The i5-6500 is a popular mid-range CPU for both gamers and general users. Its low price and decent performance make it an excellent choice for many builds. When combined with a decent GPU, the i5-6500 can deliver exceptional gaming and overall computing performance. We will recommend some of the finest GPUs for i5-6500 in this article to help you get the most out of your CPU. This article will go through the best GPU for the i5-6500.
Related: Best Graphics Card For i5-4440
Best GPU For i5-6500
1. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
| Clock | 1530 MHz – 1725 MHz |
| Process Size | 12 nm |
| TDP | 100 W |
When it comes to finding an affordable GPU that pairs perfectly with your i5-6500 for 1080p gaming, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is a top contender. This graphics card offers an excellent balance between performance and budget-friendliness, making it a popular choice among gamers looking to maximize their gaming experience without breaking the bank.
The GTX 1650 Super boasts a 4 GB VRAM, which is sufficient for handling modern games at 1080p resolutions. Its clock speeds range from a 1530 MHz base clock to a boost clock of 1725 MHz, ensuring snappy responsiveness during gameplay. With a 12 nm manufacturing process and a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 100 watts, it strikes a commendable equilibrium between power efficiency and performance.
Gaming Benchmarks
To truly understand the capabilities of the GTX 1650 Super when paired with an i5-6500, let’s dive into some gaming benchmarks. These benchmarks provide real-world performance insights across a range of popular titles.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
In “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” the GTX 1650 Super delivers an impressive 60 frames per second (FPS) on average at 1080p with high settings.
Rainbow Six Siege
For “Rainbow Six Siege” players, the GTX 1650 Super manages to maintain a steady 108+ FPS on high settings at 1080p.
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt
Even in the graphically demanding “The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt,” this GPU holds its own. It delivers a respectable 56 FPS on average at 1080p with ultra settings.
In conclusion, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super proves to be an excellent choice for gamers with an i5-6500 looking for an affordable GPU solution that excels in 1080p gaming scenarios. Its impressive specifications and strong gaming performance in a variety of titles make it a reliable companion for an enjoyable gaming experience without breaking the bank.
2. AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
| Clock | 2310 MHz – 2610 MHz |
| Process Size | 6 nm |
| TDP | 107 W |
If you want a good graphics card to play games at 1080p (that’s the standard screen resolution), the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT is a solid option for your i5-6500 computer. It’s not too expensive and works well for most games. Plus, it comes with some modern features. However, it’s a bit like the Nvidia GTX 1650 Super we talked about earlier, but sometimes, the GTX 1650 Super is a bit better in some games.
The Radeon RX 6500 XT has 4 GB of memory, which is enough for playing games at 1080p. It runs at speeds between 2310 MHz and 2610 MHz, so your games will be quick and smooth. It’s also built using a 6 nm process, which means it’s pretty efficient, and it doesn’t use too much power, about 107 watts.
How Well It Performs
Now, let’s see how it does when you play some games with it.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
In this game, the Radeon RX 6500 XT gives you about 65 frames per second (FPS) on average when you play at 1080p with high settings.
Rainbow Six Siege
In games like “Rainbow Six Siege,” this card is up to the task. You can expect a steady 117 FPS on ultra settings at 1080p.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Even in the tough “Horizon Zero Dawn” game, the Radeon RX 6500 XT still manages an average of 72 FPS at 1080p with favor settings.
Keep in mind that while this graphics card is great for most 1080p gaming, the Nvidia GTX 1650 Super might be better in some specific games. So, choose the one that fits your needs and budget best.
3. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 6 GB |
| Clock | 1530 MHz – 1785 MHz |
| Process Size | 12 nm |
| TDP | 125 W |
If your aim is to play games at 1080p with high settings without causing too much trouble for your trusty i5-6500 processor, then the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super is an excellent GPU option. It strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it a superb choice for enhancing your gaming experience.
The GTX 1660 Super boasts a generous 6 GB of VRAM, which is more than sufficient for handling today’s games at 1080p resolution with high graphics settings. With clock speeds ranging from 1530 MHz at its base to a boost clock of 1785 MHz, this card ensures that your games run smoothly and respond quickly. It’s manufactured using a 12 nm process and has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 125 watts, which means it’s energy-efficient while delivering good performance.
How It Performs in Games
To understand how well the GTX 1660 Super performs when paired with an i5-6500, let’s look at its performance in popular games.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
In the visually stunning world of “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” the GTX 1660 Super offers a consistent 79 FPS at 1080p with high graphics settings.
Rainbow Six Siege
For those who enjoy competitive gaming, “Rainbow Six Siege” is a popular choice. With the GTX 1660 Super, you can expect over 129 FPS at 1080p on high settings, giving you an advantage in this tactical shooter.
Battlefield V
Even in the demanding “Battlefield V,” this GPU holds its own. It delivers an average of 86 FPS at 1080p with high settings.
In conclusion, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super is an excellent option for gamers with an i5-6500 who want to enjoy games comfortably at 1080p with high graphics settings. Its substantial VRAM, impressive clock speeds, and reliable performance across a variety of games make it a top choice for an immersive gaming experience. However, consider your budget and specific gaming preferences before making your final decision.
4. AMD Radeon RX 6600
| Memory Size [VRAM] | 8 GB |
| Clock | 1626 MHz – 2044 MHz |
| Process Size | 7 nm |
| TDP | 132 W |
If you’re after the absolute best gaming experience with your i5-6500, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 is a top-notch GPU that can make it happen. This powerhouse allows you to enjoy games at their highest graphics settings at 1080p, and it can even handle some games at 1440p. However, there’s a trade-off to consider – your i5-6500 might struggle to keep up, which could result in a performance drop of more than 30%.
The RX 6600 packs a hefty 8 GB of VRAM, ensuring you have more than enough memory to handle the most demanding modern games, whether you’re playing at 1080p or 1440p. With clock speeds ranging from 1626 MHz at the base to an impressive 2044 MHz boost clock, this GPU promises a smooth gaming experience with quick responses. It’s built on a 7 nm manufacturing process and has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 132 watts, which means it’s both power-efficient and powerful.
In summary, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 is an exceptional GPU for gamers who want to experience games at their absolute best, even at 1440p. However, it’s essential to be aware that this level of performance might overwhelm your i5-6500, leading to potential performance limitations. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider your gaming goals and budget before making this pairing decision.
Summary
| GPUs for i5-6500 | VRAM | Performance at 1080p |
|---|---|---|
| Nvidia GTX 1650 Super | 4 GB | Good |
| AMD RX 6500 XT | 4 GB | Good |
| Nvidia GTX 1660 Super | 6 GB | Excellent |
| AMD RX 6600 | 8 GB | Outstanding |
