Buying Guide
The Best AM5 CPUs for Gaming
Five Socket AM5 processors for gaming, from a six-core Ryzen 5 7600 to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, all on the platform AMD says it will support into the future.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
AM5 is AMD's current desktop socket, and every chip here uses DDR5. For gaming, the X3D chips with 96MB of L3 cache stand out; the non-X3D chips save money when the graphics card is the limit.
We compared cache, cores, rated power and cooler inclusion from AMD specifications and each listing; we did not benchmark these processors.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best AM5 Gaming CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DEight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 cache.
Best for: High-refresh gaming.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Six-Core X3D
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D96MB of L3 on six cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Gaming on a mid budget.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Zen 4 X3D
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DEight cores with 96MB of L3 cache.
Best for: Buyers who find it below the 9800X3D.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Non-X3D Pick
AMD Ryzen 5 9600XSix Zen 5 cores at a 5.4GHz boost.
Best for: Budget AM5 builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Boxed Cooler
AMD Ryzen 5 7600A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for: Builds that skip a separate cooler.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 cache. | High-refresh gaming. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 96MB of L3 on six cores at a 65W rating. | Gaming on a mid budget. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight cores with 96MB of L3 cache. | Buyers who find it below the 9800X3D. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Six Zen 5 cores at a 5.4GHz boost. | Budget AM5 builds. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Builds that skip a separate cooler. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best AM5 Gaming CPU1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D pairs AMD's 3D V-Cache with eight Zen 5 cores, and games that lean on cache respond to it more than to extra cores.
Best for
- High-refresh gaming.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is the chip to pair with a high-end graphics card when the CPU would otherwise hold frame rates back. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.2GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D comes in at 4.7GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on core count (8 cores).
You also get second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores and an unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips. 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the rest.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- Second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores
- Unlocked multiplier, a first for AMD's X3D chips
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
The catch
The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Best Six-Core X3D2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings 96MB of L3 cache to a six-core AM5 chip at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Gaming on a mid budget.
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 is the cheapest way into AMD's cache-heavy gaming line on AM5. It matches the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D on L3 cache (96MB). Its 4.7GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 5 9600X leads at 5.4GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600 at 6 cores. 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 7600 and below the Ryzen 7 7800X3D at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz)
The catch
It gives ground on boost clock, where the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz.
Best Zen 4 X3D3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has the same 96MB of L3 cache as its successor with an older core design and lower clocks.
Best for
- Buyers who find it below the 9800X3D.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
On the same AM5 socket, it is the way into X3D gaming for less. Its 5GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 5 9600X (5.4GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (4.7GHz). On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 8 cores.
It also offers first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache and the Zen 4 architecture. 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. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and below the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- First-generation AM5 3D V-Cache
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (65W)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on rated power, where the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 65W.
Best Non-X3D Pick4 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
- Budget AM5 builds.
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 suits a budget build now that can take an X3D chip later without changing boards. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600 at 32MB. Its 5.4GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D comes next at 5.2GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 7600 on core count (6 cores). 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. It undercut the Ryzen 5 7600 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
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
The catch
The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 7600 has it.
Best Boxed Cooler5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the cheapest way onto AM5 here and ships with a Wraith Stealth cooler.
Best for
- Builds that skip a separate cooler.
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
Six cores are enough for most games paired with a mid-range graphics card. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 9600X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.1GHz: the Ryzen 5 9600X offers 5.4GHz, and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D comes in at 4.7GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 9600X on core count (6 cores). 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 9600X and the pricier Ryzen 5 7600X3D, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.1GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- Yes
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 4 architecture
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (96MB)
- Core count trails the Ryzen 7 9800X3D (8 cores)
The catch
The trade-off is L3 cache; for more, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D offers 96MB.
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 9 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to the Ryzen 5 7600, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share AM5 socket and DDR5 memory.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9800X3D for eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 cache; the Ryzen 5 7600X3D for 96MB of L3 on six cores at a 65W rating; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D for eight cores with 96MB of L3 cache.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 9600X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an AM5 CPUs for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
Here L3 cache runs from 32MB on the Ryzen 5 7600 to 96MB on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a 200% spread. For less, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D is the runner-up at 96MB ($150 to $250 tier).
Boost clock
The Ryzen 5 9600X tops boost clock at 5.4GHz and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D sits lowest at 4.7GHz. The Ryzen 5 9600X is the pick for boost clock.
A desktop CPU seated in its motherboard socket with the retention frame open How much core count you need
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D tops core count at 8 cores and the Ryzen 5 7600 sits lowest at 6 cores; 2 picks share the top figure. For less, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the runner-up at 8 cores.
Features beyond the spec table
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D: the Zen 4 architecture. The Ryzen 5 9600X: the Zen 5 architecture. The Ryzen 5 7600: a 5nm process.
Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D; $250 to $500 buys the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at our last check.
How to Choose an AM5 CPUs for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-refresh gaming | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Eight Zen 5 cores with 96MB of L3 cache |
| Gaming on a mid budget | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB of L3 on six cores at a 65W rating |
| Buyers who find it below the 9800X3D | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Eight cores with 96MB of L3 cache |
| Budget AM5 builds | Ryzen 5 9600X | Six Zen 5 cores at a 5.4GHz boost |
| Builds that skip a separate cooler | Ryzen 5 7600 | A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at 96MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 96MB | 5.2GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 96MB | 5GHz | 8 cores | 120W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 7600 | 32MB | 5.1GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Ryzen 5 9600X, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 5 7600, Ryzen 5 7600X3D |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 9800X3D |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 7 9800X3D compare with the Ryzen 5 9600X on boost clock?
Between the top two, it is 5.4GHz on the Ryzen 5 9600X against 5.2GHz on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a 4% difference. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 5 7600X3D at 4.7GHz.
Is the Ryzen 7 9800X3D worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 9600X?
On paper it adds L3 cache (96MB against 32MB) and core count (8 cores against 6 cores). It does not win everywhere: the Ryzen 5 9600X still leads on boost clock (5.4GHz) and rated power (65W). The Ryzen 5 9600X sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and core count decide your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 5 7600X3D the Best Six-Core X3D?
It carries the badge for 96MB of L3 on six cores at a 65W rating. It gives up boost clock (4.7GHz against 5.4GHz) to the Ryzen 5 9600X, the cheapest pick. It makes sense for gaming on a mid budget.
Which of these processors have cooler in box?
The Ryzen 5 7600 has it; the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and the Ryzen 5 9600X do not.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D apart?
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D: second-generation 3D V-Cache placed under the cores. The Ryzen 5 7600X3D: 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D: first-generation AM5 3D V-Cache.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best AM5 gaming chip, and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings the same 96MB cache to six cores. The 7800X3D is a strong alternative when discounted, the 9600X is the non-X3D value pick, and the Ryzen 5 7600 includes a cooler.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best AM5 Motherboards for Ryzen Builds
- Related guideThe Best Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best X3D CPUs for Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget CPUs for a Gaming PC
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End CPUs for Gaming
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsHow to Choose a Motherboard for Your PC Build
- Similar guideThe Best CPU for Gaming
- Topic hubAll processors guides
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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