AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Choosing between AMD Ryzen 5 5500 and AMD Ryzen 5 5600X can be tricky. Both are excellent, but they serve different priorities. This guide highlights what matters for US shoppers.
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AMD Ryzen 5 5500
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 5 5500 | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(9,261)Amazon | ★4.8(29,668)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Cezanne) | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Vermeer) |
Socket Platform | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) |
Cores Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz Base / Up to 4.2 GHz Boost | 3.7 GHz Base / Up to 4.6 GHz Boost |
Cache L2 L3 | 3 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (19 MB Total) | 3 MB L2 + 32 MB L3 (35 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 65 W | 65 W |
Max Turbo Power | 88 W (PPT) | 88 W (PPT) |
Process Node | TSMC 7nm FinFET (Monolithic Die) | TSMC 7nm FinFET (Core Complex) / GlobalFoundries 12nm (I/O Die) |
Memory Support | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: No | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: Yes (Unbuffered UDIMM; requires mobo support) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s) | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0 (Requires B550 or X570 chipset) |
Pcie Lanes | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) |
Igpu | None (Discrete graphics card required) | None (Discrete graphics card required) |
Instruction Features | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 |
Cooler Included | Yes (Wraith Stealth) | Yes (Wraith Stealth) |
Max Temp | 90°C (194°F) TjMax | 95°C (203°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | Based on 'Cezanne' silicon (disabled iGPU). Limited to PCIe 3.0 speed (slower than 5600/5600X). Smaller L3 cache (16MB) impacts gaming performance vs. standard Zen 3 (32MB). | Excellent value for entry-level gaming builds. Uses the mature AM4 platform (no upgrade path to Ryzen 7000/9000). PCIe 4.0 support is motherboard dependent. |
Chipset Support | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required) | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required for older chipsets) |
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AMD Ryzen 5 5500
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable 6-core Zen 3 processor available
- • Low power consumption and easy to cool (Wraith Stealth included)
- • Works on virtually any AM4 motherboard (A320 to X570)
✗ Cons:
- • PCIe 3.0 limitation restricts maximum speed of modern SSDs and GPUs
- • Half the L3 cache of the Ryzen 5 5600, resulting in lower gaming FPS
- • No integrated graphics
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AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
✓ Pros:
- • Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio for budget gaming
- • Low power consumption (65W) and easy to cool
- • Mature ecosystem with affordable motherboards and DDR4 RAM
✗ Cons:
- • Dead-end platform (AM4) limits future CPU upgrade options
- • No integrated graphics
- • Included cooler is basic; can get noisy under heavy load
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Which one is better?
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is stronger in specific features, but AMD Ryzen 5 5500 could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
Choose AMD Ryzen 5 5500 if:
- You want Most affordable 6-core Zen 3 processor available, Low power consumption and easy to cool (Wraith Stealth included)
- Rating: 4.7★ (9261 reviews)
Choose AMD Ryzen 5 5600X if:
- You prefer Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio for budget gaming, Low power consumption (65W) and easy to cool
- Rating: 4.8★ (29668 reviews)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 excels if you value most affordable 6-core zen 3 processor available. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is better if you prioritize unbeatable price-to-performance ratio for budget gaming. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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