It's only 4 threads, that's the main issue.
It isn't beating the i5s, that's false, it's still behind by a fair margin, but it'll last much longer in terms of lifespan, since games are quickly becoming even more multi-threaded, especially with DX12.
Still keeps up too.
@siddhartha mudgal, the 1600 has 6 cores with AMD's version of Hyperthreading @ 3.2GHz and a better cooler, and the 1500X is 4 cores 8 threads @3.5GHz.
With a b350 board both can easily be OC'd to 3.8GHz, or even 3.9-4GHz if you get a good chip.