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Overview

The Core i5-8500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,730 points. Launch price was $192.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8500T

#710

Core i9-9900K

MSRP: $488|Avg: $331

105%

#711

Core i7-3930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $150

105%

#712

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

MSRP: $899|Avg: $540

105%

#713

Celeron G4930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

105%

#714

Celeron G1101

MSRP: $50|Avg: $20

105%

#715

Core i9-9920X

MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464

104%

#716

FX-770K

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $59

104%

#717

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

102%

#718

Phenom II X3 B77

MSRP: $281|Avg: $35

102%

#719

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

101%

#720

Phenom X4 9500

MSRP: $247|Avg: $30

100%

#721

Core i7-8700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $196

100%

#722

Ryzen 5 3600XT

MSRP: $249|Avg: $357

100%

#723

Core 2 Duo E8300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

100%

#724

Core i9-10980XE

MSRP: $979|Avg: $620

100%

#725

Core i5-8500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $149

100%

#726

Celeron G3930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $39

100%

#727

Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

99%

#728

Core i9-9900KF

MSRP: $488|Avg: $350

99%

#729

Core i7-3770T

MSRP: $278|Avg: $105

99%

#730

Ryzen Embedded V2748

MSRP: $309|Avg: $359

99%

#731

A8-3800

MSRP: $130|Avg: $40

99%

#732

Core i7-5775C

MSRP: $366|Avg: $150

99%

#733

Core i7-7800X

MSRP: $383|Avg: $254

98%

#734

Core i3-9350K

MSRP: $184|Avg: $150

98%

#735

Pentium G3420

MSRP: $86|Avg: $40

97%

#736

Athlon 64 3200+

MSRP: $417|Avg: $10

97%

#737

Core i7-2600K

MSRP: $317|Avg: $109

97%

#738

Core 2 Quad Q8200

MSRP: $224|Avg: $36

97%

#739

Pentium G6950

MSRP: $87|Avg: $25

97%

#740

Core 2 Duo E8500

MSRP: $26|Avg: $26

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-8500T across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-8500T specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-8500T is a 6-core / 6-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 9 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 7,730, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,192.

Specification	Core i5-8500T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 6T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	9 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	149 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	7,730
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,192

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8500T fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-8500T
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1151
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	UHD Graphics 630
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H310,B360,H370,Z370,Z390,B365
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-8500T is primarily designed for Low Power Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 3 2200G.

Specification	Core i5-8500T
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Low Power Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Ryzen 3 2200G

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-8500T has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i5-8500T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $149 (MSRP: $192), the Core i5-8500T delivers 52 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1483 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-8500T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$192
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$149
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$192
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1483
Release DateLaunch date	2 April 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel