Buying Guide
The Best Low-TDP CPUs
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Ryzen 9 7900 has the largest L3 cache, and the Ryzen 5 5500 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A low rated power means less heat, a smaller cooler and a quieter PC. Every pick is rated at 65W, ordered from the most cores.
The order reflects L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads from maker specifications; we did not test these processors ourselves, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 9 7900
The largest L3 cache here (64MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform.
Best for: Buyers who want eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
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 7 7700 (opens in a new tab)
Highest Boost Clock
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The highest boost clock here (5.5GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Our take Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 5700X.
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)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest L3 cache here (64MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (opens in a new tab) |
| Eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform. | Buyers who want eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (opens in a new tab) |
| A Wraith Prism cooler in the box. | Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest boost clock here (5.5GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 5700X. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Game Cache1 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
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Ryzen 5 5500, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It trades a little boost clock for lower heat. Its 64MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Ryzen 7 5700X comes next at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.4GHz: the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 5.5GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5500 comes in at 4.2GHz.
Nothing else here matches its 12 cores core count; the Ryzen 7 5700X comes closest at 8 cores. It shares DDR5 memory with the Ryzen 7 7700 and Ryzen 7 9700X; the Ryzen 5 5500 goes with DDR4 memory. 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 7700 and the pricier Ryzen 7 9700X, at the time of writing.
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 5500 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ryzen 7 5700X gives AM4 builds eight cores at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Buyers who want eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform.
Skip if
- Pass on it if aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs comin rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits players who also stream or edit on a DDR4 platform. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 7 9700X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 4.6GHz: the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 5.5GHz, and the Ryzen 5 5500 comes in at 4.2GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 7 9700X on core count (8 cores). It shares an AM4 socket with the Ryzen 5 5500; the Ryzen 7 9700X goes with an AM5 socket. It also comes with PCIe 4.0 support.
On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 5500 and the pricier Ryzen 7 7700, at the time of writing. 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: 4.6GHz
- Cores / threads: 8 cores
- Rated power: 65W
- Threads: 16
- Socket: AM4
- Memory: DDR4
- Cooler in box: No
- Integrated graphics: No
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform
- PCIe 4.0 support
- L3 cache of 32MB, ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
Strong Alternative3 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 want Wraith Prism cooler in the box.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Ryzen 5 5500 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It gives eight AM5 cores without buying a cooler. It matches the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 7 9700X on L3 cache (32MB). Its 5.3GHz boost clock ranks third of 5 here, behind the Ryzen 7 9700X (5.5GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 5 5500 (4.2GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 7 9700X at 8 cores. Like the Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 7 9700X, it has an AM5 socket, while the Ryzen 7 5700X 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. It was priced above the Ryzen 7 5700X and below the Ryzen 9 7900 at the time of writing.
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
Highest Boost Clock4 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 who put boost clock first.
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. Its 5.5GHz boost clock is the highest here; the Ryzen 9 7900 comes next at 5.4GHz. It matches the Ryzen 7 5700X and the Ryzen 7 7700 on core count (8 cores).
It shares an AM5 socket with the Ryzen 9 7900 and Ryzen 7 7700; the Ryzen 5 5500 goes with an AM4 socket. 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 was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ryzen 9 7900. 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 5500 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 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. Its 16MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Ryzen 9 7900 leads at 64MB. Its 4.2GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9700X leads at 5.5GHz.
On core count it trails the group at 6 cores, while the Ryzen 9 7900 offers 12 cores. Like the Ryzen 7 5700X, it has an AM4 socket, while the Ryzen 7 7700 uses an AM5 socket. 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 7 5700X 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 7 5700X
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
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Platform cost
- We noted socket, memory type and whether a cooler is included, since they change the real price.
- 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.
- Upgrade path
- We considered how long each socket is likely to receive new CPUs.
What to Look for in a Low-TDP CPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Decide on boost clock first
Among these picks, boost clock runs from 4.2GHz on the Ryzen 5 5500 to 5.5GHz on the Ryzen 7 9700X. Match this to what you will actually do with it, then let price decide between the picks that qualify.
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.
The socket decides your upgrade path
The socket fixes which motherboards and future CPUs you can use. AM5 has had several CPU generations; AM4 has no newer chips coming.
If you plan to upgrade later, a current platform is worth a small premium.
How to Choose a Low-TDP CPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 9 7900 | The largest L3 cache here (64MB) |
| Buyers who want eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform | Ryzen 7 5700X | Eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform |
| Buyers who want Wraith Prism cooler in the box | Ryzen 7 7700 | A Wraith Prism cooler in the box |
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Ryzen 7 9700X | The highest boost clock here (5.5GHz) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Ryzen 5 5500 | The cheapest way into this group, below the Ryzen 7 5700X |
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 9 7900 | 64MB | 5.4GHz | 12 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 32MB | 4.6GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5500 | 16MB | 4.2GHz | 6 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 7 5700X, Ryzen 7 7700 |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 7900, Ryzen 7 9700X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these processors has the largest L3 cache?
The Ryzen 9 7900, at 64MB. The Ryzen 7 5700X follows at 32MB, while the Ryzen 5 5500 has 16MB.
What is the least I can spend on one of these processors?
At our last price check the Ryzen 5 5500 was the cheapest pick and the Ryzen 7 9700X the most expensive; the Ryzen 7 5700X was the next step up from the Ryzen 5 5500.
What memory should I pair with it?
AM5 and LGA1851 use DDR5; AM4 uses DDR4. For AM5, a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit is a common pairing; check the board's memory support list.
Should I choose Intel or AMD for gaming?
At the high end, AMD's X3D chips lead in many CPU-limited games. Intel's Core Ultra chips offer more cores for work at similar prices. Choose by workload and platform cost.
What does X3D mean on a Ryzen CPU?
It marks AMD's 3D V-Cache chips, which stack extra L3 cache on the processor. Games that are limited by the CPU tend to run faster on them.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Ryzen 9 7900. Look at the Ryzen 7 5700X for eight cores on the DDR4 AM4 platform, the Ryzen 7 7700 for a Wraith Prism cooler in the box and the Ryzen 7 9700X for the highest boost clock here (5.5GHz) if those matter more to you.
Motherboards can raise power limits by default; check the BIOS power settings if you want the chip to stay near 65W.