OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Intel Core i7 6500U Review | 78 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£310
  • Avg. price in US: ~$390
  • PassMark benchmark result: 3275
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.1 GHz

Intel Core i7 6500U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.4

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%

3.4

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.4

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%

2.2

Performance

18.0%

4.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.0

Platform

1.0%

6.1

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.3

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    2.7

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.9

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.2

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £310

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6500U is a 6th Generation 'Skylake' dual-core mobile processor featuring 4 threads, a 2.50 GHz base frequency, and a max turbo speed of 3.10 GHz. Built on a 14nm process with a 15W TDP, it includes 4MB of Smart Cache and integrated Intel HD Graphics 520, which supports 4K resolution at 60Hz. Its primary advantages include high power efficiency for ultrabooks, support for both DDR3L and DDR4-2133 memory, and reliable performance for daily office tasks and light multitasking. However, it is limited by its aging dual-core architecture, lacks official support for Windows 11, and may struggle with modern AAA gaming or heavy professional workloads like 3D rendering.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 6500U

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%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

3.4
Intel Core i7 6500U has a technical score of 3.35 points, which is lower than that of 96.9% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Intel Core i7 6500U has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% 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%

3.4

Overall score

40.0%

8.9

Price

5.0
Intel Core i7 6500U has a quality-to-price ratio of 5 points, which is lower than 96.5% 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

mobile
Intel Core i7 6500U belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% 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

FCBGA1356
Intel Core i7 6500U uses the FCBGA1356 CPU socket, which is older than that of 88.1% of processors and equal to that of 3% 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

Intel 100 Series
Intel Core i7 6500U supports Intel 100 Series chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 51% of processors and equal to that of 2.6% 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 i7 6500U 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.
Show more
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+

2
Intel Core i7 6500U has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 79.3% of processors and equal to 20.6% 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+

4
Intel Core i7 6500U offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% 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

2
Intel Core i7 6500U offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% 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

3.1 GHz
Intel Core i7 6500U reaches a boost clock of 3.1 GHz which is lower than that of 91.6% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% 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

2 x 2.5 GHz
Intel Core i7 6500U has a base clock of 2x2.5 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
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 i7 6500U 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 i7 6500U 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

4 MB
Intel Core i7 6500U has an L3 cache of 4 MB which is smaller than that of 70.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.6% 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

0.5 MB
Intel Core i7 6500U has an L2 cache of 0.5 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.2% 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

128 KB
Intel Core i7 6500U has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
Show more
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

DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3
Intel Core i7 6500U supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3, which is older than that of 74.3% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% 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

2,133 MHz
Intel Core i7 6500U supports memory speeds up to 2133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.6% of processors and equal to 8.8% 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

DDR4-2133 MHz
Intel Core i7 6500U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.9% of processors and equal to 5.3% 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

N/A
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

32 GB
Intel Core i7 6500U supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
Show more
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 i7 6500U 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 HD Graphics 520
Intel Core i7 6500U uses the Intel HD Graphics 520 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 80.8% of processors and equal to that in 0.3% 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 i7 6500U 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

300 MHz
Intel Core i7 6500U has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% 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

JPEG (HW encode)
Intel Core i7 6500U supports JPEG (HW encode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 81.3% of processors.
Show more
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

15 W
Intel Core i7 6500U has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% 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

15 W
Intel Core i7 6500U has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% 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

25 W
Intel Core i7 6500U has a boost power of 25 W which is lower than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.2% of processors.
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 i7 6500U 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

yes
Intel Core i7 6500U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i7 6500U vs the average processor

  • 3.52x faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (1,166.9 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 i7 6500U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (1,166.9 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.1,166.86 vs 331.88
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 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 i7 6500U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 44.4% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower die size than the average processor (99 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 i7 6500U has a lower die size than the average processor (99 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².99 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 60.9% lower boost power
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    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

    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.25 W vs 64 W
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    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

    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 6500U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 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 i7 6500U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 3.52x faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (1,166.9 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 44.4% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower die size than the average processor (99 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 6500U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 60.9% lower boost power
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 6500U supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 5 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 6500U has an older release date than the average processor (2,015 vs 2,020).
    September 2015
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 6500U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,356 vs FP2).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 6500U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 27.9% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 74.9% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (699 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 6500U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 32.1% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,685 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 41.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (282 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 79.5% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (981 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 33.3% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (981 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 68.9% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,275 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i7 6500U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 50% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 62.1% weaker overclocked performance
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower overclocked performance than the average processor (3,429 vs 9,051). The average processor scores 9,051 in overclocked PassMark.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 6500U 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.
  • 50% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 64.6% fewer transistors
    Intel Core i7 6500U has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.8 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i7 6500U uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 25.5% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (34.1 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 4 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i7 6500U has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (12 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 6500U has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 6500U supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core i7 6500U supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1, x1/x1/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i7 6500U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (JPEG (HW encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 6500U uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 520 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 27.9% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    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

    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 74.9% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (699 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (699 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.699 vs 2,783
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 6500U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU 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+

    Intel Core i7 6500U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 32.1% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,685 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,685 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,685 vs 2,483
  • 41.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (282 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 i7 6500U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (282 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.282 vs 484
  • 79.5% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (981 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (981 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.981 vs 4,793
  • 33.3% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (981 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (981 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.981 vs 1,471
  • 68.9% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,275 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i7 6500U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,275 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.3,275 vs 10,532.5
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 6500U and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 6500U?

