AMD delayed the Ryzen 9000 series, and the accompanying AM4 processors reportedly met the same fate. However, to our surprise, they were launched according to schedule, and the Ryzen 9 5900XT is available for purchase.
There was a lot of heat around these processors as, on paper, they have the same specifications as their sibling CPUs, which led to many asking why AMD even released them and how the new Ryzen 9 option would compare to other Ryzen 5000 series processors, such as the Ryzen 7 5700X.
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In this article, we’ll explore their differences and see whether the 5900XT’s $349 price tag is justified. If you want to purchase the 5900XT, check out our Where to Buy 5900XT page, which lists multiple retailers in one place to help save you time and effort.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT
Cores
16
Threads
32
Boost clock speed
4.8 GHz
Base clock speed
3.3 GHz
L3 Cache
64 MB
TDP
105W
Platform
AMD Socket AM4
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CHECK PRICEAMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Cores
8
Threads
16
Boost clock speed
4.6 GHz
Base clock speed
3.4 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB
TDP
65W
Platform
AMD Socket AM4
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CHECK PRICESpecification
To see the hardware difference between the two processors, we’ve listed their specifications below.
Specifications | Ryzen 9 5900XT | Ryzen 7 5700X |
Architecture | Zen 3 | Zen 3 |
Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
Process | TSMC 7nm FinFET | TSMC 7nm FinFET |
Cores | 16 | 8 |
Threads | 32 | 16 |
Base clock speed | 3.3 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
Boost clock speed | 4.8 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
L3 Cache | 64 MB | 32 MB |
TDP | 105W | 65W |
Integrated graphics | – | – |
Foundations and cores
The Ryzen 9 5900XT and the Ryzen 7 5700X are based on the Zen 3 architecture, meaning they use the same 7nm CPU process technology. So, at a fundamental level, they are the same, but the difference is in hardware.
While the 5700X is a decent processor, as we found during our testing for the 5700X review, the 5900XT has twice the cores and threads, which means it has space for more transistors on each core. This gives the processing edge to the 5900XT, particularly in multi-threaded workflows.
That doesn’t mean the 5700X is a complete dud. For a mid-range CPU, it provides okay value, but many would spend a little extra to get the Ryzen 7 5800X.
Clock speed
The clock speed determines the speed at which a CPU can process data. It is measured in GHz; for example, the base clock speed of the 5900XT is 3.3 GHz, while the 5700X has a 0.1 GHz higher clock speed of 3.4 GHz. What this means is that it can execute 0.1 billion more instructions per second than the 5900XT.
On the other hand, the 5900XT has a 0.2 GHz faster boost clock speed. While these differences might not seem like a lot, the new AM4 processor has more cores doing the heavy lifting. So, add that extra boost across all cores, and the output differences are substantial.
So, the 5900XT takes the win in the section due to its beefed-up specifications. That said, the 5700X did deliver good multi- and single-core results, which means its hardware and clock speed aren’t to be taken lightly.
Cache and TDP
The 5900XT has a 64 MB L3 cache, which is double that of 5700X as it only has 32 MB. Given that these Zen 3 processors haven’t received any technological change, like the Ryzen 9000 cache doubling in bandwidth, this is a head-on collision, and the winner is the 5900XT.
The 5900XT has more capacity to store data on high-speed memory, meaning more elements can be processed quickly, resulting in better performance and efficiency. However, that performance also comes with a relatively higher TDP of 105W compared to 5700X’s 65W, which is very energy-efficient.
So, if you’re looking for an option with a low-power draw, the 5700X is the better option out of the two.
Graphic capabilities
These CPUs don’t have integrated graphics, meaning you’ll have to pair them with a discrete GPU for gaming or even to boot the PC. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with the best GPU for Ryzen 9 5900XT and Ryzen 7 5700X guides with top picks.
We paired the 5700X with an RTX 4070 Ti Super during our in-house CPU testing, and this combination managed to churn out 196 and 296 FPS in Days Gone and Cyberpunk 2077, respectively, a 1080p low setting to really push the CPU. These are very respectable figures and showcase the 5700X’s ability to handle even the best graphics cards out there.
5900XT launch price
A price tag of $349 for an AM4 refresher CPU doesn’t make sense, especially considering that the Ryzen 9 5950X costs the same and has the same specifications. So, we don’t understand why AMD would release basically the same processor four years after the 5950X was released.
