Intel Core i5-10500 vs Intel Core i5-8600 Comparison

The Intel Core i5-8600 and Intel Core i5-10500 are both six-core desktop processors from Intel, but they represent different generations and platform generations. The data shows the i5-10500 consistently outperforms the i5-8600 across all tested Cinebench workloads, yet the overall average benchmark scores are nearly identical. This page analyzes the benchmark data, architectural differences, and specification deltas to provide a neutral comparison based strictly on the provided facts.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher multi-core benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-10500 wins all multi-core tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 8686 versus the i5-8600’s 8486, a 2.3% advantage. The gap is similar in Cinebench R20 multi-core (3648 vs 3564) and Cinebench R15 multi-core (875 vs 855).

Q: How do the single-core scores compare?

A: The i5-10500 also leads in every single-core test. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score is 1226, compared to 1198 for the i5-8600 (a 2.3% difference). In Cinebench R20 single-core, the i5-10500 scores 514 versus 503, and in R15 single-core it scores 123 versus 120.

Q: What is the difference in average benchmark score between the two?

A: The i5-8600 has an average benchmark score of 2454, while the i5-10500 has an average of 2446. This makes the i5-8600 0.3% higher, despite losing all head-to-head Cinebench tests, because the i5-10500’s Geekbench scores (3381 multi-core, 1117 single-core) are included in its average but not in the i5-8600’s benchmark list.

Q: Do both processors have the same number of cores?

A: Yes, both have 6 physical cores. However, the i5-8600 has 6 threads, while the i5-10500 has 12 threads, meaning the i5-10500 supports Hyper-Threading and the i5-8600 does not.

Q: What is the boost clock difference?

A: The i5-10500 has a higher boost clock of 4.50 GHz, while the i5-8600 boosts to 4.30 GHz. The base clocks are identical at 3.10 GHz for both.

Q: Which processor uses a newer socket?

A: The i5-10500 uses Intel Socket 1200, whereas the i5-8600 uses Intel Socket 1151. This indicates they are not pin-compatible and require different motherboards.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same 14 nm process node and Intel foundry, but they belong to different architectures. The i5-8600 is based on Coffee Lake, while the i5-10500 is based on Comet Lake. This generational shift brings several key changes beyond the architecture name itself.

The most significant architectural difference is thread count. The i5-8600 offers 6 cores and 6 threads, while the i5-10500 offers 6 cores and 12 threads. This doubles the thread count on the newer chip, which directly impacts multi-threaded workloads. The cache hierarchy also differs: the i5-8600 has 9 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i5-10500 has 12 MB of shared L3 cache. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core.

The i5-10500 also uses a different socket, Intel Socket 1200, compared to the i5-8600’s Intel Socket 1151. This means the platform, chipset, and motherboard compatibility are entirely different. The process node is the same (14 nm), and the die size for the i5-8600 is listed at 154 mm², while the i5-10500’s die size is not provided.

Both processors feature the same integrated graphics, UHD Graphics 630, and share identical memory support: DDR4, dual-channel, with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth. Neither supports ECC memory. The PCIe configuration is also identical: Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The production status differs, with the i5-8600 listed as end-of-life and the i5-10500 as active.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data shows a clean sweep for the Intel Core i5-10500 across all six Cinebench tests. The margins are consistent, ranging from 2.1% to 2.4% in favor of the newer chip. This uniformity suggests the performance advantage is structural, likely due to the additional threads and higher boost clock.

In multi-core tests, the i5-10500 leads by 2.3% in Cinebench R15 (875 vs 855), Cinebench R20 (3648 vs 3564), and Cinebench R23 (8686 vs 8486). This consistent 2.3% delta in multi-core workloads aligns with the thread count advantage, though the gain is modest because the base and boost clocks are close.

In single-core tests, the i5-10500 leads by 2.4% in Cinebench R15 (123 vs 120), 2.1% in Cinebench R20 (514 vs 503), and 2.3% in Cinebench R23 (1226 vs 1198). The single-core advantage is smaller than the multi-core advantage in percentage terms, but it is still present in every test, reflecting the higher 4.50 GHz boost clock versus 4.30 GHz.

