AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Processor (6C/12T, 35MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz Max Boost) with Wraith Stealth Cooler

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Though I could have included more Ryzen 5000 Series processors in this comparison, I opted to mostly compare with more current processors that will actively compete with the Ryzen 5 5600X3D on the open market. This includes the Ryzen 5 7600 and the Intel Core i5-12600K, both of which have similar prices. I did include the Ryzen 7 5700X, which uses the same platform as the Ryzen 5 5600X3D and has an even lower street price. Processor Tests: A Depressing Display The continued success of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D has found many AMD users upgrading older systems instead of making the jump to Zen 4 and the pricier new AM5/DDR5 platform, which obviously could lead one to think that AMD is cannibalizing its own flagship product line with a superior lower-cost chip. In most cases, this has actually kept early Ryzen adopters on an AMD platform instead of them jumping ship to Intel’s newer Raptor Lake platforms. Still, potential users should be aware that, like its sibling, the 5600X3D has some limitations with the 3D V-Cache technology. This technology may not boost all games and could affect performance in some productivity apps. So, make sure it aligns with your specific needs before diving in. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D brings together the formidable power of the AMD AM4 generation CPUs with the exciting capabilities of 3D V-cache technology. For as long as I can remember, I've had love of all things tech, spurred on, in part, by a love of gaming. I began working on computers owned by immediate family members and relatives when I was around 10 years old. I've always sought to learn as much as possible about anything PC, leading to a well-rounded grasp on all things tech today. In my role at PCMag, I greatly enjoy the opportunity to share what I know.

In this article, we’ll dive into the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D specs, price, release date, and everything you need to know about this game-changing processor. We’ll provide an insightful guide on AMD’s newest addition to its range of innovative CPUs, specifically designed to elevate your PC gaming experience. We start off by looking at test results from AIDA64’s memory and bandwidth benchmark. Bandwidth is critically important to the smooth operation of any processor and it can greatly alter impact performance. The numbers found here need to be considered carefully, as different processors also react differently to changes in bandwidth. You’ll have to step up to the Core i5-13600K to find an Intel chip with faster gaming performance than the 5600X3D. The 13600K is 5% faster than the 5600X3D, but you’ll pay 35% more for the privilege — not to mention the big increase in power consumption.With newer processors already on the market, I didn’t expect to see AMD ship any more Ryzen 5000 Series processors with 3D V-Cache. Regardless, it seems that AMD decided it was worthwhile to ship one more, even though it’s a relatively limited release. At the same time, though, I find sound logic behind AMD’s decision to release the new Ryzen 5 5600X3D now. The Intel Core i5-13400 is 35% faster in threaded applications and 26% faster in single-threaded work than the 5600X3D, highlighting that it’s the far better choice if you’re looking for an all-rounder in this price range. No one expected the Ryzen 5 5600X3D to even exist, but now that it’s here, it might take over the entire budget gaming segment of the market — or it could have done, if not for the fact that it’s a limited edition chip. Gamers Nexus tested the 5600X3D in several games, and while its performance varies from title to title, it generally did a great job. The varying frames per second (fps) are to be expected. Not every game utilizes the massive 96MB L3 cache, and outside of the cache, the 5600X3D is still a mere six-core CPU.

Overall, Gamers Nexus found that the chip was 39% faster than the Ryzen 5 5600X in the Tomb Raider benchmark, but 10% slower than the 5800X3D. Gamers Nexus / YouTube The Ryzen 5 5600X3D overall didn’t use noticeably less power than other AMD processors. The Ryzen 5 7600 consumed just a few watts more in our Cinebench test and a few watts less in the Adobe Premiere test. This AMD's power consumption was notably a lot lower than the competing Intel chips, though.In short, you'll easily find far better processors for the price than the Ryzen 5 5600X3D. The asking price also makes it less than appetizing as an upgrade option for an existing AM4-based system. Sure, it might get a slight edge in games over the Ryzen 7 5700X, but performance in every other task with the Ryzen 5 5600X3D is significantly worse. Unless you only use your PC for gaming, the Ryzen 7 5700X is a more tantalizing option and, unless you run on something as slow as one of AMD’s AM4 Athlon chips or a Ryzen 3, the cost still feels prohibitive compared with the amount of performance you would expect to see from upgrading. You’d be far better off instead to save that money and put it toward a newer system. As for thermals, the Ryzen 5 5600X3D remained relatively cool during our tests, peaking at 78 degrees C. This is a hotter operating temp than a few competing chips, like the Core i5-12600K and the Ryzen 7 7700, but it was lower than the newer Core i5-13600K and Ryzen 5 7600X. The 5600X3D is a new entry in the older Ryzen 5000 series, so it comes with the Zen 3 architecture, 7nm process node, and drops into last-gen AM4 motherboards. In contrast, AMD's newest Ryzen 7000 chips come with the faster Zen 4 architecture etched on the 5nm process and drop into newer AM5 motherboards. However, those chips carry a premium and require more expensive DDR5 memory, while the 5600X3D supports more economical DDR4, giving it an easy win in terms of total system cost. Can we please stop perpetuating this. The 5800X3D does NOT need a 240mm AIO, neither will the 5600X3D. Nearly any basic tower air cooler rated for the TDP will be more than sufficient.Guess it depends on what you expect, but with an 280mm AIO running at 100% fans and getting 80 degrees, going with anything less might not be everybody's cup of tea. You’ll need to carefully assess your common usage and workloads if you’re upgrading to a 5600X3D, and plan accordingly. While you gain tremendously in gaming performance, you will lose quite a bit of performance in applications. If you’re upgrading an existing AM4 system and looking for a more balanced performer, you should give the eight-core Ryzen 7 5700X a close look. This chip is great a value at its current retail pricing.

The Ryzen 5 5600X3D is an interesting six-core CPU that presents itself as a more budget-friendly option compared to its eight-core sibling, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. The latter has certainly carved its name among computer hardware as one of the best gaming CPUs, thanks mainly to the innovative 3D V-Cache technology. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p, the Ryzen 5 5600X3D averaged 301.4 fps. That puts it just below the (much more expensive) Core i9-13900K, which hit 304 fps. Three AMD chips are topping the scoreboard: the Ryzen 9 7950X with 305 fps; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D with 332 fps, and finally, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D with 385 fps. Every single one of those processors costs a whole lot more than the 5600X3D.Don’t let the age of the AM4 platform fool you, though. Despite being six years old, it continues to offer exceptional value at an affordable price, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious setups. A lot of this comes down to its compatibility with reasonably priced DDR4 memory. AMD has pledged to continue supporting this platform for budget-tailored systems, which is reassuring. AMD’s AM4 platform has soldiered on for six years, but it continues to offer a strong value proposition for lower-end systems, primarily due to its support for value-centric DDR4 memory, and AMD plans to continue supporting the platform for budget-geared systems. The plentiful and affordable AM4 ecosystem and its support for inexpensive DDR4 memory have kept the platform attractive for value-seekers who can’t afford to step up to the new Zen 4 processors that drop into newer AM5 motherboards and only support pricier DDR5 memory. However, a closer look reveals a more strategic move. This affordable and high-performing option has effectively maintained the loyalty of early Ryzen adopters, preventing them from switching to Intel’s newer Raptor Lake platforms. Therefore, this approach not only offers value to customers but also strengthens AMD’s market position. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D: Final thoughts Now this may seem unfair at first glance, but pricing is key and it’s essential to remember that the Ryzen 7 5700X, the Ryzen 5 7600, and the Intel Core i5-12600K are all available for around the same price as the Ryzen 5 5600X3D or less. Gaming Tests: This Chip's Best Hope for Success