Buying Guide
The Best AMD CPU
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 7 7700 has the highest core count; the Ryzen 5 5500 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
AMD's Ryzen range covers AM4 upgrades and AM5 new builds. Every pick is a Ryzen chip, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5600.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Radeon integrated graphics.
Best for: Buyers who want Radeon integrated graphics.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (opens in a new tab)
Highest Core Count
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
The highest core count here (8 cores).
Best for: Buyers who put core count first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5600. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab) |
| A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 4 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (opens in a new tab) |
| Radeon integrated graphics. | Buyers who want Radeon integrated graphics. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest core count here (8 cores). | Buyers who put core count first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500 is the cheapest six-core chip here.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside game is a problem.
Why we like it
It has a smaller 16MB L3 cache and runs PCIe 3.0, which matters little for a budget graphics card. It matches the Ryzen 5 5600G on L3 cache (16MB). Its 4.2GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 5 7600X leads at 5.3GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600, the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 5600G at 6 cores. Like the Ryzen 5 5600 and Ryzen 5 5600G, it has DDR4 memory, while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses DDR5 memory. It also comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
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. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Ryzen 5 5600 the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 4.2GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- One of the cheapest six-core desktop chips
- The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5600
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600 is the lower-clocked, cheaper sibling of the 5600X with a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
Best for
- Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
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 is a common drop-in upgrade for AM4 owners. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 7 7700 at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600G at 4.4GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 5 5600G on core count (6 cores). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500 and Ryzen 5 5600G; the Ryzen 7 7700 goes with an AM5 socket. You also get DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap.
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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 7600X, based on our last check. The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 7600X. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 7600X has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Strong Alternative3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games.
Why we like it
It needs an aftermarket cooler, since none is included. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 7 7700 at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700 at 5.3GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600G on core count (6 cores). Its 105W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 5 5500 leads at 65W. It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 7 7700; the Ryzen 5 5500 goes with an AM4 socket.
You also get 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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600G, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 5 5500 (65W)
Worth a Look4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600G pairs six Zen 3 cores with Radeon integrated graphics and a boxed cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want Radeon integrated graphics.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside game is a problem.
Why we like it
It runs lighter games without a graphics card on cheap AM4 boards and DDR4 memory, and a card can be added later. It matches the Ryzen 5 5500 on L3 cache (16MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 5600 on boost clock (4.4GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 7600X at 6 cores. Like the Ryzen 5 5500 and Ryzen 5 5600, it has DDR4 memory, while the Ryzen 5 7600X uses DDR5 memory. 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.
It was priced above the Ryzen 5 7600X and below the Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing. It gives ground on L3 cache, where the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 32MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 4.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 6 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 12
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- 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
- Radeon integrated graphics
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 5600 (32MB)
Highest Core Count5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 7700 is the 65W version of the 7700X and ships with a Wraith Prism cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who put core count first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Ryzen 5 5500, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It gives eight AM5 cores without buying a cooler. It matches the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 7600X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X on boost clock (5.3GHz).
On core count it leads this guide at 8 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (6 cores). Like the Ryzen 5 7600X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Ryzen 5 5600G uses an AM4 socket. 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. Only the Ryzen 5 5600G came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- 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
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500
Cons
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Game-relevant specs
- We compared L3 cache, boost clocks and core counts from AMD's and Intel's product pages.
- Power and cooling
- We recorded each chip's rated power and what cooler class it needs.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
What to Look for in an AMD CPU
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Decide on L3 cache first
Among these picks, L3 cache runs from 16MB on the Ryzen 5 5600G to 32MB on the Ryzen 5 5600. Pick the lowest figure that covers your use; the extra usually costs more than it returns.
Cache helps games more than clocks
AMD's X3D chips add a large stacked L3 cache that keeps more game data close to the cores. In CPU-limited games that often helps more than a higher boost clock.
The gain shrinks when the graphics card is the limit.
Budget for the cooler
Most unlocked chips ship without a cooler. A 65W part runs well on a basic single tower, while 120W to 170W parts need a dual tower or an AIO to hold their boost clocks.
Add the cooler to the CPU price when comparing.
Check BIOS support before buying
Newer CPUs on older boards may need a BIOS update before the system will start. Check the board's CPU support list for the version you need and whether the board can flash without a CPU installed.
Integrated graphics are a useful backup
Chips with integrated graphics can drive a display without a graphics card, which helps when troubleshooting or between upgrades. Intel's F and KF models and most AM4 Ryzen chips have none.
How to Choose an AMD CPU
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Ryzen 5 5500 | The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5600 |
| Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box | Ryzen 5 5600 | A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 5 7600X | The Zen 4 architecture |
| Buyers who want Radeon integrated graphics | Ryzen 5 5600G | Radeon integrated graphics |
| Buyers who put core count first | Ryzen 7 7700 | The highest core count here (8 cores) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 5500 | 16MB | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 32MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 6 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | 16MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Ryzen 5 5500 |
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 5 5600G, Ryzen 7 7700 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these processors has the highest boost clock?
The Ryzen 5 7600X, at 5.3GHz. The Ryzen 7 7700 follows at 5.3GHz, while the Ryzen 5 5500 has 4.2GHz.
What is the least I can spend on one of these processors?
The Ryzen 5 5500 cost the least when we checked, and the Ryzen 7 7700 sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
Will a new CPU work in my current motherboard?
Only if the socket matches and the board's BIOS supports it. Check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS version.
Is AM4 still worth buying into?
For an upgrade to an existing AM4 system, yes. For a new build, AM5 or LGA1851 gives a longer upgrade path.
What does the rated power figure mean?
It is AMD's default TDP or Intel's base power. Chips can draw more under boost, so size the cooler for sustained loads, not the label alone.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 5500, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5600. Look at the Ryzen 5 5600 for a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, the Ryzen 5 7600X for the Zen 4 architecture and the Ryzen 5 5600G for Radeon integrated graphics if those matter more to you.
AM5 needs DDR5 memory; AM4 uses DDR4.