Buying Guide
The Best Mid-Range Ryzen CPUs
Seven mid-range Ryzen processors on AM5 compared on cores, cache, rated power and bundled coolers.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
13 min read7 products evaluated
AMD's mid-range spans six to twelve cores on AM5. The 65W models run cool on modest coolers; the X models clock slightly higher at more heat.
We compared seven processors on cores, cache, rated power and bundled coolers, using AMD's specifications.
Quick Picks
Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Mid-Range Ryzen
AMD Ryzen 7 9700XEight Zen 5 cores at 65W.
Best for: Balanced gaming and work builds.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Eight-Core Value
AMD Ryzen 7 7700XEight Zen 4 cores at a lower price.
Best for: Budget-minded all-rounders.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best With a Cooler
AMD Ryzen 7 7700A Wraith Prism in the box.
Best for: Builds without a cooler budget.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 7 7700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3DThe largest L3 cache here (96MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
AMD Ryzen 5 9600XThe Ryzen 5 9600X brings Zen 5 to six cores at a 65W rating.
Best for: Buyers who want 65w rating suits a modest air cooler.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 9600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
AMD Ryzen 5 7600XThe Ryzen 5 7600X is a six-core Zen 4 chip rated at 105W.
Best for: Buyers who want integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 5 7600X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Work
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XTwelve Zen 5 cores.
Best for: Creators on a mid-range budget.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 9900X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Mid-Range Ryzen1 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
The Ryzen 7 9700X runs eight Zen 5 cores at a 65W default rating.
Best for
- Balanced gaming and work builds.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no cooler in the box is a problem.
Why we like it
It needs only a modest cooler and has room to grow with AMD's power boost setting. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 7 7700, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X at 32MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.5GHz: the Ryzen 9 9900X offers 5.6GHz, and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D comes in at 4.7GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X and the Ryzen 7 7700 on core count (8 cores). You also get the Zen 5 architecture. 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 7 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Ryzen 9 9900X and the rest.
Key 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 7600X at the time of writing
The catch
The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 7700. If that matters, the Ryzen 7 7700 has it.
Best Eight-Core Value2 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
The Ryzen 7 7700X offers eight Zen 4 cores at a 105W rating and a 5.4GHz boost clock.
Best for
- Budget-minded all-rounders.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its price has fallen well below its launch level. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 7 7700, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X at 32MB. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700 on core count (8 cores).
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X on rated power (105W). It also comes with 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.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. On price it sat fourth of 7, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 7700 and the pricier Ryzen 5 7600X3D, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 105W
- Threads
- 16
- 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
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X at the time of writing
The catch
The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 7700. If that matters, the Ryzen 7 7700 has it.
Best With a Cooler3 of 7
AMD Ryzen 7 7700
The Ryzen 7 7700 is the 65W version of the 7700X and ships with a Wraith Prism cooler.
Best for
- Builds without a cooler budget.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Ryzen 5 7600X, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It gives eight AM5 cores without buying a cooler. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X on boost clock (5.3GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X and the Ryzen 7 7700X at 8 cores. 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. When we checked, only the Ryzen 5 9600X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ryzen 7 7700X cost more.
Key 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
- Boost clock of 5.3GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 5 7600X3D
Cons
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X at the time of writing
Largest Game Cache4 of 7
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D brings 96MB of L3 cache to a six-core AM5 chip at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
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 the cheapest way into AMD's cache-heavy gaming line on AM5. On L3 cache it leads this guide at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9900X (64MB). On boost clock it trails the group at 4.7GHz, while the Ryzen 9 9900X offers 5.6GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 5 7600X on core count (6 cores). It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 5 9600X on rated power (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.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. On price it sat fifth of 7, between the cheaper Ryzen 7 7700X and the pricier Ryzen 9 9900X, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 96MB
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 96MB of L3 cache from 3D V-Cache
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Boost clock trails the Ryzen 9 9900X (5.6GHz)
The catch
The trade-off is boost clock; for more, the Ryzen 9 9900X offers 5.6GHz.
Worth Considering5 of 7
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
The Ryzen 5 9600X brings Zen 5 to six cores at a 65W rating.
Best for
- Buyers who want 65w rating suits a modest air cooler.
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 AMD's current entry point for AM5 builds that plan a later CPU upgrade. It matches the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 5 7600X on L3 cache (32MB). It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on boost clock (5.4GHz).
On core count it ties with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 7600X at 6 cores. 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 priced above the Ryzen 5 7600X and below the Ryzen 7 7700 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 32MB
- Max boost
- 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 6 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 12
- Socket
- AM5
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- The Zen 5 architecture
- Boost clock of 5.4GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 7700
Cons
- 6 cores leave less headroom for streaming alongside games
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Ryzen 7 7700; by contrast, the Ryzen 7 7700 has it.
Well-Rounded Choice6 of 7
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The Ryzen 5 7600X is a six-core Zen 4 chip rated at 105W.
Best for
- Buyers who want integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card.
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
It clocks slightly higher than the 7600 but has no cooler in the box. On L3 cache it ties with the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 7 7700 and the Ryzen 5 9600X at 32MB. On boost clock it ties with the Ryzen 7 7700 at 5.3GHz.
It matches the Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the Ryzen 5 9600X on core count (6 cores). It matches the Ryzen 7 7700X on rated power (105W). 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. No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It undercut the Ryzen 5 9600X and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key 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
- L3 cache trails the Ryzen 5 7600X3D (96MB)
The catch
The trade-off is L3 cache; for more, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 96MB.
