Buying Guide
The Best AM5 Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 9 7900X has the highest boost clock; the Ryzen 5 8600G is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
AM5 is AMD's current socket and the path to future Ryzen upgrades. Every pick is a Ryzen on AM5 that cost $400 or less, ordered by core count.
The order reflects L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads from maker specifications; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 9 7900
A Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
The highest boost clock here (5.6GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
Undercutting the Ryzen 5 7600 on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The Zen 4 architecture.
Best for: Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Wraith Prism cooler in the box. | Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5.6GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Ryzen 5 7600 on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (opens in a new tab) |
| The Zen 4 architecture. | Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7900 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 7900 is the 65W twelve-core AM5 chip with a Wraith Prism cooler included.
Best for
- Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Ryzen 5 8600G, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It trades a little boost clock for lower heat. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900X at 64MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.4GHz: the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 5 8600G comes in at 5GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 9 7900X on core count (12 cores). It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 5 8600G and the Ryzen 5 7600 on rated power (65W). You also get 12 cores at a 65W rating.
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 7600 and the Ryzen 9 7900X, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 64MB
- Max boost: 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: Yes
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
Cons
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8600G at the time of writing
Highest Boost Clock2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 9 7900X has 12 Zen 4 cores on AM5.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO.
Why we like it
It is a cheaper way to the same thread count as the 9900X, at a higher power rating. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900 at 64MB. On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9700X (5.5GHz).
Its 170W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 9 7900 leads at 65W. 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.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 9 7900 and the pricier Ryzen 7 9700X, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 64MB
- Max boost: 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 12 cores
- Rated power: 170W
- Threads: 24
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 64MB of L3 cache
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
Cons
- 170W rating calls for a large air cooler or a 280mm-plus AIO
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 9 7900 (65W)
Premium Pick3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 9700X gives eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W rating without the X3D cache.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the quieter, cooler-running choice when a build balances games with everyday work. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600 at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.5GHz: the Ryzen 9 7900X offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 5 8600G comes in at 5GHz.
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. 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 9 7900X and the rest. The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 9 7900. If that matters, the Ryzen 9 7900 has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Max boost: 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: DDR5
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: Yes
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8600G at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 8600G pairs six cores with Radeon 760M graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
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 can run a PC without a graphics card until you buy one. Its 16MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 9 7900 leads at 64MB. Its 5GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 9 7900X leads at 5.6GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600 at 6 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 7600 at 65W. 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 7600 the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 5GHz
- 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
- Radeon 760M integrated graphics
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 9 7900 (64MB)
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 9 7900X (5.6GHz)
Strong Alternative5 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the cheapest way onto AM5 here and ships with a Wraith Stealth cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside game rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Six cores are enough for most games paired with a mid-range graphics card. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.1GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 9 7900X (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 8600G (5GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 8600G at 6 cores. On rated power it ties with the Ryzen 9 7900, the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 5 8600G at 65W. 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. It was priced above the Ryzen 5 8600G and below the Ryzen 9 7900 at the time of writing. It gives ground on core count, where the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 12 cores.
Key dimensions & 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
- Core count trails the Ryzen 9 7900 (12 cores)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 8600G at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side 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.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ryzen 9 7900 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 9 7900 for a Wraith Prism cooler in the box; the Ryzen 9 7900X for the highest boost clock here (5.6GHz); the Ryzen 7 9700X for the Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 8600G ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 9700X ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an AM5 Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache
Here L3 cache runs from 16MB on the Ryzen 5 8600G to 64MB on the Ryzen 9 7900. Start with the Ryzen 9 7900 if L3 cache decides it.
Boost clock across these picks
Here boost clock runs from 5GHz on the Ryzen 5 8600G to 5.6GHz on the Ryzen 9 7900X. The Ryzen 9 7900X is the pick for boost clock.
Core count across these picks
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 7600 to 12 cores on the Ryzen 9 7900. Start with the Ryzen 9 7900 if core count decides it.
Extras that separate them
The Ryzen 9 7900X: a 5nm process. The Ryzen 7 9700X: the Zen 5 architecture. The Ryzen 5 8600G: Radeon 760M integrated graphics.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the Ryzen 5 8600G and the Ryzen 5 7600; $250 to $500 buys the Ryzen 9 7900, the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 7 9700X at our last check.
How to Choose an AM5 Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box | Ryzen 9 7900 | A Wraith Prism cooler in the box |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 9 7900X | The highest boost clock here (5.6GHz) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Ryzen 7 9700X | The Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Ryzen 5 8600G | Undercutting the Ryzen 5 7600 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want Zen 4 architecture | Ryzen 5 7600 | The Zen 4 architecture |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 9 7900 leads on L3 cache at 64MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 7900X at 64MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 7900 | 64MB | 5.4GHz | 12 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 9 7900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 170W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 8600G | 16MB | 5GHz | 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
The Ryzen 5 8600G was the lowest-priced pick and the Ryzen 7 9700X the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 8600G, Ryzen 5 7600 |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 7900, Ryzen 9 7900X, Ryzen 7 9700X |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ryzen 7 9700X compare with the Ryzen 9 7900X on boost clock?
The Ryzen 9 7900X leads at 5.6GHz, with the Ryzen 7 9700X at 5.5GHz. The Ryzen 5 8600G is at the other end of this group with 5GHz.
What does the Ryzen 7 9700X add over the Ryzen 5 8600G?
On paper it adds L3 cache (32MB against 16MB), boost clock (5.5GHz against 5GHz) and core count (8 cores against 6 cores). The Ryzen 5 8600G was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the Ryzen 9 7900X our Highest Boost Clock pick?
It earns the label for the highest boost clock here (5.6GHz). It suits anyone who put boost clock first.
Does the Ryzen 9 7900 have cooler in box, and which others do?
The Ryzen 9 7900, the Ryzen 5 8600G and the Ryzen 5 7600 have it; the Ryzen 9 7900X and the Ryzen 7 9700X do not.
What extras do the Ryzen 9 7900 and the Ryzen 9 7900X include?
The Ryzen 9 7900: a Wraith Prism cooler in the box. The Ryzen 9 7900X: the Zen 4 architecture. The Ryzen 7 9700X: the Zen 5 architecture.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 7900, chosen for a Wraith Prism cooler in the box. Look at the Ryzen 9 7900X for the highest boost clock here (5.6GHz), the Ryzen 7 9700X for the Zen 5 architecture at the highest price in the group and the Ryzen 5 8600G for undercutting the Ryzen 5 7600 on price when we checked if those matter more to you.
Buy a B650 or B850 board; X870 adds little for gaming.