The AMD CPUs have become much more than budget-friendly alternatives to Intel in the last few years. The Ryzen family of silicone chips categorized into Ryzen 3,5,7, and 9, has become a go-to solution for many users since these processors stand as champions, consistently outperforming Intel chips across various domains. But what are the best AMD CPUs for PC and how to select them?
Luckily for you, we have done a hard part and selected the best models, based on the familiar criteria that include several cores, clock speeds, efficiency at a reasonable price, and more. Let's dive into the best AMD CPUs for PCs as we cover the latest AM5 releases, but also the performers such as AMD Ryzen 5 5600X which is the best Zen 3 CPU.
Best AMD CPUs for PC
10. AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
The Ryzen 5 5600G has found its place on our list in the tenth place, thanks to its powerful six cores and 12 threads. This Cezanne APU from AMD's Zen 3 arsenal is a budget-friendly option with DDR4-3200 support, configurable TDP, and an impressive 3.7 GHz base clock and 4.4 GHz boost. It is still a great choice, whether it is gaming or work.
Priced at $130 currently, it comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler and an impressive 16MB of L3 cache, and seven Radeon RX Vega CUs that operate at 1.9 GHz. Although older, the Ryzen 5 5600G is still a useful choice, and most importantly, an affordable one.
9. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Taking the ninth spot is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, standing out as the best Zen 3 CPU in the midrange gaming segment. Priced at $150, it outperforms its Intel rival, the Core i5-10600K at a 3.7 GHz base clock and 4.6 GHz boost.
With a low TDP, the Ryzen 5 5600x is made for gamers who are looking for top-tier performance at an affordable price.
8. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
The next in line is one from the Zen 4, AMD Ryzen 5 7600X. The users have bashed it because of its steeper price as it will set you back around $250. However, the performance is undeniable.
The six cores and 12 threads at a base frequency of 4.7 GHz and 5.3 GHz boost, deliver a one-of-a-kind single-thread performance. The Zen 4 cores come with a shared 32 MB L3 cache, which just breathes efficiency, despite the 105W TDP. It is future-prof thanks to next-gen connectivity with DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5.
7. AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X earns the seventh spot on the list of the best AMD CPUs for PC, featuring an impressive 8 cores and 16 threads. With a focus on fast 100 FPS performance and DDR5 5200 support, it stands out in the midrange CPU market. Built on the TSMC 5nm process and employing Zen 4 architecture, it mirrors the flagship Ryzen 9 7950X but with a scaled-down design.
The single CPU die houses 8 cores, each supporting SMT for 16 active threads. While offering a 105W TDP, it competes favourably with Intel's Core i7-12700K, showcasing superior single-threaded performance. The inclusion of RDNA 2-based integrated graphics adds options, even though it is not intended for gaming. In terms of gaming, its performance aligns closely with competitors, making it a solid choice, especially for users with different computing needs.
6. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D revolutionized gaming with its unique 3D V-Cache technology. It comes with a massive 96MB L3 cache, and though it is still the Zen 3 architecture, it stands out from its predecessors through the added cache.
An excellent choice for gamers, it supports DDR4 memory with a maximum speed of DDR4-3200. Equipped with eight cores and 16 threads, it operates at a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz but there is a boost that reaches an impressive 4.5 GHz. Sitting slightly overpriced at $449, it changed the gaming world with its 3D tech.
5. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
We go back to Zen 3 with AMD Ryzen 9 5900X for our fifth place on the best AMD CPUs for PC. With 12 cores and 24 threads at a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.8 GHz, AMD Ryzen 9 5900x has left the competitors in the dust, including the Core i9-10900K.
With multiple cores and a one Core Complex per compute die, it is an excellent choice for both gaming and multi-threaded workloads. The price is a bearable one as it will set you back $299, but the bang for the buck you get is an impressive one.
4. AMD Ryzen 7 7800x3D
It is time to up the anties with the fourth place at which we put the heavily-praised AMD Ryzen 7 7800x3D. Featuring 3d Vertical Cache tech for enhanced performance, an 8-core Zen 4 CCD and a 96 MB single L3 cache, it easily outpaces some Intel's gaming processors.
This AMD marvel operates at 5 GHz at a 120W TDP and if you opt for it, it will set you back $389, but it is worth it. One of the best gaming options, if you are an office clerk, you should move to some other solutions intended for a heavy workload.
3. AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X sits at a well-deserved third place on the list of the best AMD CPUs for PC. Boasting 12 cores and 24 threads, clocked at 4.7 GHz base and a boost capped at 5.6 GHz.
While it doesn't adopt DDR5 memory, the processor supports DDR4 and it draws 170W TDP and 230W and it is cooler than the flagship 7950X. Moreover, it is important to say that it is compatible with the AM5, which means it is future-proof if you opt to buy it. However, it is a bit pricey as it costs $390.
2. AMD Ryzen 9 7900x3D
The premium is always pricey and is no different this time. The AMD Ryzen 9 7900x3D will set you back $599, but it is reasonable, considering what you get. This one delivers stellar gaming performance with 12 cores and 24 threads backed up by AMD's 3D V-Cache technology.
The cores are clocked at 4.7 GHz but with a boost that goes up to 5.6 GHz. The high-quality performance in games is backed up by the L3 cache of 128MB, while the Thermal Design Power (TDP) is set at 120W ensuring cooler temperatures. Made for gaming, it will struggle with intensive workloads such as video editing or streaming, thus it doesn't deserve the top spot.
1. AMD Ryzen 9 7950x3D
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950x3D is perhaps the best AMD CPU for PC. The 16 cores and 32 threads are clocked at 4.2GHz with an impressive boost clock of 5.7 GHz.
Priced at $620 currently it is worth it as it excels in gaming tasks, and is great for streamers. Designed for the AM5 platform, it is future-proofed and if you opt for this flagship, you won't go wrong.
If you are looking for more AMD processors, Threadrippers are one way to go but they are pricier and are made for more complex workloads, such as 3D rendering, scientific computing, weather forecasting, and more.