AMD has released its latest desktop processor, the AMD Ryzen 5 8600G. As with every new arrival, critics and publication reviews poured in on the launch date. While each reviewer can have a different and unique take on a processor, the Ryzen 8600G has received universal praise from everyone. It’s a rarity to witness a unanimous consensus among reviewers. We will take a look at the range of opinions from different publications in this AMD Ryzen 5 8600g review round-up
Looking for more content on desktop APUs, we have a useful where-to-buy guide and specs breakdown for the full lineup just a click away. For now, let’s focus on the reviews of the AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
AMD Ryzen 8600G – The reviews
| Reviewer | Review |
| PC Gamer | “The CPU of choice for gamers on the tightest budgets.” |
| XDA Developers | “The only affordable gaming CPU you should buy.” |
| Windows Central | “The ultimate CPU for a budget-friendly custom gaming desktop.” |
| Hardware Times | “The Ryzen 5 8600G stands out as the most versatile processor in the sub-$300 niche.” |
| CGMagazine | “Given its price point, this chip (AMD Ryzen 5 8600G) delivers truly exceptional performance.” |
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G review round-up – Performance
As far as the performance goes, reviewers concur that the Ryzen 5 8600G represents a reliable processor. The PC Gamer’s performance review highlights that the standout feature of the 8600G lies in its impressive 1080p gaming performance.
Despite having only two-thirds of the shader count of its counterpart, the 8700G, the 8600G delivers a noteworthy performance that confidently asserts its ability to handle games at 1080p with medium settings. This claim holds true, especially for those whose threshold for ‘playable’ rests at the 30fps mark, particularly on more demanding titles. The introduction of FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) adds a significant performance boost to the 8600G.
XDA Developers’s review also points towards the impeccable performance that the Ryzen 5 8600G offers at the price range it is available in. In fact, the review from XDA Developers says that Intel doesn’t even have an answer for AMD’s APUs. However, their review also mentioned a 5-10% reduction in core performance. Notably, reduced core performance in APUs is common, and most APUs experience the shift. However, with the price and value of Ryzen 8600G, it is all worth it.
CGMagazine’s review focuses on the Ryzen 8600G’s performance capabilities through numbers. In single-core assessments such as Cinebench R23, the 8600G trails the 8700G by a modest margin of approximately 5%, achieving a commendable score of 1425 points. Notably, it outperforms the previous-generation Ryzen 5600X by nearly 20%, underscoring the cumulative impact of enhancements in IPC (instructions per clock) and clock speed. The gains are equally evident when encoding 4K video in Handbrake, showcasing impressive improvements over Zen 3 processors.
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G reviews – Specs
The specifications for the new Ryzen 8600G are consistent across most reviews we have encountered. Here’s a breakdown of its specifications:
| Specs | AMD Ryzen 8600G |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 4 |
| Platform | AM5 |
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 |
| Base Clock | 4.3 GHz |
| Max Boost Clock | 5.0 GHz |
| Cache (L2 / L3) | 22 MB |
| iGPU | 760 M |
| GPU Boost | 2.8 GHz |
| NPU | XDNA @ 1.6 GHz |
| TDP | 65 W |
| TJMax | 95°C |
| Total PCIe Lanes | 20 |
This configuration offers a balanced combination of processing power and graphics capabilities, making it suitable for various tasks ranging from gaming to productivity. The Ryzen 5 8600G’s 6 cores and 12 threads ensure efficient multitasking and smooth performance across various applications. With a base clock of 4.3 GHz and a boost clock of 5.0 GHz, users can expect responsive performance even under demanding workloads. Additionally, the 8600G can handle modern titles at close to 60 FPS at a 1920 x 1080 desktop resolution
The inclusion of the Radeon 760M integrated graphics unit with a GPU boost of 2.8 GHz provides respectable graphical capabilities for gaming and multimedia tasks without the need for a discrete graphics card. Additionally, the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) operating at 1.6 GHz enhances AI-related tasks, contributing to overall system responsiveness and efficiency. In summary, the AMD Ryzen 5 8600G presents a compelling option for users seeking a versatile processor capable of handling a diverse range of computing tasks efficiently and reliably.
How much is the AMD Ryzen 5 8600G?
AMD Ryzen 8600G costs only $229. One thing that all the reviews agree on is the affordable price of Ryzen 8600G. In fact, it’s not just the price but the value this chip offers against such a low price range. When writing about the price, PC Gamer’s review states that the Ryzen 5 8600G emerges as a stellar choice for those navigating the tightest of budgets. Boasting commendable gaming performance and exceptional value for money, this processor stands out as a formidable contender in its price bracket.
Our take
The AMD Ryzen 8600G certainly is an excellent APU available at a very affordable price. What distinguishes the Ryzen 5 8600G is its ability to excel across various computing tasks, especially important for any PC game. The chip’s prowess lies in handling demanding gaming sessions with finesse, offering smooth gameplay and immersive experiences that exceed expectations.
Moreover, the Ryzen 5 8600G represents exceptional user value, providing an enticing blend of performance and affordability unmatched in its class. This makes it an enticing option for gamers and enthusiasts who seek to maximize their computing potential without compromising quality or breaking the bank.
