Best Ryzen 5000 series CPU in 2025 – our top AM4 picks tested
Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock
Table of Contents
When looking to build out a gaming PC and picking out the best CPU for the job, there are definitely a huge number of choices out there. Even stretching back many generations, there’s definitely a lot to consider, including finding the best Ryzen 5000 series CPU for the job.
The last generation on the AM4 platform has all the power and capability that it could provide on a PGA base chip with the CPU holding the pins. Yet it still brought plenty of improvements and features, including the release of the X3D CPUs with their stacked cache, along with a general range of working processors.
So if you’re still interested in the older socket, without the need to get on the latest AM5, and getting some great value, we’ve picked out our best options from there to pick from. Having reviewed and tested most of these, you#ll be able to get a great option and pair it up with the best graphics card as well.
Products at a glance
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Best Ryzen 5000 series CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
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Best budget Ryzen 5000 series CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost speed : up to 4.6 GHz
- Base speed: 3.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65W
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Best high-end Ryzen 5000 series CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- Cores: 12
- Threads: 24
- Boost clock speed: 4.8 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 63 MB
- TDP: 105 W
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Best value for gaming Ryzen 5000 series CPUAMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost Clock: 4.1 GHz
- Base Clock: 3.0 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 105
How we picked the best Ryzen 5000 Series CPU
Selecting the best AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPU isn't just about raw power; it's about understanding the nuances of each model and how they align with user needs. Our selection process involves scrutinizing a range of factors. First, we consider the performance metrics, which include clock speeds, core counts and threads, platform, and cache sizes.
These aspects are pivotal in determining how well the CPU handles workloads, like multitasking, gaming, content creation, and other intensive applications. Finally, we consider the price-to-performance ratio. The best Ryzen 5000 series CPU should offer excellent performance benchmarks and features relative to its cost, providing value for money and making it a wise investment for both current and future computing needs.
After selecting our Ryzen 5000 CPUs, we tested them in our testing lab to see how they performed. We found out what each has to offer and provided a great option of an AM5 processor.
Our top picks
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed : Up to 4.5 GHz
- Base speed: 3.4 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 105W
- Platform: AMD (AM4)
- Exceptional gaming performance
- Large L3 cache
- Compatible with many AM4 motherboards
- Higher power consumption
- No integrated graphics
- Limited overclocking potential
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D stands as a pinnacle choice for gamers and budget-conscious builders alike within the Ryzen 5000 Series. With its 8 Cores, 16 Threads, and 3.4 GHz Base speed that can be launched up to 4.5 GHz, this CPU provides a great option for those looking for performance and affordability, with the processor coming in at just under $300.
Its unparalleled gaming prowess and high performance are largely attributed to its cutting-edge specifications; such as the 3D V-Cache technology, which significantly enlarges the 96 MB L3 cache, propelling this CPU to compete with, and often surpasses, newer and more expensive models in gaming performance.
The 5800X3D paved the way for the 3D V-cahce equipped CPUs we know and loved today. It rivalled CPUs generations above it in gaming workloads, but that's all it really is, a gaming CPU.
PC Guide
The 5800X3D's distinctive advantage lies in its exceptional gaming performance, underpinned by a substantial L3 cache that facilitates smoother and faster data access for gaming applications. This CPU not only excels in delivering top-tier gaming experiences but also maintains compatibility with a wide range of AM4 motherboards, offering users flexibility in building or upgrading their systems.
However, the 5800X3D does come with its set of compromises. Its higher power consumption demands a robust power supply and cooling solution. Nonetheless, for users prioritizing gaming performance above all, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D presents an unmatched option within the AMD Ryzen 5000 series.
In our review of the CPU, we saw the performance it was capable of. It provided a 283FPS in Days Gone and a 279FPS average in Cyberpunk 2077, for some great gaming performance. However, it falls behind in synthetic and creative performance. The CPU Z’s single and multi scores achieved 461 and 2,889 points, respectively. So, it might be the ideal pick for everyone.
- Cores: 6
- Threads : 12
- Boost speed : up to 4.6 GHz
- Base speed: 3.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65W
- Platform: AMD (AM4)
- Low pricing
- Low heat – comes with cooler
- Great for everyday tasks
- No integrated graphics card
- No support for DDR5 RAM
For those mindful of their budget, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X stands out as the best affordable mid-range Ryzen 5000 series CPU. This processor marries affordability with strong performance. Priced under $140 on Amazon, it delivers up to 4.4GHz Max Boost, making it a reliable yet cost-effective option.
With its 6 cores, the Ryzen 7 5600X shines in multi-threaded tasks, delivering in productivity and gaming. This efficiency demonstrates AMD's skill in balancing performance with affordability, making this CPU ideal for budget-minded gamers, content creators, and everyday users. On top of this, the Ryzen 5 5600X comes with a cooler in its box, the AMD Wraith Stealth, which does a great job of keeping its temperature low.
The 5600X is a strong and very affordable budget CPU despite being released in 2020. It belongs to one of the best platforms ever made that remains in support today despite the release and success of AM5.
PC Guide
In our review of the 5600X, it achieved a 4.5 out of 5 and did rather well in the range of our tests. As in gaming, it averaged 177FPS in Days Gone and 282FPS in Cyberpunk, giving it an excellent value for some solid performance. While in more synthetic and creative performances, the CPU runs with a score of 641 points in CPU Z single and 4,926 in Multi.
