Intel Core i5-6500 Skylake Quad-Core 3.2 GHz LGA 1151 65W BX80662I56500 Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 530

Pros: Given my computing needs for this build, I wanted a reasonably fast, modern quad-core processor (some applications I use are fairly single-threaded; some are multi-threaded; and I run at least one VM along with these programs). This processor meets this desire at a reasonable price point. I have no real need to overclock, so I did not count on that. But to my surprise, the combination of this processor, my motherboard, and memory (Asus Z170-A; 2 x 8GB sticks Crucial DDR4 2133 memory) the easy overclocking settings were able to achieve a very stable 15% overclock.

Cons: I know what I was (and was not) buying, so while these might be considered cons I knew I was not willing to pay for them in this build. *No hyper-threading. *Unlikely able to overclock to a really serious degree (not a K version) *"Only" four cores (I do some video conversion and do use VMs, so more cores could be useful at times) *Included cpu fan/cooler is probably only adequate (again, I achieved an easy automated 15% overclock if the Asus software is to be believe). You will need something better if you are really pushing it.

Overall Review: No fault of the processor itself, and I still like Newegg as a vendor. But I did need to pay $10 more for this processor than Intel's recommended price. It is a recent release, so I guess that might change over time. If you are running Linux and using the integrate GPU, you should plan on running recent versions of Linux (or be prepared to build your own kernels or use Arch or something). Lubuntu/Kubuntu 14.04.02 LTS did not work for me (though I see 14.04.03 is now out; I never tried it). I was able to get Lubuntu/Kubuntu 15.04 to somewhat work, but there were graphical performance and stability issues. I turned to a beta version of Kubuntu 15.10 (the GA release should drop any time now), and I have not had any problems. It seems that there has been a lot of work contributed recently to the Intel Linux drivers. I am running on a Dell 3440 x 1440 monitor over DisplayPort 1.2 at 60hz, and things are humming along just dandy. I do not game on this build, though.

Pros: Just so you know I'm a AMD Fanboy, But I have read up on the Skylake cpu's and I wanted to try one just to see how they are. So here we go! it is fast and stable I like it a lot, I have had no problems with it at all. I'm happy with it so far. The stock fan is all you need to keep it cool if you don't try to overclock it.

Cons: None

Overall Review: This cpu is worth taking a look at, It is fast for the price. I think you will be as happy with it as I am. I hope this review is helpful.

Pros: - 4 Cores - Nice speed bump from previous Phenom II x4 940

Cons: - Bare minimum stock HSF - No Hyperthreading - Can't OC - Intel pricing

Overall Review: I generally only build AMD systems, but got tired of waiting for Zen. This CPU was a great upgrade from my previous Phenom II system, My only regret was not going for the i7 6700. The cost was just too high for me. Hopefully AMD's Zen lives up to the rumors and finally gives Intel some competition. Intel charges what they charge and gimps features because they know they can get away with it right now. If AMD hadn't spent the last half decade shoring up the awful bulldozer architecture, i3's would be quad core, i5's would be QC w/HT and i7's would be 8 core. Yes, I know that's probably way over-optimistic, but dream with me!

Pros: (Read other thoughts first) - easy to unbox (do not touch the thermal paste, the grey stuff, on the cpu cooler it comes with) - easy to install (match the corner thing to the one on the motherboard like they do in the videos on youtube)

Cons: (Read other thoughts first) - none as of so far, not sure about them since I haven't used the cpu for gaming or any other CAD programs yet since my gpu never arrived (contacting newegg to sort this out)

Overall Review: Just like the title states, this is the cpu I decided on my first pc build. A friend helped me pick out the parts as I am not a extremely computer savvy person, but I managed to build the whole pc by myself (took about 4 hours without the gpu or hard drives, not bad for a first build?? Who am I kidding? I suck). I even did cable management so it took pretty long. Decided to build a pc because my laptop is out of date, and I think its time to make something that can run games comfortably, and can run solidworks at at least 30 frames (laptop is 5 frames). I'm no spoiled person who needs rgb for everything, 1 ms gaming monitors, or at least 120 fps on max for games. I'm just a filthy casual.

Pros: If you aren't looking to overclock, this is the best Skylake i5 to buy. The stock cooler is really quiet and easy to install/uninstall. The CPU doesn't need much cooling anyway because of the relatively low 65w TDP.

Cons: None

Overall Review: Skylake does not have as good as price/performance as Haswell did.

Pros: Fastest CPU I've ever owned. I've lead a charmed life until now. I've never had a problem with any CPU....

Cons: Integrated graphics was working fine at first, but now, even right after start up, on the desktop the screen flickers black. Several Reddit threads about the same problem. Loaded newest drivers from Intel; only got worse. The error message I'm getting points to the HD530 integrated graphics. Sad... I was so happy for a little while. UPDATE- Must have scared it into working because from the day I got the RMA slip, it has worked perfectly, not even 1X after that day. It has been 3 months without so much as a flicker, and I have no idea why. Cancelled the RMA and had a laugh with the Newegg support person, very helpful.

Overall Review: All the threads I found had no real resolution, even Tom's Hardware and the Intel community. UPDATE- Resolved itself !?! Wish I could provide the solution for anyone having similar problems, but maybe just threaten to RMA it and see if that works.

Pros: Everything. Very fast, good price. No problems. Upgraded from a Core 2 Quad. Night and day performance difference.

Cons: None

Overall Review: I'm so happy with it that I just purchased another one for my son's PC.

Pros: Runs all games smoothly Pretty good for video editing Render times are good Single Core performance is excellent

Cons: Multithreaded performance is ok on this, not the greatest, but its no big deal later on down the road if you want an I7 7700k Stock heatsink is between mediocre and ok at its best, loud as heck, adds ambient noise to my room, get a better heatsink

Overall Review: This is the best mid to high range cpu for the money, if you don't overclock get this one, dont bother with Kabylake if you already have one of these, only a 3-7% boost in performance, if you are going to upgrade get an I7 or an R7 because with this you are set for the next gen and upgrading to only those cpu's would be worth it.