AMD Ryzen 7 8700G vs AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The AMD Ryzen 7 306.9 oz is the premium option here, showcasing impressive performance with 8 cores and 16 threads at a boost clock of up to 5.1 GHz. In real-world use, the Ryzen 7 306.9 oz's capabilities shine, especially with its Radeon 780M graphics that allow for 1080p gaming. This is a significant advantage if you want to game without investing in a separate GPU, making it a worthwhile upgrade over the Ryzen 5 5500 for many users in 2026. Key specs: Cores/Threads: 8C/16T vs 6C/12T and Base/Boost Clock: 4.2–5.1 GHz vs 3.6–4.2 GHz.
Why compare these? The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (mid-range) and AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (entry-level) represent different approaches to processors. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | AMD Ryzen | AMD Ryzen |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6★ (579 reviews) | ✓4.7★ (9,261 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Best-in-class integrated graphics (Radeon 780M) capable of 1080p gaming | Most affordable 6-core Zen 3 processor available |
| Main Drawback | PCIe 4.0 only (no PCIe 5.0) and reduced lane count (x8 for GPU) | PCIe 3.0 limitation restricts maximum speed of modern SSDs and GPUs |
| Market Position | ✓Mid-range | Entry |
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Zen 4 (Ryzen 8000G Series / Hawk Point)
Socket AM5 (LGA 1718)
8 Cores / 16 Threads
4.2 GHz Base / Up to 5.1 GHz Boost
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Cezanne)
Socket AM4 (PGA 1331)
6 Cores / 12 Threads
3.6 GHz Base / Up to 4.2 GHz Boost
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G vs AMD Ryzen 5 5500
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 7 8700G | AMD Ryzen 5 5500 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(579)Amazon | ★4.7(9,261)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Zen 4 (Ryzen 8000G Series / Hawk Point) | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Cezanne) |
Socket Platform | Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) |
Cores Threads | 8 Cores / 16 Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz Base / Up to 5.1 GHz Boost | 3.6 GHz Base / Up to 4.2 GHz Boost |
Cache L2 L3 | 8 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (24 MB Total) | 3 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (19 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 65 W | 65 W |
Max Turbo Power | 88 W (PPT) | 88 W (PPT) |
Process Node | TSMC 4nm FinFET (Monolithic Die) | TSMC 7nm FinFET (Monolithic Die) |
Memory Support | DDR5-5200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 256 GB; ECC Support: No | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: No |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~83.2 GB/s @ 5200 MT/s) | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 20 Total (16 Usable: x8 Graphics, 2x4 NVMe/General) | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) |
Igpu | AMD Radeon 780M (12 Compute Units, 2900 MHz) | None (Discrete graphics card required) |
Instruction Features | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 |
Cooler Included | Yes (Wraith Spire) | Yes (Wraith Stealth) |
Max Temp | 95°C (203°F) TjMax | 90°C (194°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | 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). | 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). |
Chipset Support | A620, B650, B650E, X670, X670E, B840, B850, X870, X870E | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required) |
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AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Zen 4 (Ryzen 8000G Series / Hawk Point)
Socket AM5 (LGA 1718)
8 Cores / 16 Threads
4.2 GHz Base / Up to 5.1 GHz Boost
8 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (24 MB Total)
65 W
Pros
- Best-in-class integrated graphics (Radeon 780M) capable of 1080p gaming
- Includes dedicated NPU for local AI workloads (Ryzen AI)
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
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Cezanne)
Socket AM4 (PGA 1331)
6 Cores / 12 Threads
3.6 GHz Base / Up to 4.2 GHz Boost
3 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (19 MB Total)
65 W
Pros
- Most affordable 6-core Zen 3 processor available
- Low power consumption and easy to cool (Wraith Stealth included)
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
Which one is better?
The AMD Ryzen 7 306.9 oz is the better buy for most people - its 8 cores and 16 threads, paired with a 5.1 GHz boost clock, crush the AMD Ryzen 5 5500's 4.2 GHz max speed and 6 cores.
Who should buy each?
Choose the AMD Ryzen 7 306.9 oz if: you want top-notch gaming performance with 1080p capabilities, need extra cores for multitasking, or plan to run local AI workloads.
Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 if: you need a budget-friendly processor for basic tasks, want to save money on your build, or already have a dedicated GPU.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.6★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose AMD Ryzen
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 9,261 reviews vs 579
→ Choose AMD Ryzen
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose AMD Ryzen
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose AMD Ryzen
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 leads with a 4.7★ rating versus 4.6★. That said, AMD Ryzen 7 8700G could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G or AMD Ryzen 5 5500?
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G is the better choice if you prioritize best-in-class integrated graphics (radeon 780m) capable of 1080p gaming. AMD Ryzen 5 5500 wins if you value most affordable 6-core zen 3 processor available. Both are rated highly (4.6★ vs 4.7★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between AMD Ryzen 7 8700G and AMD Ryzen 5 5500?
Key differences: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G offers best-in-class integrated graphics (radeon 780m) capable of 1080p gaming, while AMD Ryzen 5 5500 stands out with most affordable 6-core zen 3 processor available. Consider that AMD Ryzen 7 8700G pcie 4.0 only (no pcie 5.0) and reduced lane count (x8 for gpu). Meanwhile, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 pcie 3.0 limitation restricts maximum speed of modern ssds and gpus. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: February 7, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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