  • Sufficient for everyday activities and general office tasks
  • Low power consumption (15W TDP) aids battery life in ultrabooks
  • Remains relatively quiet and cool under standard loads
  • Capable of handling older or lighter games (e.g., CSGO, Fortnite)
  • Quick multitasking for basic applications like Chrome and Word
  • Affordable secondary market pricing for budget-conscious users

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 6500U?

  • Limited to only 2 cores, which restricts heavy multitasking and modern rendering
  • Lacks support for modern standards like Windows 11 (TPM checks), Wi-Fi 6, and Thunderbolt 4
  • Performance struggles under sustained heavy workloads like video editing or Photoshop
  • Integrated HD 520 graphics are outdated and insufficient for modern AAA gaming
  • May experience thermal throttling and high heat during intense usage in some laptop models
  • Significant performance gap compared to newer 8th gen+ or equivalent AMD chips

Expert reviews

T
techspot.com
06/07/2016
HP Spectre Laptop Review - CPU Performance (Core i7-6500U)

The 2016 HP Spectre, evaluated in TechSpot's performance analysis, delivers high-end power within a 10.4mm chassis, utilizing full Intel Core i5/i7 "Skylake" processors and PCIe SSD storage for robust performance over underpowered competitors. Design highlights include a "breathtaking" piston hinge and a high-contrast 1080p display with accurate colors, alongside a surprisingly...Read more

T
techspot.com
08/02/2016
Dell XPS 13 Review: Hardware Overview and CPU Performance (Core i7-6500U)

The 2016 Dell XPS 13 review on TechSpot highlights the performance boost provided by the Intel Core i7-6500U Skylake processor and HD 520 graphics, which offer improved efficiency for daily tasks, though the integrated GPU remains unsuitable for heavy gaming. Its standout features include the 5.2mm InfinityEdge bezel, housing a 13.3-inch QHD+ display within a compact chassis, and...Read more

U
ultrabookreview.com
24/06/2015
Intel Core i7-6500U benchmarks (vs Core i7-5500U and Core i7-4500U)

The Intel Core i7-6500U, based on the Skylake architecture, offers a modest 3–10% CPU performance increase over the Broadwell predecessor, while delivering a more significant 20–25% boost in integrated Intel HD 520 graphics performance. Pros include enhanced efficiency, support for PCIe 3rd Gen and Thunderbolt 3, and capability for everyday multitasking, though it can suffer from...Read more

L
laptopmedia.com
09/09/2015
Intel Skylake Core i7-6700HQ and Core i7-6500U review

LaptopMedia's review of the Intel Skylake architecture highlights a focus on efficiency and microarchitecture optimizations over raw performance, featuring the innovative Speed Shift technology for improved responsiveness. The quad-core Core i7-6700HQ is presented as a versatile, high-performance option for gaming and heavy tasks, though it offers limited performance gains over...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Daily Updated
Intel Core i7-6500U @ 2.50GHz - PassMark CPU Benchmarks Would you like to compare these benchmarks against a specific newer model or see how it handle...

The Intel Core i7-6500U is a dual-core 6th Generation Skylake processor from late 2015, featuring a 2.50 GHz base clock and 3.10 GHz turbo frequency designed for thin laptops. Offering a 15W TDP, the processor provides efficient, balanced performance for daily tasks, supporting DDR4-2133 memory and featuring integrated Intel HD Graphics 520, according to PassMark CPU Benchmarks....Read more

L
laptopmedia.com
09/09/2015
Intel Skylake Core i7-6700HQ and Core i7-6500U review

The Intel Skylake review highlights a focus on power efficiency over raw performance, featuring technologies like Intel Speed Shift for improved responsiveness and "Duty Cycling" for lower consumption. While the Core i7-6700HQ offers strong performance, the i7-6500U shows minimal increases over Broadwell, though both boast significantly improved integrated Gen9 graphics. Key...Read more

N
notebooks-und-mobiles.de
07/11/2016
Kaby Lake - Intel Core i7-6500U vs. Intel Core i7-7500U

