Intel Core i5-4670 vs Intel Core i5-6500T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data presents a remarkably consistent picture: the Intel Core i5-4670 wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, taking all six tests. The margins are strikingly uniform across both single-core and multi-core workloads. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-4670 scores 469 against the i5-6500T's 408, a 13% advantage. The single-core R15 test shows a nearly identical gap, with 66 versus 57, translating to a 13.6% lead for the older Haswell part. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R20, where the i5-4670 posts 1957 multi-core and 275 single-core, versus 1702 and 240 for the i5-6500T — again, 13% and 12.7% deltas respectively. The most recent benchmark in the set, Cinebench R23, reinforces the trend: 4660 versus 4054 in multi-core (13% gap) and 657 versus 572 in single-core (12.9% gap).

What makes this interesting is that the i5-6500T does have a newer architecture and a smaller process node, yet it cannot overcome the clock speed deficit. The i5-4670's base clock is 3.40 GHz versus 2.50 GHz, and its boost reaches 3.80 GHz compared to 3.10 GHz. Those frequency advantages appear to be decisive. The i5-6500T does have Geekbench results in the FACT PACK (2843 multi-core, 1016 single-core), but no corresponding Geekbench score is provided for the i5-4670, so a direct comparison on that test is not possible from the data.

The overall average benchmark scores tell a similar story. The i5-4670 averages 1347 across its benchmark results, while the i5-6500T averages 1362. Interestingly, the i5-6500T's average is actually slightly higher because it includes Geekbench scores, which are not present for the i5-4670. Both processors sit at the 36th percentile among all CPUs, indicating they occupy the same performance tier in the broader market. The nearest rivals for the i5-6500T include the Intel Core i5-8365UE with an identical average score of 1362 (0% delta), and the Intel Xeon D-1521 at 1367 (-0.4%). For the i5-4670, the closest competitor is the Intel Core i5-7400T at 1348 (-0.1%), with the Intel Xeon W-2104 at 1350 (-0.2%). These proximity scores suggest both chips are firmly in the same performance class, despite the i5-4670's consistent win in every paired test.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different generations and use different manufacturing processes. The i5-6500T is built on Intel's Skylake architecture using a 14 nm process node, while the i5-4670 uses the older Haswell architecture on a 22 nm node. This is a significant generational leap — the newer chip packs transistors more densely, which typically enables better power efficiency. The die sizes reflect this: the i5-6500T measures 122 mm², while the i5-4670's die is substantially larger at 177 mm². The FACT PACK also lists the i5-4670's transistor count at 1,400 million; no transistor count is provided for the i5-6500T.

Both processors have identical core and thread configurations: 4 cores and 4 threads. They share the same cache hierarchy as well — 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3. With equal core counts and equal cache amounts, the performance difference comes down to clock speeds and architectural efficiency. The i5-4670's higher clocks (3.40 GHz base, 3.80 GHz boost) give it a raw throughput advantage. The i5-6500T's Skylake architecture is generally more efficient per clock, but the data shows it cannot close the gap against a processor running 900 MHz higher at base and 700 MHz higher at boost.

Memory support is another differentiator. The i5-6500T supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a listed memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The i5-4670 supports only DDR3, also dual-channel, but no memory bandwidth figure is provided for it. The newer chip's flexibility to work with either memory type is a notable feature, though the i5-4670's DDR3-only support may be sufficient for many builds. The integrated graphics differ as well: the i5-6500T carries HD Graphics 530, while the i5-4670 has Intel HD 4600. No benchmark scores are provided for the integrated GPUs, so a performance comparison on that front is not possible from the data.

The sockets are incompatible — the i5-6500T uses Intel Socket 1151, while the i5-4670 uses Intel Socket 1150. This means upgrading from one to the other would require a motherboard change, an important consideration for anyone looking at these parts. Both support PCIe Gen 3, though the i5-6500T's listing specifies "16 Lanes (CPU only)" while the i5-4670's entry simply says "Gen 3." Neither processor supports ECC memory, and neither has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. The i5-6500T was released in July 2015 and is marked as end-of-life, while the i5-4670's release date is June 2013, with no production status specified.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i5-4670 is the faster processor in every measured test. Across six Cinebench workloads spanning three versions (R15, R20, R23), the i5-4670 wins by margins ranging from 12.7% to 13.6%. This consistency is notable — there is no single test where the i5-6500T manages to close the gap or edge ahead. The clock speed advantage of the older chip appears to be the determining factor, outweighing any architectural efficiency gains from Skylake's 14 nm process.

The i5-6500T does offer some advantages that are not captured in the benchmark scores. Its 35 W TDP is dramatically lower than the i5-4670's 84 W, making it a much more power-efficient option for compact or low-noise builds. It also supports DDR4 memory, which could be relevant for system longevity. However, for pure compute performance, the i5-4670 is the clear choice. The data shows both processors at the 36th percentile overall, and their average scores are close (1362 for the i5-6500T, 1347 for the i5-4670), but the head-to-head results tell the real story — the i5-4670 wins all six direct comparisons.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-4670 wins all three multi-core Cinebench tests. It scores 469 in R15, 1957 in R20, and 4660 in R23, versus 408, 1702, and 4054 for the i5-6500T. The margin is 13% in each case.

Q: How do the single-core scores compare?

A: The i5-4670 leads by 13.6% in Cinebench R15 single-core (66 versus 57), by 12.7% in R20 (275 versus 240), and by 12.9% in R23 (657 versus 572).

Q: Do both processors have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 4 threads. They also share the same cache configuration: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3.

Q: What are the main architectural differences?

A: The i5-6500T uses Skylake architecture on a 14 nm process with a 122 mm² die, while the i5-4670 uses Haswell on 22 nm with a 177 mm² die. The i5-6500T supports DDR3 and DDR4 memory, while the i5-4670 supports only DDR3.

Q: Which processor has higher clock speeds?

A: The i5-4670 has a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. The i5-6500T has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.10 GHz.

Q: What is the power consumption difference?

A: The i5-6500T has a TDP of 35 W, while the i5-4670 has a TDP of 84 W. The newer chip uses significantly less power.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-4670 wins in every compute benchmark recorded in the FACT PACK. This includes all six Cinebench tests — R15, R20, and R23, each with single-core and multi-core variants. The margins are tightly clustered between 12.7% and 13.6%, suggesting a consistent per-clock advantage that does not vary with workload type. For users running CPU-intensive applications like video rendering, 3D modeling, or batch photo processing, the i5-4670 delivers measurable performance gains.

The i5-6500T's wins are not in raw performance but in efficiency and platform flexibility. Its 35 W TDP is less than half the i5-4670's 84 W, making it suitable for systems where heat output and power draw are primary concerns. It supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, giving builders more options for memory selection. The newer Socket 1151 platform may also offer more modern motherboard features, though the FACT PACK does not specify what those might be. The i5-6500T's integrated HD Graphics 530 is a newer GPU generation than the i5-4670's HD 4600, which could matter for basic display tasks, though no GPU benchmarks are provided.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-6500T | Intel Core i5-4670 |

|---|---|---|

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.10 GHz | 3.80 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 84 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel Socket 1150 |

| Architecture | Skylake | Haswell |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 22 nm |

| Die Size | 122 mm² | 177 mm² |

| Transistors | Not specified | 1,400 million |

| Memory Support | DDR3, DDR4 | DDR3 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 34.1 GB/s | Not specified |

| Integrated Graphics | HD Graphics 530 | Intel HD 4600 |

| Release Date | July 2015 | June 2013 |

| Part Number | SR2L8 | SR14D |