Is a Ryzen 5 5600X good for gaming

We take a look at the Ryzen 5 5600X and decide whether it's still good for gaming.

Updated: Nov 11, 2022 8:02 am

AMD’s Ryzen line of processors is very affordable and available. Bringing power to the people, even those on a budget. Particular value can be found within the Ryzen 5 family, the 5600X is the CPU we will be targeting today. So is the Ryzen 5 5600X good for gaming?

Now Read: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X review.

As we all know by now, the Ryzen 7000 series lineup has been released to the public, bringing incredible single-core performance at a price you can afford. But that’s not the focus today, we’re here to see if the Ryzen 5000 series still holds up.

Video: Ryzen 5 7600X vs Ryzen 5 5600X

WePC: Ryzen 5 7600X vs Ryzen 5 5600X

Ryzen 5 5600x AMD Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

As a new addition to the Ryzen 5 series, AMD introduced Ryzen 5 5600x in November 2020. As one of the latest CPU processors in the market, Ryzen 5 5600x immediately became the favorite of gamers, developers, and editors. With improved core function and additional features, the Ryzen 5 5600x is considered one the best budget processors for gaming.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X specifications

The Ryzen 5 5600X is a phenomenal CPU, initially released on May 11, 2020. Superseding the Ryzen 5 3600X of the last generation and outperforming it by a margin of about 10%.

The specifications of the Ryzen 5 5600X are as follows: 

• 6 cores
• 12 threads
• Base clock 3.7GHz
• Boost clock 4.6GHz
• L3 cache 32MB
• Default TDP 65W
• iGPU: N/A

Why is Ryzen 5 5600x good for gaming?

The previous generations of the Ryzen 5 processor proved suitable for AAA games. This generation is even better than its predecessors, much improved, upgraded, and powerful.

We’re mostly going to be comparing the Ryzen 5 5600X to the Ryzen 5 3600X, as the 3600X is the predecessor to the 5600X.

The features which make the Ryzen 5 5600x suitable for gaming in 2022 are as follows:

Cores

Ryzen 5 5600x contains 6 Cores, two more than Ryzen 5 3600, giving a powerful core function experience. The more CPU cores you have at your disposal, the better your CPU will be at multitasking natively.

Threads

A total of 12 threads are present in R5 5600x. Multitasking is no more an issue with this Ryzen 5 SKU. Users can use multiple apps at the same time without causing issues. Threads are similar to cores, but they’re virtual in a way, they don’t physically exist as CPU cores do.

Threads are the names of the secondary instructions that CPUs process simultaneously with primary instructions. “Multithreaded” describes a CPUs ability to compute two separate instructions simultaneously.

Architecture

For the first time in Ryzen 5 series, the Zen 3 micro-architecture has been used. This is superior to the Zen 2 function-wise as well as in terms of power. The Zen 3 architecture is built upon a 7nm process and has 19% higher instructions per cycle (IPC) on average than Zen 2.

A Zen 3 core is about 30% faster than a Zen 2 core: 10% faster-sustained clocks on average as well as an almost 20% IPC uplift.

Clock speed

With an incredible base clock speed of 3.7GHz, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600x can reach a peak core frequency of 4.6GHz, which is considerably higher than all previous generations. A CPU cycle is complex but we’ll try to break it down for you.

A CPU cycle is comprised of three main actions. these are fetch, decode, and execute. These three actions make up computing on a fundamental level. And the faster a CPU can complete these cycles, the faster it can process information. Making it a better CPU.

Socket

Like all AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors and below, the Ryzen 5 5600x has an AM4 socket type. This means that the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X will only fit into a motherboard that it shares compatibility with.

In this case, we need an AM4 motherboard to serve the Ryzen 5 5600X. Sockets are clearly stated on both motherboard packaging and product information. We recommend a B550 chipset for the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Cache

L3 cache capacity of R5 5600x is 32 MB, enough for maximum storage and smooth performance. A CPU cache is a type of storage constructed physically very close to a CPU core, this is done for speed and efficiency. The cache is a lot like system memory, only much faster. A CPU cache is where instructions and calculations are stored.

Is the Ryzen 5 5600X still good?

Absolutely, the performance of the Ryzen 5 5600X still stands well against its much more powerful successor, the 7600X. Not only that, but you’ll be able to find the 5600X for much cheaper than the new generation of Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, making the 5600X much better value for money.

You’ll also save yourself a buck or 600 on platform upgrades, as we know the Ryzen 7000 series of CPUs require the new, pricey, AM5 platform. Not only that, the AM5 platform required DDR5 memory, there is no DDR4 option.

Do I need to upgrade my motherboard for a Ryzen 5 5600X?

Unless you’re coming from Intel, you will not need to upgrade your motherboard, although, it is advised if you have a very outdated one. The chipset we recommend is X470 – X570. If you have an older motherboard (as long as it’s a socket AM4) you may need a BIOS update.

Performing a BIOS update is easy and will need to be done with your old CPU installed. Some motherboards have a flashback utility function that allows you to flash the BIOS without powering on the system.

Final word

The best thing about almost all AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs is that they are affordable to everyone, especially since the launch of the Ryzen 7000 series. Every individual can have the best gaming experience with this incredible range of processors. Ryzen 5 5600x is the ideal processor for gaming in 2022 if you’re on a tighter budget. The Ryzen 5 5600X is of course superseded massively by the Ryzen 5 7600X.

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