Name: Intel Pentium Gold G6500
Brand: Intel

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Pentium Gold G6500

Overall score

4.7

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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

7.4

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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

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

3.8

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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

N/A

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

3.8

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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

5.9

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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

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

6.8

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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

6.5

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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 G6500 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Pentium Gold G6500 better than the average processor?

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Includes stock cooler
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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 Pentium Gold G6500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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 Pentium Gold G6500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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 Pentium Gold G6500 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
17.8% higher single-core score
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,733 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 G6500 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,733 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,733 vs 1,471
Modern CPU socket
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 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 Pentium Gold G6500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 vs FP2).LGA1200 vs FP2
2.72x more popular
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 is more popular than the average processor (2.72 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 Pentium Gold G6500 is more popular than the average processor (2.72 vs 1,000).2.72 vs 1
4.17x cheaper
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 is cheaper than the average processor (£60 vs £250).
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 is cheaper than the average processor (£60 vs £250).£60 vs £250
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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 G6500 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
Modern CPU socket
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 vs FP2).
17.8% higher single-core score
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,733 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
13 higher clock multiplier
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (41 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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 Pentium Gold G6500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Why is Intel Pentium Gold G6500 worse than the average processor?

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Narrower instruction support
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
No crypto acceleration
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
4 fewer CPU cores
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
63.8% lower multi-core score
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,733 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
60.3% lower PassMark score
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,185 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
4 fewer CPU threads
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
No Turbo Boost
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 does not support Turbo Boost, the average processor does.
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
80% smaller L2 cache
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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 G6500 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 G6500 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 G6500 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 G6500 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
9.2% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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 Pentium Gold G6500 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.
No configurable TDP
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
28.9% higher base power
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (58 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
28.9% higher TDP
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has a higher TDP than the average processor (58 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
4 fewer CPU cores
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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 G6500 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.
Importance: LOW
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
63.8% lower multi-core score
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,733 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 Pentium Gold G6500 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,733 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,733 vs 4,793
Narrower instruction support
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, 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 G6500 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
60.3% lower PassMark score
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,185 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 G6500 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,185 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.4,185 vs 10,532.5
80% smaller L2 cache
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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.
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
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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.0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
16.7% larger process node
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 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 Pentium Gold G6500 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
4 fewer CPU threads
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 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+
Intel Pentium Gold G6500 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Pentium Gold G6500?

Excellent value for budget-conscious office and basic home builds
Efficient performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and spreadsheets
Solid single-core clock speed of 4.1 GHz provides responsiveness in lightly threaded applications
Hyper-Threading support allows for better multitasking than traditional dual-core chips
Low power consumption and energy efficiency (58W TDP)
Includes capable integrated graphics (Intel UHD 630) for standard media and multi-monitor setups

What customers dislike about Intel Pentium Gold G6500?

Limited to 2 physical cores, which causes bottlenecks in modern multitasking and heavy workloads
Poor performance in modern gaming, often resulting in significant FPS drops and lag
Lacks AVX instruction set support, which can prevent some newer games and professional software from running
Locked multiplier prevents any significant overclocking potential
Integrated graphics are insufficient for GPU-intensive tasks like video editing or high-end gaming
Limited upgrade path as it requires a specific 400-series chipset motherboard

Expert reviews

browser.geekbench.com

15/05/2026

Intel Pentium Gold G6500 Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Pentium Gold G6500 is a budget-friendly, 14nm Comet Lake-S dual-core processor operating at 4.1 GHz with 4 threads on the LGA 1200 socket. Featuring integrated UHD Graphics 630 supporting 4K, this 58W TDP chip is tailored for basic office tasks and entry-level computing. Key strengths include strong single-core speed for daily tasks, solid integrated graphics, and high...Read more

cpu.userbenchmark.com

01/12/2020

Intel Pentium Gold G6500 BX80701G6500 - UserBenchmark

The Intel Pentium Gold G6500 is a budget-friendly, 2-core/4-thread Comet Lake desktop processor operating at a fixed 4.10 GHz, offering solid performance for basic, everyday tasks. UserBenchmark ratings label it a "good" all-rounder for entry-level computing with an "Aircraft Carrier" status, though it falls behind modern mid-range options in heavy tasks. Key advantages include high...Read more

cpubenchmark.net

05/03/2026

Intel Pentium Gold G6500 vs AMD A8-7670K - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Pentium Gold G6500 (2020) acts as an efficient, modern entry-level CPU, significantly outclassing the older AMD A8-7670K (2015) with 28% higher multi-threaded performance and better single-thread speed. While the Pentium delivers superior responsiveness for daily tasks and supports modern DDR4 memory, it is restricted by a dual-core design. The primary, albeit outdated,...Read more

15/03/2026

Intel Pentium Gold G6500T vs Pentium Gold G6500 Comparison

The Intel Pentium Gold G6500 and G6500T are two-core, four-thread processors based on the Comet Lake architecture, offering different balances of speed and power efficiency. The G6500 provides higher performance with a 4.10 GHz base clock and a 58W TDP, making it suitable for general desktop use despite its higher power consumption. Conversely, the G6500T caters to small form factor...Read more

unieuro.it

Intel Processor Comparison, Which to Choose: Pentium Gold Series Analysis

The Unieuro buying guide outlines that Intel Core i3 processors serve as budget-friendly, entry-level options ideal for basic tasks but limited by dual-core architectures unsuitable for heavy multitasking. Mid-range Core i5 processors provide a versatile balance of price and performance for daily use, though they can be costlier and sometimes lack the power for intensive editing...Read more

tweakers.net

Compare Intel Pentium Gold Prices and Performance: How Does This Model Stack Up Against the G7400 in Benchmarks?

The Intel Pentium Gold series is positioned as a reliable entry-level choice for basic computing tasks like web browsing, office work, and media streaming, offering strong single-threaded performance via two cores and four threads. These processors, including models like the G6400 and G7400, are praised for their efficiency in home-office setups or simple HTPCs, running quietly and...Read more

hardware.info

20/05/2020

Intel Core i5-10600K & Core i9-10900K Review: The Full Lineup Tested

The Hardware.info review identifies Intel's 10th Gen "Comet Lake" processors, particularly the Core i9-10900K and i5-10600K, as high-performance, top-tier gaming chips that ultimately face stiff competition due to platform limitations. While the i9-10900K delivers 10 cores/20 threads up to 5.3 GHz, and the i5-10600K offers excellent mid-range value with hyperthreading, the review...Read more

Intel Pentium Gold G6500 Review | 78 Data compared

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Verdict

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Pentium Gold G6500

Intel Pentium Gold G6500 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Pentium Gold G6500 better than the average processor?

Why is Intel Pentium Gold G6500 worse than the average processor?

Graphic comparison of Intel Pentium Gold G6500 and other processors

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Pentium Gold G6500?

What customers dislike about Intel Pentium Gold G6500?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Intel Pentium Gold G6500 with other processors