All of that accumulates as an incredibly strong value option. Coming in at just over $100, it has a great deal of other components to pick from at a strong value, too, for a greatly priced build, even though it might be a bit of a dead end for upgradeability.
- Cores: 12
- Threads: 24
- Boost clock speed: 4.8 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 63 MB
- TDP: 105 W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM4
- Frequently discounted
- 12 cores and 24 threads excellent for multi-tasking
- Good overclocking potential
- No support for DDR5 RAM
- Relatively low boost clock
For those looking for the best of the best, the Ryzen 9 5900X comes out on top. If budget is a lesser concern and you’re focused on getting the best quality processor for your system, this could be the option for you. The Ryzen 9 5900X comes equipped with 12 cores, 24 threads, and a 63MB L3 cache. We’ve weighed up this product with the flagship CPU in this series, the Ryzen 9 5950X, and considering the substantial difference in price we think this high-end processor provides a great price-to-performance ratio.
This CPU is ideal for gaming, considering its multitasking capabilities. Its base clock speed can increase to 4.8 GHz if overclocked, making calculations fast and efficient. Its impressive number of cores and threads make it excel in the performance department, and playing demanding games at an FPS above 100 is no issue.
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X may be a couple of years old now but it’s still got all the horsepower you need for modern gaming, just as long as you don’t need DDR5 RAM.
PC Guide
However, the Ryzen 9 5900X doesn’t come without its faults. It supports DDR4 RAM but not DDR5, which means that you will need to upgrade to get a faster memory type.
In our review of the 5900X, it achieved a 4 stars out of 5, making it a decent pick for the AM5 platform. We also see how it performed across a variety of tests, with the gaming performance achieving averages of 154 FPS in Starfield, 147 FPS in Far Cry 6, and 383 FPS in CS2.
Software and synthetic performances did well, too. The Geekbench scores achieved 2,163 in single-core and 11,803 in multi-core. In CPU Z single, it gets 644, and in multi, that turns into 9470. All combined, it provides a well-rounded processor option.
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost Clock: 4.1 GHz
- Base Clock: 3.0 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 105
- Great price-performance ratio
- Solid gaming capabilities
- Good thermal management
- Limited overclocking headroom
- Requires discrete GPU
- Slightly lower base clock than the 5800X3D
The newer Ryzen 7 5700X3D emerges as an astute choice for a gaming CPU and for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. With a price tag comfortably under $300, it offers a gaming experience on par with pricier counterparts, positioning it as a standout selection for those mindful of their budget. Its 8 Cores, 16 Threads, and 4.1 GHz Boost Clock make it a formidable competitor when it comes to multitasking and speed.
This CPU strikes a commendable balance between cost and capabilities. Despite a slight reduction in clock speed compared to its 5800X3D sibling, it boasts improved thermal management and robust gaming performance. It's ideally suited for gamers who value a blend of affordability and steady performance over the highest possible speeds. The Ryzen 7 5700X3D establishes itself as one of the best gaming CPUs.
The compromise lies in its limited scope for overclocking and the requirement for an additional GPU, due to the absence of integrated graphics. Yet, for many, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D's slight dip in base clock speed is a minor trade-off for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, securing its place as a preferred option for gamers in search of exceptional value.
Even though it is a newer release, coming out while AM5 was alive, it still gets a lot of reviews and sales, according to Amazon. It averages 4.8 stars out of 5 with nearly 2,300 ratings and has sold over 1,000 units in the past month. It is a great option for some budget gaming.
Features and considerations
Even though there aren’t many new options coming out, there are still plenty of considerations when choosing a Ryzen 5000 CPU. So, we’ve outlined some of the key factors to consider when deciding which one is best suited for you.
Budget
When building your system, you want to balance your budget. Splitting it across the various components, you want to put your money where it’s needed. If you want better graphics and the like, then putting more money towards your GPU is more important.
However, Ryzen 5000 CPUs are mostly end-of-life, and so they can be bought for a lot cheaper, meaning you can get a lot more value for them. Even the higher-end processors can be acquired for cheaper.
Use cases
Depending on what you’re using your PC for, you might need different CPUs and tiers. If you’re thinking of just gaming and minimal workloads, X3D CPUs with lower core counts are all you need. However, with high multi-threaded processes, going for a higher tier with more cores is better suited.
Compatibility and upgradeability
The Ryzen 5000 series is limited to the AM4 platform, so there’s not much that can work with it these days. You only have DDR4 memory and not much of a path of upgradability, considering the Zen 3 processors are the last options available to you. So, unless you’re running an older CPU already, any future options you’ll have to look to AM5 to get anything else.
What motherboards are compatible with Ryzen 5000 series CPUs?
Ryzen 5000 series CPUs are based on the AM4 socket, which means you’ll need a compatible AM4 motherboard. Motherboards, including the A300, A320, B350, X370, B450, X470, A520, B550, and X570, can support Ryzen 5000 series processors, providing you with a wide range of options and features to choose from.
Is the Ryzen 5000 series still good in 2025?
With the new additions and continued support, Ryzen 5000 series processors remain a strong contender in 2025. They offer a range of options suited for gaming, multitasking, and everyday computing needs. Especially now with pricing continuing to drop, they have a lot of value to offer, although they have a very limited upgrade path, so they are not suitable for future-proofing.
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