With the release of the 9800X3D, AMD’s 5600X is now crazy cheap and we think it’s still got a lot to offer
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If you’re in the market for a new CPU and are seeking a capable, yet budget-conscious option, then the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X may never have looked more attractive. With AMD having released their groundbreaking new CPU the 9800X3D to great acclaim earlier this month, it may seem odd that we would be recommending an older generation model to prospective buyers. However, we think the 5600X still has a lot to offer, and thanks to a welcome combination of Black Friday AMD promotions and retailers announcing discounts on old AMD stock as they focus on the new CPU, the door is open to snap up a bargain.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X with Wraith Stealth Cooler
When it was launched back in 2020, the 5600X cost a very reasonable $299, since then as later generations have come onto the market the price has gradually dropped. At present the 5600X would normally cost you $127.49, but the CPU is benefitting from an additional 18% discount over at Amazon, dropping the price to only $105 – saving you $22.49. Let’s take a look at the features that make this perky CPU worth considering.
Features and highlights of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU
| Feature | Specification |
| Cores | 6 |
| Threads | 12 |
| L3 Cache | 32MB |
| Platform | AMD (AM4) |
| Base Speed | 3.7 GHz |
| Boost Speed | up to 4.6 GHz |
| TDP | 65W |
| Included Extras | Wraith Stealth Cooler |
Is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU still worth buying?
Back in August PC Guide described the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X as “one of the best CPUs ever made”, and although it still relies on AM4 as opposed to the more recent AM5 or LGA 1700, it is still capable of handling most gaming workloads with no complaint. Boasting 6 cores and 12 threads, and a boost clock speed of up to 4.6 GHz, the 5600X still performed admirably in our real-world testing.
There are obviously potential drawbacks to choosing older tech, with the 5600X relying on Zen 4 architecture as opposite to the newer Zen 4. This results in a few disadvantages such as slightly reduced clock speeds and you won't have access to PCIe Gen 5 on GPU or storage. Also lacking are Thunderbolt connectivity and the latest Wifi 7 technology. However, these features may not be a deal breaker for you, and the financial advantages of choosing the 5600X are significant, so it will be down to you to decide where your needs and priorities lie.
The AM4 system is still very much alive, with the AMD 7 5700X3D being released on AM4 earlier this year, however, there will come a point where you will eventually need to upgrade to AM5 compatible products, so going for an AM4 socket CPU like the 5600X may be fine for now, but will harm the future-proofing of your system.
The graph above tracks the price of the 5600X since its release in 2020, and shows that the current price point of $105, represents the best price we’ve ever seen on this CPU. It may no longer be at the forefront of technology but we think that the 5600X still has a lot to offer many users, especially if you’re not in a position to invest the significant amounts of money required to upgrade to a more modern CPU.
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