AMD FX-6300 vs Intel Core i5-6500

The AMD FX-6300, based on the Vishera architecture (Bulldozer), was manufactured in 2012 using a 32nm process and was aimed at budget-conscious users.

It features six cores and 8 MB of Level 3 Cache, but no integrated graphics unit. The Intel Core i5-6500, which launched in 2015 with the Skylake-S architecture, is manufactured using the more efficient 14nm process.

It has four cores and four threads, 6 MB of Level 3 Cache, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 530. In terms of performance, the Intel Core i5-6500 shows significantly higher single-core performance, making it more advantageous for gaming and many everyday applications. Even in multi-core tasks, it noticeably surpasses the AMD FX-6300, despite its higher core count, thanks to its more modern and efficient architecture.

The maximum memory bandwidth of the Intel processor is 34 GB/s, while the AMD processor reaches 30 GB/s. The Intel Core i5-6500 is more energy-efficient due to its more advanced 14nm manufacturing process and has lower power consumption than the 32nm-manufactured AMD FX-6300.

This leads to less heat generation. On the used market, the AMD FX-6300 might be cheaper, but it offers a worse price-performance ratio. For most use cases, especially gaming and general desktop performance, the Intel Core i5-6500 is the clearly superior choice.