The review on Notebooks-und-Mobiles.de compares the Kaby Lake Intel Core i7-7500U to the Skylake i7-6500U, highlighting a 10-15% performance boost driven by higher clock speeds (up to 3.5 GHz boost) rather than significant architectural changes. Key advantages of the i7-7500U include improved Intel HD Graphics 620 and, crucially, full hardware support for H.265/HEVC Main 10 and VP9...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
05/04/2016
All our articles with the Core i7-6500U tag - LaptopMedia

The Intel Core i7-6500U is a 6th Generation Skylake dual-core, ultra-low voltage (ULV) processor designed for thin-and-light ultrabooks, featuring a 2.50 GHz base and 3.10 GHz turbo frequency. Pros include high energy efficiency with a 15W TDP, while a key con is its modest performance increase of only 3–4% over the i7-5500U. The chip is ideal for office tasks and supports DDR4-2133...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
valid.x86.fr
Non spécifiée
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i7-6500U (1T)

The CPU-Z validator report for this jzy31s entry highlights an Intel Core i7-10700K running at 5.0 GHz on an ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-E motherboard with 32GB of 3600MHz RAM. The system delivered a single-thread score of 594.1 and a multi-thread score of 5716.4, reflecting high-performance, stable overclocking on the LGA1200 platform. Key advantages (pros) include the high, stable 5.0 GHz...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
01/09/2015
Intel Core i7-6500U | LaptopMedia - Specs and Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-6500U, based on the 14nm Skylake architecture, is a dual-core Ultra-Low Voltage (ULV) processor designed for efficient, thin laptops, featuring a 2.5 GHz base frequency and up to 3.1 GHz Turbo boost. The processor emphasizes energy efficiency (15W TDP) and introduces Intel Speed Shift technology for improved responsiveness, alongside support for DDR4 memory and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
coupeville.nl
07/02/2016
The Lenovo Yoga 900s: A Review (Performance Comparison with i7-6500U)

The Lenovo Yoga 900S, as reviewed on coupeville.nl, is a highly portable, fanless 2-in-1 featuring a 12.7 mm slim, 999g chassis, the signature watchband hinge, and active pen support. While offering excellent battery life, a solid FHD display, and fast NVMe storage performance, it prioritizes mobility over raw speed by utilizing an Intel Core m processor. Key disadvantages...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
coupeville.nl
19/10/2015
The Lenovo Yoga 900 Review: Testing the i7-6500U with PassMark

Geoff Coupe’s review highlights the Lenovo Yoga 900 as a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring a durable, high-quality watchband-style hinge and a 6th-gen Intel Core i7 processor that boosts performance for intensive tasks. The 13.3-inch QHD+ screen is described as vibrant, while the increased 66 Watt-hour battery allows for all-day usage alongside a useful USB...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.nl
29/05/2016
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20FQ0044GE - Notebookcheck.nl Review

The 2016 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (20FQ0044GE) is a 14-inch premium business convertible featuring a 360-degree hinge, high-resolution WQHD IPS display, and Intel Core i7-6600U processor. Key design elements include a robust, lightweight magnesium alloy/carbon-fiber chassis and a "lift-and-lock" keyboard, which protects keys during tablet mode. Performance strengths include an...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
asbascomputers.nl
No Date
Intel Core i7-6500U Processor | Asbas - No. 1 in Refurbished

The Intel Core i7-6500U, detailed by ASBAS Computers, is a 6th generation "Skylake" processor designed for efficiency in thin, ultraportable laptops. It offers a low 15-Watt power consumption for extended battery life, paired with a modest 5% speed increase over its predecessor. While suitable for standard office work and multitasking, the chip struggles with modern, heavy...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
techzine.nl
18/02/2016
HP Envy 13 Review - HP's thinnest laptop ever - Page 6 (Benchmarks)

The Techzine review highlights the 2016 HP Envy 13 as an exceptionally thin, premium all-metal ultrabook featuring a high-resolution QHD+ display and a fingerprint sensor. While the Intel Core i7 processor provides snappy performance for daily tasks, significant drawbacks include disappointing battery life, limited screen brightness, and audible fan noise under load. Overall, it is...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

intel-core-ultra-9-285k
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

Processors

8.9
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9965wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9965WX

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9995wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-9960x
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Processors

8.8
amd-ryzen-threadripper-7970x
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

Processors

8.7
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9985wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9985WX

Processors

8.7
intel-core-ultra-9-285
Intel Core Ultra 9 285

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-9975wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9975WX

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-7985wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7985WX

Processors

8.6
amd-ryzen-9-9950x3d
AMD Ryzen 9 9950x3d

Processors

8.6
intel-core-i9-13900k
Intel Core i9 13900K

Processors

8.5
amd-ryzen-threadripper-pro-7965wx
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7965WX

Processors

8.5

Compare Intel Core i7 6500U with other processors

VS
VS

Compare