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AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D specs, price, release date – the CPU explained

We delve into all things AMD's Ryzen 5 5600X3D, which is an exciting new processor leveraging a high L3 cache count
Last Updated on July 3, 2023
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In this article, we’ll dive into the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D specs, price, release date, and everything you need to know about this game-changing processor. We’ll provide an insightful guide on AMD’s newest addition to its range of innovative CPUs, specifically designed to elevate your PC gaming experience.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D brings together the formidable power of the AMD AM4 generation CPUs with the exciting capabilities of 3D V-cache technology.

As the final release in AMD’s acclaimed AM4 series, the Ryzen 5 5600X3D positions itself as an impressive entry-level, mid-range new CPU that doesn’t compromise on performance. It is particularly aimed at gaming enthusiasts who appreciate the transformative potential of 3D V-cache technology and aspire to build a budget-friendly yet performance-centric gaming rig.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D: Release Date

Gear up gaming enthusiasts, as AMD is set to launch the limited edition model of the Ryzen 5 5600X3D processor on July 7th, 2023. But there’s a twist! This revolutionary gaming processor will be available exclusively at MicroCenter.

This means you’ll have to make your way to Micro Center outlets to get your hands on this much-anticipated release. As demand is expected to be high and given the limited supply of Ryzen 5 5600X3D CPUs, we advise you to mark your calendars and prepare to secure your purchase as early as possible.

It’s worth noting that while Micro Center anticipates several months of available supply for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D, this will largely depend on how quickly the processors, bundles, and prebuilt systems are sold. Given the enticing offerings and the popularity of the Ryzen series, we predict a high demand, meaning these products could move quite quickly.

The sales officially kick off on July 7th, and if we follow previous trends, we can also expect reviews to start surfacing around the same time. This gives potential buyers a chance to gauge the performance and value of this new processor based on early feedback before making a purchase decision.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D: Price

In an unprecedented partnership between AMD and Micro Center, the retailer has announced that the new, limited edition processor will be available solely at its stores. And the price? A very competitive $229, available while supplies last.

For those keeping a close eye on their budget, this is an offer too good to miss. At just $229, getting a CPU with advanced 3D V-cache technology like the Ryzen 5 is an absolute steal. It’s not often we see a gaming-specific CPU released at such an enticingly low price, making the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D a serious consideration for gamers building on a budget.

Alongside the standalone processor, Micro Center will also offer a value-packed bundle for only $329. This exclusive package combines the 6-core, 12-thread Ryzen 5 56003XD, an ASUS B550-Plus TUF motherboard, and a whopping 16GB of G.Skill Ripjaws V DDR4 memory.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D: specs and performance

The Ryzen 5 5600X3D is an interesting six-core CPU that presents itself as a more budget-friendly option compared to its eight-core sibling, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. The latter has certainly carved its name among computer hardware as one of the best gaming CPUs, thanks mainly to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology.

This tech works by leveraging a 3D-stacked chiplet to increase the L3 cache to 96MB, and the Ryzen 5 5600X3D incorporates it too. Running on the previous Zen 3 architecture, this CPU is built to play well with AMD’s last-gen AM4 motherboard socket platforms.

SpecsRyzen 5 5600 X3D
Street/MSRP$229
Cores / Threads (P+E)6 / 12
Base Clock / Boost Clock (GHz)3.3 / 4.4
Cache (L2/L3)99MB (3+96)
TDP105W
MemoryDDR4-3200
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D specs

Don’t let the age of the AM4 platform fool you, though. Despite being six years old, it continues to offer exceptional value at an affordable price, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious setups. A lot of this comes down to its compatibility with reasonably priced DDR4 memory. AMD has pledged to continue supporting this platform for budget-tailored systems, which is reassuring.

As for competition, the Ryzen 5 5600X3D seems set to take on Intel’s price point for DDR4-equipped Core i5-13400 systems. The Micro Center’s bundle deal looks pretty tempting and appears to offer better value than a similar Core i5-13400 configuration.

That being said, the Ryzen 5 5600X3D is expected to provide significantly better overall performance and data transfer speeds than the Intel setup, which could mean a better bang for your buck in terms of frames-per-dollar.

Still, potential users should be aware that, like its sibling, the 5600X3D has some limitations with the 3D V-Cache technology. This technology may not boost all games and could affect performance in some productivity apps. So, make sure it aligns with your specific needs before diving in.

The ongoing popularity of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D has led to a significant trend among AMD users, who are opting to upgrade their existing systems with this processor rather than transitioning to the more expensive Zen 4 and the new AM5/DDR5 platform. At first glance, one might assume that AMD is undermining its own flagship product line by introducing a superior, lower-cost chip.

However, a closer look reveals a more strategic move. This affordable and high-performing option has effectively maintained the loyalty of early Ryzen adopters, preventing them from switching to Intel’s newer Raptor Lake platforms. Therefore, this approach not only offers value to customers but also strengthens AMD’s market position.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D: Final thoughts

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D is poised to become a desirable choice for gaming enthusiasts. With its attractive pricing, robust specifications, and impressive performance, it holds great potential to breathe new life into the AM4 platform.

Its standout feature, the 3D V-Cache technology, brings a considerable performance boost that gamers are likely to appreciate. While not every game or application will benefit from this technology, the overall gains are substantial enough to make this CPU a game-changer in its price range.

In essence, the Ryzen 5 5600X3D represents a grand finale for AMD’s AM4 platform, extending its relevance and value even as we move towards newer technologies. This CPU embodies the spirit of the AM4 generation – offering high performance at a reasonable cost – and takes it a step further.

In the grand scheme of things, the Ryzen 5 5600X3D not only delivers exceptional power on its own merits but also acts as a fitting tribute to the long-lived and versatile AM4 platform. It’s a testament to AMD’s dedication to offering value to budget-conscious gamers and is certainly a worthy addition to any gaming rig.

FAQs

Is 3D V-cache worth it?

the 3D V-cache technology is definitely worth considering, especially for gaming enthusiasts. This technology significantly increases the L3 cache capacity, leading to improved performance in many games. While not every game will see a boost, the overall impact on gaming performance can be quite substantial.

Camilo is a contributor for PC Guide. He's been into tech since he was a teen, surfing through the web and local stores trying to find the cheapest way to play the latest Half-Life on his old Windows