AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
If you are torn between AMD Ryzen 5 5500 and AMD Ryzen 7 8700G, this breakdown is for you. We compare specs, pros, and cons so you can decide confidently.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 5 5500 | AMD Ryzen 7 8700G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(9,261)Amazon | ★4.7(554)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Cezanne) | Zen 4 (Ryzen 8000G Series / Hawk Point) |
Socket Platform | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) | Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) |
Cores Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads | 8 Cores / 16 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz Base / Up to 4.2 GHz Boost | 4.2 GHz Base / Up to 5.1 GHz Boost |
Cache L2 L3 | 3 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (19 MB Total) | 8 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (24 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 4nm FinFET (Monolithic Die) |
Memory Support | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: No | DDR5-5200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 256 GB; ECC Support: No |
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 ~83.2 GB/s @ 5200 MT/s) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) | 20 Total (16 Usable: x8 Graphics, 2x4 NVMe/General) |
Igpu | None (Discrete graphics card required) | AMD Radeon 780M (12 Compute Units, 2900 MHz) |
Instruction Features | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 |
Cooler Included | Yes (Wraith Stealth) | Yes (Wraith Spire) |
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). | Features 'Ryzen AI' NPU (16 TOPS). Monolithic design has less L3 cache than chiplet Ryzen 7000. Discrete GPU slot limited to PCIe 4.0 x8 speed (sufficient for most mid-range GPUs). |
Chipset Support | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required) | A620, B650, B650E, X670, X670E, B840, B850, X870, X870E |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
✓ Pros:
- • Best-in-class integrated graphics (Radeon 780M) capable of 1080p gaming
- • Includes dedicated NPU for local AI workloads (Ryzen AI)
- • Efficient 65W operation with included Wraith Spire cooler
✗ Cons:
- • PCIe 4.0 only (no PCIe 5.0) and reduced lane count (x8 for GPU)
- • Small L3 cache (16MB) limits performance with high-end discrete GPUs
- • ECC memory not supported (unlike standard Ryzen 7000/9000 CPUs)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
Overall, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 delivers better satisfaction. AMD Ryzen 7 8700G is still a quality option with specific strengths worth considering.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (Most affordable 6-core Zen 3 processor available, Low power consumption and easy to cool (Wraith Stealth included))
For value or versatility: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (Best-in-class integrated graphics (Radeon 780M) capable of 1080p gaming, Includes dedicated NPU for local AI workloads (Ryzen AI))
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 7 8700G is better if you prioritize best-in-class integrated graphics (radeon 780m) capable of 1080p 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.