AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 6-Core vs Intel Boxed Core I7-6700 FC-LGA14C 3.40 GHz 8 M Processor Cache 4 LGA 1151 BX806

Overview of the AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 and Intel Boxed Core I7-6700

The AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 and Intel Boxed Core I7-6700 are both high-performance CPUs, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Ryzen 5 5500 is currently priced at C$124.98, while the Intel I7-6700 is slightly more expensive at C$141.44. While both processors are designed for gaming and productivity, their specifications and features set them apart in distinct ways.

Performance Capabilities

The AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 boasts 6 cores and 12 processing threads, providing robust multitasking capabilities. It can deliver over 100 FPS in popular games when paired with a discrete graphics card, making it an excellent choice for gamers. In contrast, the Intel Boxed Core I7-6700 features 4 cores and 8 threads, with a maximum clock speed of up to 4.00 GHz. While it also performs well in gaming and productivity tasks, the Ryzen 5 5500 has the edge in core count, which often translates to better performance in multi-threaded applications.

Cooling Solutions

The AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 comes bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler, which is designed to efficiently manage heat during intensive tasks. This inclusion not only saves on additional cooling costs but also ensures that users can maintain optimal performance without immediate upgrades. In comparison, the Intel Boxed Core I7-6700 does not come with a dedicated cooler in the package, which may require users to invest in a separate cooling solution to maintain performance, especially during demanding workloads.

Compatibility and Upgradability

The Ryzen 5 5500 is designed for the advanced Socket AM4 platform, which provides excellent compatibility with a wide range of motherboards and future upgrade paths. The flexibility of the AM4 platform is a significant advantage for gamers and PC builders looking to upgrade over time. Conversely, the Intel I7-6700 uses the LGA 1151 socket and is compatible with Intel's 100 Series Chipset Motherboards. While it is a solid platform, users may find the upgrade options more limited compared to the Ryzen 5 5500.

Memory Support

The AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 supports DDR4-3200 memory, allowing for faster data processing speeds and improved overall system performance. This feature is particularly beneficial for users engaged in high-performance tasks such as gaming and content creation. On the other hand, the Intel Boxed Core I7-6700 supports both DDR4 and DDR3L memory, which provides some versatility, but may not offer the same level of speed as the DDR4-3200 support found in the Ryzen.

Graphics Performance

The AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 is capable of delivering a fast gaming experience with frame rates exceeding 100 FPS, but it does require a discrete graphics card to achieve this performance. This makes it a great choice for gamers who are willing to invest in a dedicated GPU. In contrast, the Intel Boxed Core I7-6700 supports display resolutions up to 4096x2304, which is beneficial for users who might want to use integrated graphics. However, the lack of a dedicated graphics solution means that gamers may not achieve the same level of performance as with the Ryzen 5 5500.

Pricing Considerations

Price is a significant differentiator between the two processors. The AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 is priced at C$124.98, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking to build a capable gaming or productivity system. In contrast, the Intel Boxed Core I7-6700 is priced at C$141.44, which may be justified by its potential for slightly better single-threaded performance and compatibility with older DDR3L memory. However, the price-to-performance ratio leans in favour of the Ryzen 5 5500 for users prioritizing value.

User Experience and Reliability

Both the AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 and Intel Boxed Core I7-6700 are reliable processors with solid performance records. The Ryzen 5 5500, with its advanced architecture, often results in a smoother user experience, especially in multi-threaded tasks. Meanwhile, Intel’s reputation for stability and performance consistency remains a strong point for the I7-6700. Ultimately, the choice between the two could depend on user preferences for brand loyalty or specific use-case scenarios.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 and the Intel Boxed Core I7-6700 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for superior multi-threaded performance, a bundled cooler, and better upgrade options at a lower price, the Ryzen 5 5500 is the clear winner at C$124.98. However, if you prefer Intel's ecosystem and require support for DDR3L memory or are looking for solid single-threaded performance for specific applications, the I7-6700 at C$141.44 could be the better fit. Overall, for most users, the Ryzen 5 5500 presents a stronger value proposition.