AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Zen 3 value CPU: 6C/12T, 3.6–4.2 GHz, 19MB Total Cache, AM4, DDR4, PCIe 3.0. 65W TDP. Wraith Stealth included.
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Key specifications
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
88 W (PPT)
TSMC 7nm FinFET (Monolithic Die)
DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: No
N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s)
PCIe 3.0
24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe)
None (Discrete graphics card required)
AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2
Yes (Wraith Stealth)
90°C (194°F) TjMax
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).
A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required)
✓ 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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Frequently Asked Questions
+ Is the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 worth buying in 2026?
Yes, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 is worth it if you prioritize most affordable 6-core zen 3 processor available. With a 4.7/5 rating, it stands out in the processors category. However, consider that pcie 3.0 limitation restricts maximum speed of modern ssds and gpus. Check our detailed verdict above.
+ What are the main specs of AMD Ryzen 5 5500?
Key specifications include: Architecture Gen: Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Cezanne), Socket Platform: Socket AM4 (PGA 1331), Cores Threads: 6 Cores / 12 Threads, Base Boost Clock: 3.6 GHz Base / Up to 4.2 GHz Boost. See the full specifications table above for complete technical details.
+ Where is the best place to buy AMD Ryzen 5 5500?
For US buyers, Amazon offers the best combination of competitive pricing, fast Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. Use our affiliate links above to check current prices and availability.
+ What are the pros and cons of 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. See our detailed breakdown above for the complete analysis.
+ How does AMD Ryzen 5 5500 compare to alternatives?
We have 18+ detailed comparisons with similar processors. Popular matchups include AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Check the comparison section above.
+ Are PageBen reviews independent and unbiased?
Yes. PageBen is an independent review site. While we use affiliate links for monetization, our recommendations are research-driven and based on objective specifications, user feedback, and real-world performance. We are not sponsored by manufacturers.
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