AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Core i5 6500 4-core LGA 1151
What Buyers Say
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is overwhelmingly praised as the best gaming CPU on the market, delivering massive FPS boosts, improved 1% lows, and excellent thermal efficiency. Users upgrading from older Intel or AMD chips report dramatic performance gains, especially in CPU-heavy games and productivity tasks. The main criticisms are the lack of a stock cooler, the need for BIOS updates on older AM5 boards, and the frustration of scalpers inflating prices above MSRP. Overall, it's a must-buy for gamers seeking top-tier performance, provided they can get it at retail price.
Pros
- Outstanding gaming performance
- Excellent thermal efficiency
- Massive FPS improvements
- Improved 1% lows
- Great value at MSRP
Cons
- No stock cooler included
- BIOS update needed on older AM5 boards
- Scalper prices above MSRP
- OEM version lacks original box
- Limited availability
Intel Core i5 6500 4-core LGA 1151
The Intel Core i5-6500 is widely praised for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, speed, and stability, making it a top choice for budget-conscious builders and gamers. Users appreciate the included stock cooler and thermal paste, which simplifies installation, and many note its cool operation and low power draw. A few concerns include the lack of overclocking capability (unless using a 'K' variant) and some Linux compatibility issues with integrated graphics, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Fast and stable performance
- Included stock cooler and thermal paste
- Easy installation
- Runs cool with low power draw
Cons
- Not overclockable (non-K variant)
- Linux compatibility issues with integrated graphics
- Price slightly above MSRP at launch
- Some units sold as used
Scores
Specifications
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Core i5 6500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | AMD | Intel |
| Series | Ryzen 7 | Core i5 |
| Model | 9800X3D | 6500 |
| Codename | Granite Ridge | Skylake |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 4★ | 14 |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 8★ | 4 |
| P-cores | 8★ | 4 |
| Threads | 16★ | 4 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 8★ | 1 |
| L3 Cache | 96★ | 6 |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5★ | DDR4 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | AM5 | LGA 1151 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 28★ | 16 |
| TDP | 120 | 65★ |
| Max Turbo Power | 200★ | — |
| Unlocked | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
Pros & Cons
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
- Strong feature (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong single thread (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average affordability (25th percentile)
Intel Core i5 6500 4-core LGA 1151
- Strong affordability (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (79th percentile)
- Strong platform (66th percentile)
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
Intel Core i5 6500 4-core LGA 1151
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 17 of 27 specs.