On top of that, if you’re spending $349 on a processor based on an eight-year platform, you might as well spend a little extra and go for an option from the Ryzen 7000 series. According to camelcamelcamel, you can get the 7800X3D, which we’ve reviewed, for $381.57.
For a price hike of $32.57, you get to experience next-gen performance and have a platform that is supported till 2027. The sheer performance difference between the 7800X3D, the 5900XT, and the 5700X is so mind-blowing that even thinking about comparing them is unfair.
How have these CPUs changed from the last generation?
Specifications | 5900XT | 5900X | 3900X |
Cores | 16 | 12 | 12 |
Threads | 32 | 24 | 24 |
Cache | 64 MB | 64 MB | 64 MB |
Max boost clock | 4.8 GHz | 4.8 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
Base clock speed | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
TDP | 105W | 105W | 105W |
Architecture | Zen 3 | Zen 3 | Zen 2 |
There is no previous “XT” processor with which to compare the 5900XT, so we opted for the 5900X and the 3900X.
The 5900XT has more cores and threads, while the TDP and cache remain the same. It also shares its max boost clock speed with the 5900X, while the 3900X has the faster base clock speed.
As for the 5700X, we took its predecessor, the 3700X, for comparison.
Specifications | 5700X | 3700X |
Cores | 8 | 8 |
Threads | 16 | 16 |
Cache | 32 MB | 32 MB |
Max boost clock | 4.6 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
Base clock speed | 3.4 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
TDP | 65W | 65W |
Architecture | Zen 3 | Zen 2 |
These processors are almost identical, with the expectation of architecture and varying clock speeds. However, the architecture difference brings a huge gap in processing power.
Alternatives to the 5900XT and the 5700X
There are some processors that you could opt for instead of the 9600X and the 5900XT, and we’ve listed them below. We’ve reviewed some of these alternative options, and you can also check out their in-depth reviews.
5900XT alternatives
-
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 32
- Base clock speed: 3.4 GHz
- Boost clock speed: 4.9 GHz
- L3 Cache: 64 MB
- TDP: 105 W
-
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
5700X alternatives
-
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost Clock: 4.1 GHz
- Base Clock: 3.0 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96 MB
- TDP: 105
-
Intel Core i5-12600K
- Cores: 10 (6P + 4E)
- Threads: 16
- Boost Clock Speed: 4.9 GHz P / 3.6 GHz E
- Base Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz P / 2.8 GHz E
- L3 Cache: 20 MB (shared)
- TDP: 125W
Which one should you go for?
There are a couple of factors that I’d like for you to consider before we get to answering this question. The AM4 platform was released in 2016; in 2024, it’s eight years old. On top of that, the 5900XT has a high price tag for a processor based on such an old platform.
That said, it has better specifications than the 5700X, and if you want to stick to the AM4 platform for a bit longer, the 5900XT should be a good option. However, remember that your path for upgrades will stop there, as the only option left would be the 5950X, which is essentially the same CPU.
On the other hand, the 5700X has a lower TDP and is in the middle of the Ryzen 5000 series performance hierarchy. This means that it costs less but gives you more options to upgrade to, even if they aren’t the latest releases anymore.
So, it depends on the level of performance you want and how much are you willing to spend on an aging platform.
I talked to my fellow hardware experts and tech enthusiasts, Jack Howarth and Seb Kozlowski, and asked for their opinions on this matter.
The Ryzen 9 5900XT is equipped with 16 multithreaded cores, totalling 32 threads. It obviously holds the performance crown over the 5700X, but if you don’t need all of that performance you could definitely save yourself some money and opt for the 5700X
It may only have half the cores, but you can get it for around half the price, so that works out mathematically. To be honest, if you’re building a new PC in 2024, you might not want either of these CPUs if you care about the money in your wallet.
Upgrading to AM5 is definitely on the table, even if you opt for something like the 7600X or the 7700X. You can nab one of these for less than the RRP of the 5900XT, and you can rest assured knowing your hardware is safe from falling out of support in the very near future.
Jack Howarth
The Ryzen 9 is a surprising new addition that keeps the AM4 platform alive, and does provide some value to those still on there looking for an upgrade. Compared to the Ryzen 7 it’s certainly a more stronger option when used for hard processing work like encoding, rendering, and the likes.
Thanks to its extra cores it does well in those multi-threaded tasks and ensures you’re workload breezes through. It is the obvious winner of the two and if you can get it for an affordable price offers a good upgrade without having to go to AM5 just yet.
Seb Kozlowski