Buying Guide
The Best 6-Core CPUs
Five processors compared, from the Ryzen 5 8500G to the Ryzen 5 5600GT, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Six cores is still the entry point for a gaming PC, and clock speed and cache decide most of the difference between chips. Every pick has six cores, ordered by boost clock.
We sorted these picks by L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 5 9600XThe highest boost clock here (5.4GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 5 7600XThe Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 8500GThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8500G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 5 8400FA 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5.
Best for: Buyers who want 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 5 5600GTIntegrated Radeon graphics at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 8500G costs less.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 4 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8500G on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5. | Buyers who want 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Integrated Radeon graphics at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 8500G costs less. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings six Zen 5 cores to AM5 at a 65W rating, which keeps cooling simple.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It suits a budget build now that can take an X3D chip later without changing boards. Nothing else here matches its 5.4GHz boost clock; the Ryzen 5 7600X comes closest at 5.3GHz. You also get the Zen 5 architecture.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; a 600-series board may need a BIOS update first, so check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum version. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 7600X and the pricier Ryzen 5 8400F, at the time of writing. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 8500G. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 8500G has it.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
- Highest boost clock of the picks (5.4GHz)
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8500G at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The Ryzen 5 7600X is the least expensive route to 240Hz here, with six Zen 4 cores on AM5.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It needs an aftermarket cooler, since none is included. Its 5.3GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600GT (4.6GHz). It also offers the Zen 4 architecture, a 5nm process and PCIe 5.0 support on AM5.
It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 8500G and below the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing. What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 8500G; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 8500G has it.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 105W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 4 architecture
- 5nm process
- PCIe 5.0 support on AM5
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8500G at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G
The Ryzen 5 8500G is built around a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, with Radeon graphics built in on top.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 5GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. Its 5GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600GT (4.6GHz). It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up. There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 32MB.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Radeon graphics built in
- Boost clock of 5GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 8400F
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- Boost clock of 5GHz, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz)
Strong Alternative4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 8400F
The Ryzen 5 8400F is built around a 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5, with DDR5 memory support on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 4.7GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.7GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5600GT comes in at 4.6GHz. It needs an AM5 board (A620, B650, B850, X670 or X870 series) and DDR5 memory; check the board's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 9600X and the pricier Ryzen 5 5600GT, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 32MB.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
Pros
- 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5
- DDR5 memory support
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600GT
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8500G at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT
The Ryzen 5 5600GT is built around integrated Radeon graphics, with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 8500G costs less.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 4.6GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. Its 4.6GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 5 9600X leads at 5.4GHz. No other pick in this guide offers an AM4 socket; compare the Ryzen 5 8500G, which has an AM5 socket.
It is the only pick here with DDR4 memory; the Ryzen 5 9600X has DDR5 memory instead. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping. Only the Ryzen 5 8400F came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- Yes
Pros
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated Radeon graphics
- AM4 socket, the only one here
- DDR4 memory, the only one here
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz)
The catch
There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 32MB.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and L3 cache and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 5 9600X to the Ryzen 5 5600GT, state boost clock, core count and threads.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 8400F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT give no L3 cache; the Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 8400F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 8500G ($100 to $150) to the Ryzen 5 5600GT ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a 6-Core CPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 4.6GHz (the Ryzen 5 5600GT) to 5.4GHz (the Ryzen 5 9600X). For less, the Ryzen 5 7600X is the runner-up at 5.3GHz.
Rated power
Here rated power runs from 105W on the Ryzen 5 7600X to 65W on the Ryzen 5 9600X, a 38% spread. The Ryzen 5 9600X is the pick for rated power. The Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 8400F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT give no rated power figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open Memory
The Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Ryzen 5 8400F list DDR5; the Ryzen 5 5600GT lists DDR4. Settling memory first narrows 5 picks to 4 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X go without; the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Ryzen 5 5600GT have it. Settling cooler in box first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 2.
Features beyond the spec table
The Ryzen 5 8500G: Radeon graphics built in. The Ryzen 5 8400F: DDR5 memory support. The Ryzen 5 5600GT: a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
How to Choose a 6-Core CPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 5 9600X | The highest boost clock here (5.4GHz) |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 5 7600X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Ryzen 5 7600X the next step up | Ryzen 5 8500G | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5 | Ryzen 5 8400F | A 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5 |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Ryzen 5 8500G costs less | Ryzen 5 5600GT | Integrated Radeon graphics at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 9600X leads on boost clock at 5.4GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X at 5.3GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 8400F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT leave the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 6 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 5 8500G | Not listed | 5GHz | 6 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 5 8400F | Not listed | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 5 5600GT | Not listed | 4.6GHz | 6 cores | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 8500G, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 5 5600GT at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Ryzen 5 8500G |
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 5 8400F, Ryzen 5 5600GT |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest boost clock: the Ryzen 5 9600X or the Ryzen 5 7600X?
The Ryzen 5 9600X tops boost clock at 5.4GHz; the Ryzen 5 7600X follows at 5.3GHz, 2% apart. The Ryzen 5 5600GT closes the ranking at 4.6GHz.
How does the Ryzen 5 7600X compare with the Ryzen 5 9600X on rated power?
Between the top two, it is 65W on the Ryzen 5 9600X against 105W on the Ryzen 5 7600X, a 38% difference. The Ryzen 5 8500G, the Ryzen 5 8400F and the Ryzen 5 5600GT are left out of this ranking because their rated power isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Ryzen 5 5600GT worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 8500G?
The Ryzen 5 5600GT matches or trails the Ryzen 5 8500G on boost clock, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The Ryzen 5 8500G leads on boost clock (5GHz). The Ryzen 5 8500G sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the Ryzen 5 5600GT in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them.
What makes the Ryzen 5 9600X the Highest Boost Clock?
The label rests on the highest boost clock here (5.4GHz). The Ryzen 5 7600X is next on boost clock at 5.3GHz, so this pick's 5.4GHz is 2% further out. The Ryzen 5 8500G, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who puts boost clock first.
Do the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 5600GT differ on socket?
The Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 8500G and the Ryzen 5 8400F use AM5; the Ryzen 5 5600GT uses AM4.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X apart?
The Ryzen 5 9600X: the Zen 5 architecture. The Ryzen 5 7600X: the Zen 4 architecture. The Ryzen 5 8500G: a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 9600X, chosen for the highest boost clock here (5.4GHz). Look at the Ryzen 5 7600X for the Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 5 8500G for the lowest price of the group at our last check and the Ryzen 5 8400F for a 6-core Zen 4 chip for AM5 if those matter more to you.
Spend the savings over an eight-core chip on the graphics card; games gain more from it.
Related Guides
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- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Intel CPUs for Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best 8-Core CPUs
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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