Buying Guide
The Best CPUs for Satisfactory
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Ryzen 7 5800X has the highest boost clock; the Ryzen 7 5700 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Satisfactory lists a Ryzen 5 5600X or Core i5-12400 with six physical cores for its recommended tier, and big factories add simulation load. Every pick is an AM4 processor with at least six cores that cost $300 or less.
Satisfactory's official PC requirements list AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or Intel Core i5-12400 and 16GB of RAM for the recommended tier (source: Steam store page). Matching brand to brand, the Ryzen 7 5700, the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 7 5800X are the same generation as the Ryzen 5 5600X but a higher model; the Ryzen 5 5600X and the Ryzen 5 5600G are the same model class as the Ryzen 5 5600X.
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.
Requirements source: Steam store page
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 7 5700
The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5600X.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP.
Best for: Buyers who want 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
The highest boost clock here (4.7GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards.
Best for: Buyers who want PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (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)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5600X. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700 (opens in a new tab) |
| 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP. | Buyers who want 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (4.7GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (opens in a new tab) |
| PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards. | Buyers who want PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (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) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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 would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5600X.
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
On the spec sheet, it offers a 16MB L3 cache and offers a 4.6GHz boost clock. It matches the Ryzen 5 5600G on L3 cache (16MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 5600X on boost clock (4.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 7 5800X at 8 cores. It also offers 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.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Ryzen 5 5600X was closest. What it gives up: L3 cache of 16MB, behind the Ryzen 7 5700X (32MB); by contrast, the Ryzen 7 5700X offers 32MB.
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
- Boost clock of 4.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600G
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- L3 cache of 16MB, behind the Ryzen 7 5700X (32MB)
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5700X stands out for 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP, and it adds DDR4-3200 dual-channel support.
Best for
- Buyers who want 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 32MB L3 cache and offers an 8 cores core count. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600X at 32MB. It matches the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 5800X 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. Its price falls between the Ryzen 5 5600X and the Ryzen 5 5600G, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed boost clock should compare it with the Ryzen 7 5800X, which offers 4.7GHz.
Key dimensions & specs
- L3 cache: 32MB
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP
- DDR4-3200 dual-channel support
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No published boost clock
- Costs more than the Ryzen 7 5700 at the time of writing
Highest Boost Clock3 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 put boost clock first.
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 also offers a 4.7GHz boost clock and offers an 8 cores core count. Its 4.7GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Ryzen 7 5700 comes next at 4.6GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 5700 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 5 5600G. Buyers who need a confirmed L3 cache should compare it with the Ryzen 7 5700X, which offers 32MB.
Key dimensions & 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
- Highest boost clock of the picks (4.7GHz)
- Core count of 8 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5600X
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No published L3 cache
Strong Alternative4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 5 5600X is for AM4 owners: it drops into existing boards after a BIOS update and keeps your DDR4.
Best for
- Buyers who want PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards.
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 includes a Wraith Stealth cooler but has no integrated graphics. It matches the Ryzen 7 5700X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 7 5700 on boost clock (4.6GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600G at 6 cores. You also get PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards. 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 7 5700 and below the Ryzen 7 5700X 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: 4.6GHz
- 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
- PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700
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
Worth a Look5 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
- 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. It matches the Ryzen 7 5700 on L3 cache (16MB). Its 4.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 7 5800X leads at 4.7GHz.
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 5600X at 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 gives ground on L3 cache, where the Ryzen 7 5700X 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 7 5700X (32MB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while L3 cache and boost clock have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ryzen 7 5700 to the Ryzen 5 5600G, state core count, threads and socket and share AM4 socket and DDR4 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 7 5800X gives no L3 cache; the Ryzen 7 5700X gives no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 7 5700 ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 5800X ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a CPUs for Satisfactory
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Core count
Here core count runs from 6 cores on the Ryzen 5 5600G to 8 cores on the Ryzen 7 5700, a 33% spread. Start with the Ryzen 7 5700 if core count decides it.
