Name: Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y
Brand: Intel

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y

Overall score

3.4

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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.

Platform

7.0

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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

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

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

N/A

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

Performance

2.2

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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+

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+

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

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

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

Cache & Architecture

4.7

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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

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

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

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

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

Memory & PCIe

3.2

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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

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

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

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

Integrated Graphics

6.9

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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

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

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

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

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

Power & Thermal

7.6

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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

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

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

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

Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y vs the average processor

Why is Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y better than the average processor?

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88.9% lower base power
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower base power draw than the average processor (5 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower base power draw than the average processor (5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.5 W vs 45 W
89.1% lower boost power
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (7 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (7 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.7 W vs 64 W
88.9% lower TDP
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower TDP than the average processor (5 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower TDP than the average processor (5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.5 W vs 45 W
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y 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
3.57x cheaper
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y is cheaper than the average processor (£70 vs £250).
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y is cheaper than the average processor (£70 vs £250).£70 vs £250
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y 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.
88.9% lower base power
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower base power draw than the average processor (5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
89.1% lower boost power
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (7 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
88.9% lower TDP
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower TDP than the average processor (5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Why is Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y worse than the average processor?

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Narrower instruction support
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
Older CPU socket
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,515 vs FP2).
78.6% weaker multi-core performance
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (595 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
4 fewer CPU cores
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
32.4% weaker single-core performance
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,679 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
20.9% lower boost clock
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
43.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (273 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
38% lower single-core score
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (912 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
72.2% lower PassMark score
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,925 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
63.4% lower multi-core score
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,753 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
4 fewer CPU threads
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
50% lower bus transfer rate
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y 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.
17 lower clock multiplier
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (11 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
80% smaller L2 cache
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
6 fewer PCIe lanes
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (10 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
36.4% lower memory speed
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,866 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
27.3% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (33.3 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
Older DDR support
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
75% less memory capacity
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
Limited PCIe bifurcation
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1, x1/x1/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
78.6% weaker multi-core performance
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (595 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (595 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.595 vs 2,783
4 fewer CPU cores
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
32.4% weaker single-core performance
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,679 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,679 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,679 vs 2,483
20.9% lower boost clock
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.4 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
43.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (273 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (273 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.273 vs 484
38% lower single-core score
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (912 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (912 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.912 vs 1,471
72.2% lower PassMark score
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,925 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,925 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.2,925 vs 10,532.5
Narrower instruction support
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 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 Pentium Gold 6500Y supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y?

High energy efficiency with a low 5W TDP, ideal for fanless and ultra-portable designs
Adequate for basic 'lightweight' office tasks, web browsing, and media streaming
Offers a smooth experience when running lightweight Linux distributions compared to Windows
Supports modern features like Windows 11 compatibility and 4K video decoding (VP9/HEVC)
Significant improvement in single-core performance over older Pentium Silver models

What customers dislike about Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y?

Extremely limited multitasking capabilities due to having only 2 cores and 4 threads
Prone to significant slowdowns (described as 'slow as molasses') under standard Windows 11 bloat
Very poor 3D gaming performance; most modern titles are unplayable even at lowest settings
Lacks power for demanding productivity software like video editing or complex programming
Limited official RAM support (typically 16GB) and often paired with slow eMMC storage in budget devices
Performance is frequently compared unfavorably to modern high-end smartphones

Expert reviews

cpubenchmark.net

30/03/2026

Intel Pentium GOLD 6500Y @ 1.10GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y is an ultra-low-voltage, 14nm dual-core processor designed for fanless, thin devices like the Surface Go 3, operating at a 5W TDP. While offering basic functionality for daily tasks, its performance is limited by low clock speeds, making it unsuitable for demanding workloads. Pros include silent, efficient performance, but cons involve limited processing...Read more

results.bapco.com

12/11/2021

CPU Results for Intel Pentium CPU GOLD 6500Y @ 1.10GHz

The Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y is a dual-core, 14nm Amber Lake processor optimized for ultra-portable, fanless devices, achieving a 606 overall score in CrossMark, as seen in BAPCo Results. Key pros include a low 5W TDP for efficiency and a 1.7x performance boost over its predecessor, according to data from Notebookcheck. Conversely, significant cons are poor 3D graphics performance...Read more

chip.de

12/10/2023

Microsoft Surface Go 3 (8VA-00003) Review - CHIP

The CHIP review of the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (8VA-00003) highlights a premium, highly portable 2-in-1 device with a robust magnesium housing that offers few design changes compared to its predecessor. While featuring an excellent 10.5-inch 1920x1280 display suitable for various lighting conditions, the device is limited to basic tasks and struggles with heavier workloads due to its...Read more

test-aankoop.be

10/02/2022

Microsoft Surface Go 3 Review - Test Purchase

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a highly portable, premium-built 10.5-inch Windows 11 tablet, highlighted by a bright 1920x1280 PixelSense display and an excellent 1080p webcam. However, the device suffers from slow performance with its base Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y processor and mediocre battery life, which often falls under 7 hours in real-world use. While offering a solid, compact...Read more

laptopmedia.com

25/11/2021

Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y: Specifications and Benchmarks

The Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y is a 14nm Amber Lake dual-core, dual-thread SoC designed for ultra-low-power, fanless devices like the Microsoft Surface Go 3, operating on a 5W TDP that can be reduced to 3.5W for silent performance. It features a 1.1 GHz base clock with a 3.4 GHz turbo boost, specializing in light office tasks, web browsing, and media consumption, supported by Intel...Read more

Microsoft Surface Go 3 review: compact companion tablet

Test-Aankoop identifies the Microsoft Surface Go 3 as a highly portable 10.5-inch Windows tablet featuring premium build quality and a sharp, high-contrast display, serving well as a secondary device for light tasks, video conferencing, and note-taking. While offering an elegant design, the device is criticized for being a minor refresh, suffering from insufficient battery life that...Read more

id.nl

25/02/2022

Microsoft Surface Go 3 - Little innovation once again

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 review from ID.nl describes the third-generation tablet as a minor, incremental update with a premium, portable 10.5-inch design but dated, thick bezels. While offering a full Windows 11 experience in a 544g form factor with a quality 1080p webcam, the device faces significant criticism for lackluster performance and poor value. Key drawbacks include...Read more

Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y Review | 78 Data compared

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Verdict

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y

Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y vs the average processor

Why is Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y better than the average processor?

Why is Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y worse than the average processor?

Graphic comparison of Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y and other processors

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y?

What customers dislike about Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y with other processors