I5 6400 vs Ryzen 5 2600: Battle of the CPUs! Which is the Best Upgrade?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. i-5 6400 vs. Ryzen 5 2600: Overview
3. The Importance of CPU Speed and Core Count
4. Benchmark Results: Assassin's Creed Origins
5. Benchmark Results: Far Cry 5
6. Benchmark Results: CS:GO
7. Benchmark Results: League of Legends
8. Benchmark Results: Dota 2
9. Conclusion
10. Pros and Cons of i-5 6400 and Ryzen 5 2600

i-5 6400 vs. Ryzen 5 2600: Which CPU is the Better Upgrade?

Introduction

Are you planning to upgrade your CPU but confused about which one to choose? In this article, we will compare the i-5 6400 and Ryzen 5 2600 processors to help you make an informed decision. Both CPUs offer their own set of benefits, and understanding their differences will help you determine which one is the ideal upgrade for your needs.

i-5 6400 vs. Ryzen 5 2600: Overview

Before diving into the benchmark results, let's take a closer look at the i-5 6400 and Ryzen 5 2600 processors. The i-5 6400 is a quad-core CPU that comes with base clock speeds of 3.2 GHz or 3.4 GHz. However, in this comparison, we will be considering an overclocked version of the i-5 6400, which operates at an impressive 4.1 GHz. On the other HAND, the Ryzen 5 2600 is a six-core CPU with a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz.

The Importance of CPU Speed and Core Count

When it comes to gaming and other multi-threading applications, both CPU speed and core count play a crucial role. While the i-5 6400 may have fewer cores, its overclocked speed of 4.1 GHz allows it to compete well against the Ryzen 5 2600. In single-threaded games like Assassin's Creed Origins, the i-5 6400 even outperforms the Ryzen 5 2600.

Benchmark Results: Assassin's Creed Origins

In our benchmark tests, we started with Assassin's Creed Origins, a Game that heavily relies on both core speed and core counts. Surprisingly, the overclocked i-5 6400 manages to pull ahead of the Ryzen 5 2600 in every resolution, although the difference is relatively small.

Benchmark Results: Far Cry 5

Moving on to Far Cry 5, we can see that the i-5 6400 falls slightly behind the Ryzen 5 2600 at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. However, when we eliminate the GPU bottleneck by testing at 720p, the overclocked i-5 6400 pushes around 15 more FPS on average. The most significant difference can be noticed in the 1% lows, where the i-5 6400 has a considerable advantage of around 15 FPS. This higher 1% lows enhance the smoothness of gameplay.

Benchmark Results: CS:GO

As expected, the i-5 6400 lags behind the Ryzen 5 2600 in CS:GO. Counter-Strike games have always performed better on Intel CPUs due to their superior IPC, higher frequencies, and lower latencies. However, considering that the Ryzen 5 2600 can still push around 360 FPS on average, it remains a compelling option for CS:GO players.

Benchmark Results: League of Legends

In League of Legends, we see varying results. At 720p, the i-5 6400 manages to push more FPS, but as we raise the resolution to 1080p and 1440p, the Ryzen 5 2600 takes the lead. However, it is essential to take these results with a grain of salt, as replicating the same movements in a gameplay Scenario is challenging.

Benchmark Results: Dota 2

Dota 2 provides more consistent results, and here we witness the i-5 6400 completely outperforming the Ryzen 5 2600 in all resolutions. Whether it's average FPS or 1% lows, the i-5 6400 dominates Dota 2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Ryzen 5 2600 shines in multi-threading applications and newer games, the i-5 6400 has its own strengths in older games and single-threaded titles. If you are building a new system, the Ryzen 5 2600 coupled with high-speed RAM will provide superior performance. However, if you are working with a Second-hand system, the i-5 6400 can be a cost-effective option with its overclocking potential.

Pros and Cons of i-5 6400 and Ryzen 5 2600

Pros of i-5 6400:

• Overclocking potential
• Strong performance in older games
• Cost-effective option for second-hand systems

Cons of i-5 6400:

• Limited core count
• Lag behind in multi-threading applications

Pros of Ryzen 5 2600:

• Six-core CPU with excellent multi-threading performance
• Suitable for newer games and multi-threading applications

Cons of Ryzen 5 2600:

• Lower single-threaded performance compared to i-5 6400
• Slightly higher cost

Highlights

• Comparing the i-5 6400 and Ryzen 5 2600 processors
• Importance of CPU speed and core count in gaming
• Benchmark results in Assassin's Creed Origins, Far Cry 5, CS:GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2
• Conclusion on the better CPU for different scenarios
• Pros and cons of i-5 6400 and Ryzen 5 2600

FAQ

Q: Can the i-5 6400 match the performance of the Ryzen 5 2600? A: In some single-threaded games and older titles, the overclocked i-5 6400 can outperform the Ryzen 5 2600. However, in multi-threading applications, the Ryzen 5 2600 excels.

Q: Is the i-5 6400 a good option for a second-hand system? A: If you can find a cheap combo with the i-5 6400 and an appropriate motherboard for overclocking, it can be a cost-effective choice for a second-hand system.

Q: Which CPU is better for newer games and multi-threading applications? A: The Ryzen 5 2600 is the superior option for newer games and applications that benefit from higher core counts and multi-threading performance.

Q: Does RAM speed impact the performance of these CPUs? A: Yes, the Ryzen 5 2600 benefits greatly from higher RAM speeds and lower timings, unlike the i-5 6400. Consider pairing the Ryzen 5 2600 with fast RAM for optimal performance.

Q: Should I consider DirectX 12 or Vulkan when comparing these CPUs? A: DirectX 12 and Vulkan can provide different results, and their usage may impact the performance of these CPUs differently. However, this article focuses on benchmarking using DirectX 11.

Resources:

• Assassin's Creed Origins
• Far Cry 5
• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
• League of Legends
• Dota 2