The hex-core i5-8500 hails from Intel’s eighth generation of Coffee Lake processors, known for featuring a higher number of cores at each SKU than in previous generations and their refinement of the 14nm architecture as seen in 6th and 7th generation processors. At an estimated price of $184 it offers good multi-core value for money. Its quad core performance nearly rivals the more expensive i7-7700K (the 2017 CPU of choice for many top-end gamers). However based on preliminary benchmarks, the i5-8500 is only marginally faster (2% greater effective speed) than the i5-8400 which is also a recent and competitively priced hex-core Coffee Lake processor. Also, like the i5-8400, the 8500 features 9MB of L3 cache and a frugal TDP of 65W, leaving not much to choose between them. As is the case of all Coffee Lake processors, currently the only motherboards that the 8500 can be paired with feature Intel’s high-end Z370 chipset for overclocking. However, alternative and more suitable 300 series motherboards are long overdue and expected to be available soon. [Mar '18CPUPro]
The Intel Core i5-13500 offers an interesting mix of performance and value that will likely capture the attention of savvy PC builders providing its MSRP of $235 USD holds true. The 13500 features the same 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores as the i5-13600K, which currently retails for $320 USD. However, it has a lower boost clock frequency (4.8 GHz versus 5.1 GHz) and less cache (35.5 MB versus 44 MB) which translates to a 10% performance disadvantage against the 13600K. Nevertheless, paired with a B660 motherboard and inexpensive DDR4, the 20 thread i5-13500, is a very capable mid-range processor for both gaming and multi-threaded tasks. Compared to AMD’s similarly priced, hex-core Ryzen 5 7600 and 7600X, the 13500 offers better gaming and 50% faster multi-core performance which is particularly beneficial to workstation and professional users. Intel has completely priced AMD's 7000 series CPUs out of the rational market. Despite this, as long as Intel continues to sample and sponsor marketers that are mostly funded by AMD, they will struggle to win market share. [Jan '23CPUPro]
We calculate effective speed which measures real world performance for typical users. Effective speed is adjusted by current prices to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top CPUs. [CPUPro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.