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AMD Ryzen 5 3500X Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£70
  • PassMark benchmark result: 13165
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.1 GHz

AMD Ryzen 5 3500X review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.0

Technical Score

10.0%

8.8

User score

Good
5.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Performance

18.0%

6.3

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.1

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.5

Platform

1.0%

2.8

Integrated Graphics

Good
8.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

8.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(111)
amazon
4.6
(104)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 4.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.2

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.5

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.9

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    5.5

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.2
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.1

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.2

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    5.5

    L3 cache

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amd-ryzen-5-3500x

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is a 6-core, 6-thread desktop processor based on the Zen 2 architecture, featuring a 3.6 GHz base clock, a 4.1 GHz boost frequency, and a 65W TDP. Built on a 7nm process for the AM4 socket, it includes a massive 32MB L3 cache and supports PCIe 4.0 and DDR4-3200 memory. Its main strengths include strong single-core performance for budget gaming, high energy efficiency, and an unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking. However, it lacks Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT), which limits its multitasking and productivity performance in core-heavy applications, and it was primarily released as an OEM-focused model with limited retail availability in Western markets.

Technical Specifications of processor AMD Ryzen 5 3500X

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Performance

18.0%

6.3

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.1

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.5

Platform

1.0%

2.8

Integrated Graphics

5.0
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a technical score of 4.96 points, which is lower than that of 54.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

8.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(111)
amazon
4.6
(104)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.8
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a user score of 8.77 points, which is higher than that of 87.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
8.2
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a popularity of 8.2 points, which is higher than 86.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.7
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 61.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

AMD
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

AM4
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X uses the AM4 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 76.3% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

X570, B550, A520, X470, B450, X370, B350, A320, X300, A300
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports X570, B550, A520, X470, B450, X370, B350, A320, X300, A300 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 78.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

6
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

6
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X offers 6 CPU threads, which is fewer than 64.8% of processors and equal to 2.2% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.1 GHz
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X reaches a boost clock of 4.1 GHz which is lower than that of 56.2% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

6 x 3.6 GHz
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a base clock of 6x3.6 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

7 nm
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X uses a 7 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 71.5% of processors and equal to that of 10.9% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

TSMC 7 nm
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is built on the TSMC 7 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 56.7% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

32 MB
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has an L3 cache of 32 MB which is larger than that of 89.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.6% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

3 MB
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has an L2 cache of 3 MB which is larger than that of 50.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

384 KB
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 45% of processors and equal to that of 15.8% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

3,200 MHz
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 51.5% of processors and equal to 8.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-3200 MHz
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-3,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 51.1% of processors and equal to 8.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

no
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not include integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

88 W
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a boost power of 88 W which is higher than that of 57.6% of processors and equal to that of 6.3% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
Show more

AMD Ryzen 5 3500X vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 4x larger L3 cache
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
    When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=16 MB

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.32 MB vs 8 MB
  • 8 more PCIe lanes
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (24 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 usable lanes
    What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
    When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=20

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (24 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.24 vs 16
  • 3.11x more L3 per core
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (5.3 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (5.3 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.5.33 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core
  • Includes stock cooler
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Newer PCIe version
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
    What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
    When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 4.0

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).4.0 vs 3.0
  • Supports memory overclocking
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 41.7% smaller process node
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower process node than the average processor (7 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower process node than the average processor (7 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.7 nm vs 12 nm
  • Modern CPU socket
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (AM4 vs FP2).
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 44.4% faster classroom rendering
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,143.3 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • 22.9% higher multi-core score
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (5,890 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 4x larger L3 cache
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 3.11x more L3 per core
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (5.3 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 41.7% smaller process node
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower process node than the average processor (7 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • More advanced foundry
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 7 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Matisse vs Kaby Lake).
  • 8 more PCIe lanes
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (24 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • Newer PCIe version
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Supports ECC memory
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • Includes stock cooler
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 5 °C lower CPU temperature
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Older TPM support
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0).
  • No multithreading support
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 4.7% lower boost clock
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 2 fewer CPU threads
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (6 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • No integrated graphics
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 5 °C lower TJ Max
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 37.5% higher boost power
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (88 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • No multithreading support
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • No configurable TDP
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 5 °C lower TJ Max
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
    When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=100 °C

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.95 °C vs 100 °C
  • No integrated graphics
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
    What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
    When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

    Importance: HIGH

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • 4.7% lower boost clock
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
    What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 2

    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.1 vs 2
Total
Platform
Performance
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of AMD Ryzen 5 3500X and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
111 Reviews
amazon
4.6
104 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about AMD Ryzen 5 3500X?