The i5-8600 does not win any head-to-head benchmark. However, the average benchmark score tells a slightly different story: the i5-8600’s average is 2454, which is 0.3% higher than the i5-10500’s 2446. This is because the i5-10500’s average includes Geekbench scores (3381 multi-core, 1117 single-core) that are not listed for the i5-8600, skewing the average comparison. In terms of pure Cinebench performance, the i5-10500 is the clear winner.

The Verdict

Based solely on the benchmark data, the Intel Core i5-10500 is the superior processor. It wins all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, with deltas ranging from 2.1% to 2.4%. The multi-core advantage is directly attributable to its 12 threads versus the i5-8600’s 6 threads, while the single-core advantage comes from its higher 4.50 GHz boost clock.

The i5-8600’s only statistical edge is its average benchmark score (2454 vs 2446), but that is misleading because the i5-10500 has additional Geekbench scores factored into its average. On the actual shared test suite, the i5-10500 is ahead in every metric. The i5-10500 also offers more L3 cache (12 MB vs 9 MB) and is an active production part, while the i5-8600 is end-of-life.

For users building a new system, the i5-10500 is the better choice from a performance perspective. The i5-8600, however, is not without merit: it has a smaller die size (154 mm²) and uses the older Socket 1151 platform, which may be relevant for specific upgrade paths. The verdict is straightforward: the data favors the i5-10500 in every head-to-head test.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specification fields. The most notable differences are:

• Threads: The i5-8600 has 6 threads, while the i5-10500 has 12 threads.
• Boost Clock: The i5-8600 has a 4.30 GHz boost, while the i5-10500 has a 4.50 GHz boost.
• Socket: The i5-8600 uses Intel Socket 1151, while the i5-10500 uses Intel Socket 1200.
• Architecture: The i5-8600 is Coffee Lake, while the i5-10500 is Comet Lake.
• L3 Cache: The i5-8600 has 9 MB shared, while the i5-10500 has 12 MB shared.
• Die Size: The i5-8600 is 154 mm², while the i5-10500’s die size is not listed.
• Release Date: The i5-8600 was released on 2018-02-13, while the i5-10500 was released on 2020-04-29.
• Production Status: The i5-8600 is end-of-life, while the i5-10500 is active.
• Launch MSRP: The i5-8600 has a launch MSRP of $213, while the i5-10500 has no listed launch MSRP.

Fields that are identical include: cores (6), base clock (3.10 GHz), TDP (65), process node (14 nm), foundry (Intel), L1 cache (64 KB per core), L2 cache (256 KB per core), memory support (DDR4), memory bus (Dual-channel), memory bandwidth (42.7 GB/s), ECC memory (false), PCIe (Gen 3, 16 Lanes CPU only), integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), market segment (Desktop), and multiplier unlocked (false).

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-10500 wins in every benchmark category where both processors are tested. Its victories are consistent across multi-core and single-core workloads, making it the better choice for any application that relies on Cinebench-style rendering or CPU throughput.

Specifically, the i5-10500 is better for multi-threaded tasks like video rendering, 3D modeling, and content creation, where its 12 threads provide a 2.3% advantage over the i5-8600 in Cinebench R23 multi-core (8686 vs 8486). It also wins in single-threaded tasks like gaming or lightly-threaded applications, with a 2.3% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core (1226 vs 1198).

The i5-8600, while losing all head-to-head tests, still holds a marginal advantage in average benchmark score (2454 vs 2446). This is due to the inclusion of Geekbench scores in the i5-10500’s average, but it does mean the i5-8600’s overall profile is not drastically worse. The i5-8600 also has a smaller die size (154 mm²) and a lower launch MSRP ($213), but these are not benchmark wins.

In practical terms, the i5-10500 is the better performer for both single-core and multi-core workloads. The i5-8600’s only "win" is the average benchmark score, which is a statistical artifact rather than a performance victory. For users who prioritize raw CPU performance, the i5-10500 is the clear pick. For users on a legacy Socket 1151 platform, the i5-8600 remains a viable option, but the data shows the i5-10500 is faster in every shared test.