L3 cache across these picks
Across these 4 picks L3 cache spans 16MB (the Ryzen 5 5600G) to 32MB (the Ryzen 7 5700X). For less, the Ryzen 5 5600X is the runner-up at 32MB ($150 to $250 tier). The Ryzen 7 5800X gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
How much boost clock you need
Across these 4 picks boost clock spans 4.4GHz (the Ryzen 5 5600G) to 4.7GHz (the Ryzen 7 5800X). The Ryzen 7 5700 comes second at 4.6GHz, in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 for the Ryzen 7 5800X. The Ryzen 7 5700X gives no boost clock figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The Ryzen 7 5800X: PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 boards. The Ryzen 5 5600X: PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards. The Ryzen 5 5600G: Radeon integrated graphics.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the Ryzen 7 5700, the Ryzen 5 5600X, the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 5 5600G; $250 to $500 buys the Ryzen 7 5800X at our last check.
How to Choose a CPUs for Satisfactory
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 5 5600X | Ryzen 7 5700 | The lowest price among these processors at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP | Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 7 5800X | The highest boost clock here (4.7GHz) |
| Buyers who want PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards | Ryzen 5 5600X | PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards |
| Buyers who want Radeon integrated graphics | Ryzen 5 5600G | Radeon integrated graphics |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 7 5700 leads on core count at 8 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 7 5700X at 8 cores. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 7 5800X leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 5700 | 16MB | 4.6GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB | Not listed | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5800X | Not listed | 4.7GHz | 8 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 5 5600X | 32MB | 4.6GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | 16MB | 4.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 7 5700 was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Ryzen 7 5800X the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 7 5700, Ryzen 5 5600X, Ryzen 7 5700X, Ryzen 5 5600G |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these processors run Satisfactory at recommended settings?
In Satisfactory's list, the Ryzen 7 5700, the Ryzen 7 5700X, the Ryzen 7 5800X, the Ryzen 5 5600X and the Ryzen 5 5600G meet the recommended processor on brand, generation and model number. Satisfactory also lists 16GB of system RAM for that tier, which is separate from the processor.
Which has the highest boost clock: the Ryzen 7 5800X or the Ryzen 7 5700?
The Ryzen 7 5800X tops boost clock at 4.7GHz; the Ryzen 7 5700 follows at 4.6GHz, 2% apart. The Ryzen 5 5600G is at the other end of this group with 4.4GHz. The Ryzen 7 5700X is left out of this ranking because its boost clock isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Ryzen 7 5800X add over the Ryzen 7 5700?
What it brings is boost clock (4.7GHz against 4.6GHz). On our last price check the Ryzen 7 5700 was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 5800X in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock decides your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 7 5800X our Highest Boost Clock pick?
It carries the badge for the highest boost clock here (4.7GHz). On boost clock it leads the Ryzen 7 5700, 4.7GHz against 4.6GHz, a 2% margin. The Ryzen 7 5700, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts boost clock first.
Does the Ryzen 7 5700 have cooler in box, and which others do?
The Ryzen 7 5700, the Ryzen 5 5600X and the Ryzen 5 5600G have it; the Ryzen 7 5800X does not. The Ryzen 7 5700X has no cooler in box listed, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Ryzen 7 5700 and the Ryzen 7 5700X include?
The Ryzen 7 5700: a 65W TDP. The Ryzen 7 5700X: 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP. The Ryzen 7 5800X: an unlocked 8-core chip with 36MB of cache.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 7 5700, chosen for the lowest price among these processors at the time of writing. Look at the Ryzen 7 5700X for 32MB of L3 cache at a 65W TDP, the Ryzen 7 5800X for the highest boost clock here (4.7GHz) and the Ryzen 5 5600X for PCIe 4.0 support on B550 and X570 boards if those matter more to you.
AM4 boards need a BIOS update for some of the newer chips, so check your board's support list.