Intel Core i7-3770K vs Intel Core i5-6500
The Intel Core i7-3770K is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 2%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i7-3770K | Intel Core i5-6500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 42/100 | 41/100 |
| Tier | D | D |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 8 | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.9 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 77 W | 65 W |
| Release year | 2012 | 2015 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i7-3770K is the better buy — it holds a 2% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The Intel Core i5-6500 runs 12W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.