Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Disciples II
Five processors compared, from the Ryzen 5 5500 to the Ryzen 5 5600G, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Disciples II does not push current hardware, so this guide is about the lowest-cost processor that suits a wider library. Every pick is an AM4 processor that cost $250 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
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
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 5500F.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 5 5500F
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 5500F (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
The largest L3 cache here (32MB).
Best for: Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 7 5700
The highest boost clock here (4.6GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
The top of this price range, adding Radeon integrated graphics.
Best for: Spending more than the Ryzen 7 5700 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F. | 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 5500F (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (32MB). | Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (4.6GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding Radeon integrated graphics. | Spending more than the Ryzen 7 5700 costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (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 than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games 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. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 5 5600G at 16MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500F at 4.2GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500F, the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600G on core count (6 cores). 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 was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Ryzen 5 5500F was the next step up. The main gap: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600G. If that matters, the Ryzen 5 5600G has it.
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 5500F
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 5500F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5500F is built around a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, with DDR4-3200 support and 19MB of cache on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box.
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 4.2GHz boost clock and offers a 6 cores core count. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500 at 4.2GHz. It matches the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Ryzen 5 5600G on core count (6 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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5600, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Ryzen 5 5600, which offers 32MB.
Key dimensions & specs
- 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
- DDR4-3200 support and 19MB of cache
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
Largest Game Cache3 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
- Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers 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 leads this guide at 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (16MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 5600G on boost clock (4.4GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600G at 6 cores. It also comes with 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.
It was priced above the Ryzen 5 5500F and below the Ryzen 7 5700 at the time of writing. What it gives up: no integrated graphics, unlike the Ryzen 5 5600G; by contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600G 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
- Largest L3 cache of the picks (32MB)
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
Highest Boost Clock4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5700 is built around a 65W TDP, with a Wraith Spire cooler in the box on top.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
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
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16MB L3 cache and offers a 4.6GHz boost clock. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 5600G at 16MB. Its 4.6GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Ryzen 5 5600 comes next at 4.4GHz.
Its 8 cores core count is the highest here; the Ryzen 5 5500 comes next at 6 cores. It also comes with a 65W TDP. 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5600 and the pricier Ryzen 5 5600G, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 16MB
- Max boost: 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- 65W TDP
- Highest boost clock of the picks (4.6GHz)
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 5500 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 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
- Spending more than the Ryzen 7 5700 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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 runs lighter games without a graphics card on cheap AM4 boards and DDR4 memory, and a card can be added later. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 7 5700 at 16MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600 at 4.4GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600 on core count (6 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 7 5700. If L3 cache is your priority, the Ryzen 5 5600 (32MB) is the stronger choice.
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)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- 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 integrated graphics are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Ryzen 5 5500 to the Ryzen 5 5600G, state boost clock, core count and rated power and share AM4 socket and DDR4 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 5 5500F gives no L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 5700 gives no integrated graphics.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 5500 ($50 to $100) to the Ryzen 5 5600G ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Disciples II
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock across these picks
The Ryzen 7 5700 tops boost clock at 4.6GHz and the Ryzen 5 5500F sits lowest at 4.2GHz. For less, the Ryzen 5 5600 is the runner-up at 4.4GHz ($150 to $250 tier).
Core count
Across these 5 picks core count spans 6 cores (the Ryzen 5 5600G) to 8 cores (the Ryzen 7 5700). The Ryzen 7 5700 is the pick for core count.
How much L3 cache you need
Across these 4 picks L3 cache spans 16MB (the Ryzen 5 5600G) to 32MB (the Ryzen 5 5600). If L3 cache is your first filter, the Ryzen 5 5600 sets the ceiling at 32MB. The Ryzen 5 5500F gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The Ryzen 5 5600: DDR4 support that keeps an AM4 upgrade cheap. The Ryzen 7 5700: a Wraith Spire cooler in the box. The Ryzen 5 5600G: Radeon integrated graphics.
Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the Ryzen 5 5500; $100 to $150 buys the Ryzen 5 5500F; $150 to $250 buys the Ryzen 5 5600, the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 5 5600G at our last check.
How to Choose a CPUs for Disciples II
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F | Ryzen 5 5500 | The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F |
| Buyers who want Wraith Stealth cooler in the box | Ryzen 5 5500F | A Wraith Stealth cooler in the box |
| Players chasing 1% lows in simulation and esports titles | Ryzen 5 5600 | The largest L3 cache here (32MB) |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 7 5700 | The highest boost clock here (4.6GHz) |
| Spending more than the Ryzen 7 5700 costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Ryzen 5 5600G | The top of this price range, adding Radeon integrated graphics |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 5700 leads on boost clock at 4.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600 at 4.4GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 5 5500F leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 5500 | 16MB | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5500F | Not listed | 4.2GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 32MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5700 | 16MB | 4.6GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | 16MB | 4.4GHz | 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 5500, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Ryzen 5 5600G at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Ryzen 5 5500 |
| About $100 to $150 | Ryzen 5 5500F |
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 7 5700, Ryzen 5 5600G |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 7 5700 ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600 on boost clock?
The Ryzen 7 5700 tops boost clock at 4.6GHz; the Ryzen 5 5600 follows at 4.4GHz, 5% apart. The Ryzen 5 5500F is at the other end of this group with 4.2GHz.
Which has the highest core count: the Ryzen 7 5700 or the Ryzen 5 5500?
Between the top two, it is 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 5700 against 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 5500, a 33% difference.
Which has the largest L3 cache: the Ryzen 5 5600 or the Ryzen 5 5500?
Between the top two, it is 32MB on the Ryzen 5 5600 against 16MB on the Ryzen 5 5500, a 100% difference. The Ryzen 5 5500F is left out of this ranking because its L3 cache isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the Ryzen 5 5600G worth paying more than the Ryzen 5 5500?
What it brings is boost clock (4.4GHz against 4.2GHz). The Ryzen 5 5500 sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the Ryzen 5 5600G in the $150 to $250 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock decides your purchase.
What makes the Ryzen 5 5500 the Lowest Price Here?
The label rests on the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. It is aimed at anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5500F.
Which of these processors have integrated graphics?
The Ryzen 5 5600G has it; the Ryzen 5 5500, the Ryzen 5 5500F and the Ryzen 5 5600 do not. The maker of the Ryzen 7 5700 doesn't state integrated graphics, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 5 5500, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 5 5500F. Look at the Ryzen 5 5500F for a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, the Ryzen 7 5700 for the highest boost clock here (4.6GHz) and the Ryzen 5 5600G for the top of this price range, adding Radeon integrated graphics if those matter more to you.
Confirm the cooler you plan to use fits the socket; some boxed processors include one.