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Intel Core i5 6500 3.20 GHz Quad Core Skylake Desktop Processor, Socket LGA 1151, 6MB Cache [BX80662I56500]
Intel

Intel Core i5 6500 3.20 GHz Quad Core Skylake Desktop Processor, Socket LGA 1151, 6MB Cache [BX80662I56500]

Bottom line: The Intel Core i5 6500 3.20 GHz Quad Core Skylake Desktop Processor ($95.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 16:16 UTC): Four true physical cores at 3.20 GHz base for steady 1080p gaming; main trade-off: no Hyper-Threading: only 4 threads, weak in modern multithreaded workloads.

$95.00

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Buy on Amazon — $95.00 Compare to similar processors

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Four true physical cores at 3.20 GHz base for steady 1080p gaming
  • ✓ 6MB L3 cache keeps frame pacing consistent in older CPU-bound titles
  • ✓ Drops into any LGA 1151 Skylake board: H110, B150, H170, Z170

Cons

  • ✗ No Hyper-Threading: only 4 threads, weak in modern multithreaded workloads
  • ✗ Locked multiplier means no overclocking headroom even on Z170
  • ✗ Skylake is a 2015-era architecture, well behind current IPC
  • ✗ LGA 1151 is a dead-end socket with no modern upgrade path

Manufacturer description

A new level of intelligent performance Do more at once Speedy content creation

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Intel Core i5 6500 3.20 GHz Quad Core Skylake Desktop Processor using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the processors category. Intel's processors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for processors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What motherboard socket does the Intel Core i5-6500 use?

It uses Socket LGA 1151. It is a Skylake-generation chip, so it targets 100-series chipsets such as H110, B150, H170, and Z170. Confirm CPU support on your specific board's compatibility list before buying, since some boards need a BIOS update for certain LGA 1151 CPUs.

Can the i5-6500 be overclocked?

No. The i5-6500 is not a K-series part, so the multiplier is locked and it runs at its 3.20 GHz base clock with Turbo Boost handling the rest. Pairing it with a Z170 board will not unlock overclocking on this specific model.

Is the Core i5-6500 still good for gaming in 2026?

For 1080p esports and older titles it remains workable, but it has only 4 cores and 4 threads with no Hyper-Threading, so it will bottleneck a modern GPU in CPU-heavy current-gen engines. Treat it as a budget or secondary-build CPU rather than a primary gaming chip.

How many cores and threads does the i5-6500 have?

Four physical cores and four threads. Unlike the i7 parts in the same Skylake generation, it does not include Hyper-Threading, so thread count matches core count exactly. It carries 6MB of cache.

Does the i5-6500 include a cooler, and what is the warranty?

Cooler inclusion depends on whether you are buying the boxed BX80662I56500 retail SKU or a tray/OEM unit, and listings vary. Check the specific product listing for what is in the box and for current warranty terms before ordering.

Key Features

  • A new level of intelligent performance
  • Do more at once
  • Speedy content creation
  • Get your game on

Full Specifications

SizeRetail Box Version
BrandIntel
ModelBX80662I56500
Warranty3 Year Limited Warranty from Intel
UnitCount1
ReleaseDate2015-08-05T00:00:01Z
ManufacturerIntel
IsAdultProductfalse
ItemPartNumber1357826

Ready to buy?

Intel Core i5 6500 3.20 GHz Quad Core Skylake Desktop Processor, Socket LGA 1151, 6MB Cache [BX80662I56500] is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $95.00

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.

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Intel Core i5 6500 3.20 GHz Quad Core Skylake Desktop Processor, Socket LGA 1151, 6MB Cache [BX80662I56500]
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