Buying Guide
The Best AM4 CPU
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 9 5950X has the highest boost clock; the Ryzen 7 5700X is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
An AM4 CPU upgrade keeps your motherboard and DDR4 memory. Every pick is an AM4 chip.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 9 5950XThe highest boost clock here (4.9GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 5950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DThe largest L3 cache here (96MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 7 5800XAn unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache.
Best for: Buyers who want unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 5700XThe cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 5800X.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $250.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (4.9GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 5950X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (96MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache. | Buyers who want 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache. | Buyers who want unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 5800X. | Keeping the cost under $250. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
The Ryzen 9 5950X stands out for 16 cores with 72MB of cache, and it adds a liquid cooler recommended by AMD.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It also offers a 4.9GHz boost clock and offers a 16 cores core count. On boost clock it leads this guide at 4.9GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 9 5900XT (4.8GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 9 5900XT at 16 cores.
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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed L3 cache, look to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D instead: it offers 96MB, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 4.9GHz
- Cores / threads
- 16 cores
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
Pros
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- 16 cores with 72MB of cache
- Liquid cooler recommended by AMD
- Highest boost clock of the picks (4.9GHz)
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700X at the time of writing
Largest Game Cache2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the last X3D chip for AM4.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass on it if aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It lets an existing AM4 board take a cache upgrade without a new platform or DDR5. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.5GHz, while the Ryzen 9 5950X offers 4.9GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 5800X and the Ryzen 7 5700X on core count (8 cores).
It also comes with a drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update. 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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 9 5900XT and the pricier Ryzen 9 5950X, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 105W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform
- Drop-in upgrade for many existing AM4 boards after a BIOS update
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
The trade-off is boost clock; for more, the Ryzen 9 5950X offers 4.9GHz.
Also Consider3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT
The Ryzen 9 5900XT stands out for 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache, and it adds PCIe 4.0 on the AM4 platform.
Best for
- Buyers who want 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It also offers a 4.8GHz boost clock and offers a 16 cores core count. Its 4.8GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 9 5950X (4.9GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (4.5GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 9 5950X at 16 cores.
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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 5800X and below the Ryzen 7 5800X3D at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 4.8GHz
- Cores / threads
- 16 cores
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
Pros
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache
- PCIe 4.0 on the AM4 platform
- Boost clock of 4.8GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700X at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Ryzen 7 5800X3D offers 96MB.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
The Ryzen 7 5800X stands out for an unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache, and it adds PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 boards.
Best for
- Buyers who want unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It also offers a 4.7GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.7GHz: the Ryzen 9 5950X offers 4.9GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5700X on core count (8 cores).
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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. Its price falls between the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 9 5900XT, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
Pros
- Unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache
- PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 boards
- Boost clock of 4.7GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700X
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700X at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, which offers 96MB.
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
The Ryzen 7 5700X gives AM4 builds eight cores at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $250.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming.
Why we like it
It suits players who also stream or edit on a DDR4 platform. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.6GHz: the Ryzen 9 5950X offers 4.9GHz, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D comes in at 4.5GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and the Ryzen 7 5800X on core count (8 cores).
It also offers PCIe 4.0 support. 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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It undercut the Ryzen 7 5800X and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Boost clock of 4.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
The catch
The trade-off is core count; for more, the Ryzen 9 5950X offers 16 cores.
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.
- What we compared
- We lined up five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and L3 cache and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ryzen 9 5950X to the Ryzen 7 5700X, state boost clock, core count and threads and share AM4 socket and DDR4 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 9 5950X, the Ryzen 9 5900XT and the Ryzen 7 5800X give no L3 cache; the Ryzen 9 5950X, the Ryzen 9 5900XT and the Ryzen 7 5800X give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 5700X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 9 5950X ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an AM4 CPU
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much boost clock you need
The Ryzen 9 5950X tops boost clock at 4.9GHz and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D sits lowest at 4.5GHz. The Ryzen 9 5900XT comes second at 4.8GHz, in the same price tier as the Ryzen 9 5950X.
Core count
Here core count runs from 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 5700X to 16 cores on the Ryzen 9 5950X, a 100% spread. For less, the Ryzen 9 5900XT is the runner-up at 16 cores.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 32MB on the Ryzen 7 5700X to 96MB on the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, a 200% spread. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D sets the ceiling at 96MB. The Ryzen 9 5950X, the Ryzen 9 5900XT and the Ryzen 7 5800X give no L3 cache figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The Ryzen 9 5900XT: PCIe 4.0 on the AM4 platform. The Ryzen 7 5800X: PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 boards. The Ryzen 7 5700X: PCIe 4.0 support.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the Ryzen 7 5700X; $250 to $500 buys the Ryzen 7 5800X, the Ryzen 9 5900XT, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and the Ryzen 9 5950X at our last check.
How to Choose an AM4 CPU
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 9 5950X | The highest boost clock here (4.9GHz) |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 7 5800X3D | The largest L3 cache here (96MB) |
| Buyers who want 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache | Ryzen 9 5900XT | 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache |
| Buyers who want unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache | Ryzen 7 5800X | An unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache |
| Keeping the cost under $250 | Ryzen 7 5700X | The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 5800X |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 5950X leads on boost clock at 4.9GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 9 5900XT at 4.8GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 9 5950X, the Ryzen 9 5900XT and the Ryzen 7 5800X leave the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 5950X | Not listed | 4.9GHz | 16 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 96MB | 4.5GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 9 5900XT | Not listed | 4.8GHz | 16 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 7 5800X | Not listed | 4.7GHz | 8 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB | 4.6GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 7 5700X was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Ryzen 9 5950X the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 5700X |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 5800X, Ryzen 9 5900XT, Ryzen 7 5800X3D, Ryzen 9 5950X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest boost clock: the Ryzen 9 5950X or the Ryzen 9 5900XT?
Between the top two, it is 4.9GHz on the Ryzen 9 5950X against 4.8GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900XT, a 2% difference. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is at the other end of this group with 4.5GHz.
Is the Ryzen 7 5800X3D ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700X on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D tops L3 cache at 96MB; the Ryzen 7 5700X follows at 32MB, 200% apart. No L3 cache figure is published for the Ryzen 9 5950X, the Ryzen 9 5900XT and the Ryzen 7 5800X, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the Ryzen 7 5700X ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D on rated power?
The Ryzen 7 5700X is lowest on rated power at 65W; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D follows at 105W, 38% apart. No rated power figure is published for the Ryzen 9 5950X, the Ryzen 9 5900XT and the Ryzen 7 5800X, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
What does the Ryzen 9 5950X add over the Ryzen 7 5700X?
On paper it adds boost clock (4.9GHz against 4.6GHz) and core count (16 cores against 8 cores). On our last price check the Ryzen 7 5700X was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 9 5950X in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 9 5950X our Highest Boost Clock pick?
It earns the label for the highest boost clock here (4.9GHz). On boost clock it leads the Ryzen 9 5900XT, 4.9GHz against 4.8GHz, a 2% margin. The Ryzen 7 5700X, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts boost clock first.
What extras do the Ryzen 9 5950X and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D include?
The Ryzen 9 5950X: 16 cores with 72MB of cache. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D: 3D V-Cache on the AM4 platform. The Ryzen 9 5900XT: 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 5950X, chosen for the highest boost clock here (4.9GHz). Look at the Ryzen 9 5900XT for 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache, the Ryzen 7 5800X for an unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache and the Ryzen 7 5700X for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 5800X if those matter more to you.
Older AM4 boards may need a BIOS update for Ryzen 5000 chips.
Related Guides
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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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