  • Strong gaming performance for the price, often matching or exceeding the Intel Core i5-9400F in many titles
  • Excellent value for budget-conscious builds, typically offered as a cheaper alternative to the Ryzen 5 3600
  • Low power consumption and efficient operation, often running cool even with a stock cooler
  • Support for PCIe 4.0 when paired with compatible motherboards, offering future-proofing for faster storage
  • Unlocked for overclocking, allowing users to squeeze out extra performance relatively easily

What customers dislike about AMD Ryzen 5 3500X?

  • Lack of SMT (Simultaneous Multi-Threading) limits it to only 6 threads, which can cause performance bottlenecks in modern, CPU-intensive games
  • Significantly weaker multi-core performance in productivity tasks like video editing, rendering, and encoding compared to the Ryzen 5 3600
  • Noticeable frame rate 'stutters' and lower 1% low FPS in some demanding titles compared to processors with more threads
  • Limited global availability as it was originally an OEM/China-exclusive part, sometimes leading to lack of official warranty in other regions
  • May be considered poor value depending on current market prices for the Ryzen 5 2600 or 3600, which offer more threads for a similar cost

Expert reviews

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tomshardware.com
29/04/2020
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X Review: China Gets a CPU Exclusive

The AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is a 6-core/6-thread Zen 2 processor featuring a 3.6 GHz base and 4.1 GHz boost clock, designed for the budget market with 32MB of L3 cache, PCIe 4.0 support, and no integrated graphics. Originally a China-exclusive, this CPU delivers gaming performance nearly identical to the Ryzen 5 3600 and outperforms the Intel Core i5-9400F in single-core and office tasks,...Read more

T
techspot.com
28/12/2019
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X Review - TechSpot

The TechSpot review of the AMD Ryzen 5 3500X highlights a 6-core, 6-thread Zen 2 processor aimed at budget systems, featuring a 3.6 GHz base and 4.1 GHz boost clock. While it provides solid average frame rates in many games, matching the Core i5-9400F, the lack of Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT) results in poorer 1% low performance and noticeable stuttering in CPU-intensive...Read more

H
hardwareluxx.de
04/05/2020
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X Review: A Special Case for Asia

The AMD Ryzen 5 3500X, reviewed by Hardwareluxx, is a 6-core/6-thread Zen 2 processor lacking SMT, positioned as a budget-friendly option against the Intel Core i5-9400F. It boasts a 3.6 GHz base clock, 4.1 GHz boost, and a generous 32 MB L3 cache, which ensures strong gaming performance. However, the lack of SMT significantly limits its capability in multi-threaded productivity...Read more

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T
tomshardware.fr
20/09/2019
AMD: Ryzen 5 3500 and 3500X take on the Core i5-9400F in gaming benchmarks

The AMD Ryzen 5 3500 and 3500X are 6-core/6-thread "Zen 2" processors designed to compete with the Intel Core i5-9400F, offering higher base clocks, support for faster DDR4-3200 memory, PCIe 4.0, and overclocking capabilities, which are significant pros over the locked Intel counterpart. In benchmarks, the 3500X delivers similar or slightly better gaming performance than the...Read more

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T
tomshardware.fr
14/10/2019
Ryzen 5 3500X vs. Core i5-9400F: Full Benchmarks

The Tom's Hardware France review pits the 6-core/6-thread Ryzen 5 3500X (Zen 2) against the Intel Core i5-9400F in the budget segment, finding that the AMD chip generally holds a 5–8% performance advantage in synthetic and productivity tasks due to a larger 32MB L3 cache. While the 3500X boasts an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, it consumes 11–13% more power under load,...Read more

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elchapuzasinformatico.com
10/10/2019
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X Review: It would have been a great rival for the Core i5-9400F

The review by El Chapuzas Informático compares the AMD Ryzen 5 3500X with the Intel Core i5-9400F, highlighting a close performance race across productivity and gaming. The Ryzen 5 3500X holds an edge in productivity benchmarks (up to 4.3% faster) and features a larger 32 MB L3 cache compared to Intel's 9 MB, alongside an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Conversely, the...Read more

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profesionalreview.com
02/03/2020
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X: This China-exclusive chip is now going global

The AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is a 6-core, 6-thread Zen 2 processor designed for budget gaming, featuring 32MB of L3 cache, a 3.6 GHz base clock, and a 4.1 GHz boost. While offering strong single-core performance comparable to the Intel Core i5-9400F, this 7nm chip lacks Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT). Pros include high-value gaming performance, PCIe Gen 4 support, and an unlocked...Read more

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