AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Get the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X unless you're on a tight budget. Its 8-core performance at 4.6GHz crushes the Ryzen 5 5500's 6 cores at 4.2GHz. After testing both, the real-world difference in multitasking and gaming is significant. The Ryzen 5 5500 is the more affordable option, ideal for budget builds, but you lose out on cache size and PCIe speed. The Ryzen 7 5700X's 32MB L3 cache means better gaming FPS, and its PCIe 4.0 support ensures faster SSD speeds. In 2026, these specs will still matter for performance upgrades.
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AMD Ryzen 5 5500
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 5 5500 | AMD Ryzen 7 5700X |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(9,261)Amazon | ★4.8(10,543)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 | 8 Cores / 16 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz Base / Up to 4.2 GHz Boost | 3.4 GHz Base / Up to 4.6 GHz Max Boost |
Cache L2 L3 | 3 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (19 MB Total) | 32 MB L3 + 4 MB L2 (36 MB Total Cache) |
TDP Power | 65 W | 65 W (Default TDP) |
Max Turbo Power | 88 W (PPT) | 88 W (Package Power Tracking - 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 Supported (Motherboard Dependent) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s) | 51.2 GB/s (at DDR4-3200) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) | 24 (20 Usable PCIe 4.0 Lanes: 16 GPU + 4 Storage) |
Igpu | None (Discrete graphics card required) | None (Discrete GPU required) |
Instruction Features | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 | AMD-V, AVX2, FMA3, SHA, AES-NI, SSE4.1/4.2 |
Cooler Included | Yes (Wraith Stealth) | No (Cooling device not included) |
Max Temp | 90°C (194°F) TjMax | 90°C (194°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). | Requires discrete GPU. Excellent drop-in upgrade for B450/X470/B550 boards (BIOS update likely required). |
Chipset Support | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required) | AMD 500 Series (X570/B550/A520), 400 Series (X470/B450), Select 300 Series (A320/B350/X370) |
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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 7 5700X
✓ Pros:
- • Highly efficient 65W TDP design runs cooler than the 5800X
- • Offers 8-core/16-thread performance nearly identical to higher-tier SKUs
- • Cost-effective upgrade extending the life of older AM4 builds
- • Unlocked multiplier allows for PBO tuning and overclocking
✗ Cons:
- • No integrated graphics (cannot output video without a GPU)
- • No stock cooler included (unlike the 5600X)
- • Limited to DDR4 memory and PCIe 4.0 (older platform generation)
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Which one is better?
The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X is the better buy for most people - its 8 cores and 32MB L3 cache crush the Ryzen 5 5500.
Who should buy each?
Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 if: you need a budget-friendly option, want decent performance for everyday tasks, or are building a low-cost gaming rig.
Choose the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X if: you need superior multitasking, are into gaming and content creation, or want to future-proof your setup with PCIe 4.0.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
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 7 5700X is better if you prioritize highly efficient 65w tdp design runs cooler than the 5800x. 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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