How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-3220 scores 20.2/100 overall; Intel Core i5-6500 scores 23.5/100. Intel Core i3-3220 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-6500 wins 13.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-3220 and the Intel Core i5-6500?

Intel Core i3-3220 advantages: 15% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 65 W; Lower launch price: $117 vs $192. Intel Core i5-6500 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 26 vs 20; 107% higher PassMark: 5,600 vs 2,700; 100% higher cores: 4 vs 2; 100% higher Performance cores: 4 vs 2; 100% higher L2 cache: 1 MB vs 1 MB.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-3220 or Intel Core i5-6500?

Intel Core i3-3220 launched cheaper at $117, versus $192 for the Intel Core i5-6500.

Intel Core i3-3220 vs Intel Core i5-6500

Intel

Intel Core i3-3220

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-6500

$192

20Single-core25.6

20.4Multi-core22.9

20Gaming21.9

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-322013 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6500

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-6500 wins this desktop processor face-off, 23.5 to 20.2, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+6) and Multi-core (+3). Intel Core i3-3220 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-3220

15% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 65 W
Lower launch price: $117 vs $192

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-6500

Stronger Single-core score: 26 vs 20
107% higher PassMark: 5,600 vs 2,700
100% higher cores: 4 vs 2
100% higher Performance cores: 4 vs 2
100% higher L2 cache: 1 MB vs 1 MB

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i5-6500
Announced	2012	2015
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1151
Process	22 nm	14 nm+36%
Base TDP	55 W+15%	65 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i5-6500
Cores	2	4+100%
Performance cores	2	4+100%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	4
Base clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
L2 cache	1 MB	1 MB+100%
L3 cache	3 MB	6 MB+100%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i5-6500
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2500	Intel HD Graphics 530
iGPU clock	1,050 MHz	1,050 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i5-6500
Memory support	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600
Max memory	32 GB	64 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i5-6500
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i5-6500
Geekbench 6 (single)	790	1,180+49%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,720	3,050+77%
Cinebench R23 (single)	765	—
Cinebench R23 (multi)	1,900	3,500+84%
PassMark	2,700	5,600+107%

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