Best for Work7 of 7
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
The Ryzen 9 9900X has twelve Zen 5 cores for work that scales with threads.
Best for
- Creators on a mid-range budget.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
For games alone, the eight-core X3D chips are the better buy. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 64MB: the Ryzen 5 7600X3D offers 96MB, and the Ryzen 5 7600X comes in at 32MB. On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.6GHz, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9700X (5.5GHz).
On core count it leads this guide at 12 cores, ahead of the Ryzen 7 9700X (8 cores). Its 120W rated power is the highest in this group; the Ryzen 7 9700X leads at 65W. 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.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. On price it sat sixth of 7, between the cheaper Ryzen 5 7600X3D and the pricier Ryzen 7 9700X, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 64MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Rated power
- 120W
- 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
- No cooler in the box
- Rated power trails the Ryzen 7 9700X (65W)
- Costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is rated power; for more, the Ryzen 7 9700X offers 65W.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We compared seven processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 9 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 7, from the Ryzen 7 9700X to the Ryzen 9 9900X, state L3 cache, boost clock and core count and share AM5 socket and DDR5 memory.
- Who each pick suits
- The Ryzen 7 9700X for eight Zen 5 cores at 65W; the Ryzen 7 7700X for eight Zen 4 cores at a lower price; the Ryzen 7 7700 for a Wraith Prism in the box.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Ryzen 5 7600X ($150 to $250) to the Ryzen 7 9700X ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Mid-Range Ryzen CPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache
Here L3 cache runs from 32MB on the Ryzen 5 7600X to 96MB on the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, a 200% spread. Start with the Ryzen 5 7600X3D if L3 cache decides it.
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 7 picks boost clock spans 4.7GHz (the Ryzen 5 7600X3D) to 5.6GHz (the Ryzen 9 9900X). If boost clock is your first filter, the Ryzen 9 9900X sets the ceiling at 5.6GHz.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC Core count across these picks
The Ryzen 9 9900X tops core count at 12 cores and the Ryzen 5 7600X sits lowest at 6 cores. If core count is your first filter, the Ryzen 9 9900X sets the ceiling at 12 cores.
Extras that separate them
The Ryzen 7 7700X: a 5nm process. The Ryzen 7 7700: a Wraith Prism cooler in the box. The Ryzen 5 7600X3D: 96MB of L3 cache on a six-core chip.
Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the Ryzen 5 7600X, the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 7 7700, the Ryzen 7 7700X and the Ryzen 5 7600X3D; $250 to $500 buys the Ryzen 9 9900X and the Ryzen 7 9700X at our last check.
How to Choose a Mid-Range Ryzen CPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced gaming and work builds | Ryzen 7 9700X | Eight Zen 5 cores at 65W |
| Budget-minded all-rounders | Ryzen 7 7700X | Eight Zen 4 cores at a lower price |
| Builds without a cooler budget | Ryzen 7 7700 | A Wraith Prism in the box |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | The largest L3 cache here (96MB) |
| Creators on a mid-range budget | Ryzen 9 9900X | Twelve Zen 5 cores |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads on L3 cache at 96MB, ahead of the Ryzen 9 9900X at 64MB.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 32MB | 5.5GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 7700X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 8 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X3D | 96MB | 4.7GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 32MB | 5.4GHz | 6 cores | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 7600X | 32MB | 5.3GHz | 6 cores | 105W |
| Ryzen 9 9900X | 64MB | 5.6GHz | 12 cores | 120W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Ryzen 5 7600X was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Ryzen 7 9700X the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 5 9600X, Ryzen 7 7700, Ryzen 7 7700X, Ryzen 5 7600X3D |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 7 9700X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 5 7600X3D ahead of the Ryzen 9 9900X on L3 cache?
The Ryzen 5 7600X3D leads at 96MB, with the Ryzen 9 9900X at 64MB. The Ryzen 5 7600X closes the ranking at 32MB.
How does the Ryzen 7 9700X compare with the Ryzen 9 9900X on boost clock?
Between the top two, it is 5.6GHz on the Ryzen 9 9900X against 5.5GHz on the Ryzen 7 9700X, a 2% difference. The Ryzen 5 7600X3D is at the other end of this group with 4.7GHz.
Which has the highest core count: the Ryzen 9 9900X or the Ryzen 7 9700X?
The Ryzen 9 9900X tops core count at 12 cores; the Ryzen 7 9700X follows at 8 cores, 50% apart. The Ryzen 5 7600X is at the other end of this group with 6 cores.
What does the Ryzen 7 9700X add over the Ryzen 5 7600X?
On paper it adds boost clock (5.5GHz against 5.3GHz), core count (8 cores against 6 cores) and rated power (65W against 105W). On our last price check the Ryzen 5 7600X was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Ryzen 7 9700X in the $250 to $500 tier, with 5 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Ryzen 9 9900X our Best for Work pick?
It carries the badge for twelve Zen 5 cores. The price of that: the Ryzen 5 7600X, the cheapest pick, still beats it on rated power (105W against 120W). It suits creators on a mid-range budget.
Does the Ryzen 7 7700 have cooler in box, and which others do?
The Ryzen 7 7700 has it; the Ryzen 7 9700X, the Ryzen 7 7700X, the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, the Ryzen 5 9600X, the Ryzen 5 7600X and the Ryzen 9 9900X do not.
Bottom Line
The Ryzen 7 9700X is the balanced mid-range pick. The 7700X and 7700 save money, the 7600X3D is best for games, and the 9900X adds cores for work.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Budget Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
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- Related guideThe Best CPUs Under $300
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Ryzen CPUs for Gaming
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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