance for roughly $30 less. It provides significant performance gains over previous 4-core, 4-thread generations and delivers superior single-threaded results compared to rival AMD Ryzen chips, while including a stock...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
08/05/2018
Intel Core i5-8500 3.0 GHz Review - Test Setup | TechPowerUp

The Intel Core i5-8500 is a 6-core/6-thread "Coffee Lake" processor operating at 3.0-4.1 GHz, offering a 50% multi-threaded performance boost over previous generations with a 65W TDP. Positioned between the i5-8400 and i5-8600K, it provides exceptional gaming performance close to higher-end models at a lower price point, bundled with a stock cooler. However, the chip is...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Q1 2018
Intel Core i5-8500 @ 3.00GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-8500 is a 6-core, 6-thread Coffee Lake desktop processor with a 3.0 GHz base clock and 65W TDP, offering solid performance for standard computing. Its primary pros include a significant 18% multi-threaded performance jump over older 4-core models like the i7-6700 and efficient operation for multitasking. However, key cons include the lack of Hyper-Threading, a...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
08/05/2018
Intel Core i5-8500 3.0 GHz Review - Value & Conclusion

The TechPowerUp review defines the Intel Core i5-8500 as an efficient 6-core "Coffee Lake" processor (3.0 GHz base, 4.1 GHz boost) that offers a significant performance increase over previous quad-core models for gaming. Key pros include excellent stock gaming performance, high energy efficiency, integrated graphics, and a lower price than "K" series counterparts. However, the, main...Read more

H
hardware-mag.de
03/10/2018
Review: Core i3-8300, i5-8500, and i5-8600K", "Core i3-8300, i5-8500 and i5-8600K Benchmark Test

Hardware-Mag's review of Intel's 8th-generation Coffee Lake processors (Core i3-8300, i5-8500, i5-8600K) highlights a strategic increase in core counts, with the i5 models featuring six physical cores for improved multi-threaded performance. The i5-8600K acts as an overclockable, high-performance option often matching older i7s, while the 65W i5-8500 provides a locked, efficient...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
valid.x86.fr
01/03/2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i5-8500 (Single-Thread)

The CPU-Z validator benchmark, specifically entry hpbum3, highlights an Intel Core i7-13650HX with 14 cores and 20 threads operating in a high-performance, likely Lenovo, laptop chassis. Running at an uncore frequency of approximately 3.2 GHz and supported by 24 GB of RAM, this configuration showcases the potential of 13th-gen Intel mobile architecture in a widely recognized,...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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