OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

AMD Ryzen 5 3500X review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£70PassMark multi-core score:13165N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:4.1 GHzCPU socket:AM4TDP (Thermal design power):65 W

AMD Ryzen 5 3500X Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 16 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

AMD Ryzen 5 3500X
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components

40%

5.7

Technical score

25%

7.8

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.9

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 60% of processors
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 81%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

60%

5.0

Performance

18%

6.1

Architecture

10%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.1

Power & Thermal

4%

8.5

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

â–¼Worse than 51%
7.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models

80%

7.5

Average grade

20%

9.0

Popularity

Grades by review (16)
4 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 61%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • amd-ryzen-5-3500x
  • amd-ryzen-5-3500x
  • amd-ryzen-5-3500x
amd-ryzen-5-3500x
amd-ryzen-5-3500x
amd-ryzen-5-3500x
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the AMD Ryzen 5 3500X

Based on 4 · 11

Reviewers like its gaming performance and low power use, but its limited cores and threads hold it back for productivity.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the AMD Ryzen 5 3500X

Based on 176 owners sharing their experience in online comments

68%positive12%mixed20%negative

Owners value its low price and capable gaming, while six threads can limit demanding games and multitasking.

What owners dislike

  • With high-end graphics cards like the RTX 2080 Ti or RX 6950 XT, the six-core chip limits frame rates in many games.9
  • It has only six threads and no simultaneous multithreading, so heavy multitasking, encoding and some games like RDR2 can feel slower than the 3600.9
  • Owners report freezes, stutters and frame drops in CPU-heavy games, like Fortnite, BeamNG and Discord calls running during play.8
  • Some owners say the system does not show a display or the chip is not detected, and a BIOS update or a different board was needed.6
  • In demanding games and during multitasking the chip often sits at 100% usage, which causes stutter and bottlenecks.5
  • Some owners see blue screens and crashes, especially after BIOS updates or when boosting above the base clock on certain boards.4
  • On some motherboards the chip stays locked at its base clock of about 3.6 GHz, so the boost to 4.1 GHz or higher does not work.4
  • Owners say it runs hot under load, with idle temperatures near 70°C in some cases and spikes to about 83°C in games with stock coolers.3
  • Buying from overseas can bring customs fees and VAT, and delivery sometimes takes several weeks.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor AMD Ryzen 5 3500X

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

60%

5.0

Performance

18%

6.1

Architecture

10%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.1

Power & Thermal

4%

8.5

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

5.7
Reviews score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.9
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
AM4
This processor uses the AM4 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 75.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
Chipset
X570, B550, A520, X470, B450, X370, B350, A320, X300, A300
This processor supports X570, B550, A520, X470, B450, X370, B350, A320, X300, A300 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 78.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V instruction sets, which is broader support than 85.3% of processors and equal to that of 6% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
6
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 47.7% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
6
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 6 CPU threads, which is fewer than 66.7% of processors and equal to 2.1% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.1 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.1 GHz which is lower than that of 58.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.8% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.6 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x3.6 GHz which is higher than that of 68.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
13,165
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 13,165 in PassMark, which is higher than 54.1% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
7 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 7 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 70.4% of processors and equal to that of 10.5% of processors.
Foundry
TSMC 7 nm
This processor is built on the TSMC 7 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 55.6% of processors and equal to that of 9.2% of processors.
L3 cache
32 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 32 MB which is larger than that of 89% of processors and equal to that of 2.7% of processors.
L2 cache
3 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 3 MB which is larger than that of 48.6% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
L1 cache
384 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 44% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
3,200 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 49.8% of processors and equal to 8.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-3200 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-3200 MHz, which is higher than that of 46.1% of processors and equal to 9.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 85.4% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
65 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 68% of processors and equal to that of 17% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
65 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 68.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
N/A
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

AMD Ryzen 5 3500X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 8 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (24 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 usable lanes
    24 vs 16
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2.88x more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (5.3 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    5.33 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 3.36x faster classroom rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,143.3 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    1,143.3 vs 340.075
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • Includes a cooler
    This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4.0 vs 3.0
  • 3.56x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    32 MB vs 9 MB
  • 16.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 61% of models

    80%

    7.5

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (16)
    4 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.8 vs 6.7
  • 23.6% higher sentiment score
    8.9 vs 7.2
  • 3.57x cheaper
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is cheaper than the average processor (£70 vs £250).
    £70 vs £250
  • 8.5% better value for money
    AMD Ryzen 5 3500X has better value for money than the average processor (7.9 vs 7.3).
    7.9 vs 7.29
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (AM4 vs FP5).
    AM4 vs FP5
  • Broader instruction support
    This processor supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 3.36x faster classroom rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,143.3 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    1,143.3 vs 340.075
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 14.8% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (13,165 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    13,165 vs 11,469
  • 13.1% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (5,890 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    5,890 vs 5,209
  • 2.88x more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (5.3 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    5.33 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 3.56x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    32 MB vs 9 MB
  • 58.2% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (74 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    74 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 41.7% smaller process node
    This processor 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
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Matisse vs Kaby Lake).
    Matisse vs Kaby Lake
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 7 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 7 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • 8 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (24 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 usable lanes
    24 vs 16
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4.0 vs 3.0
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • Supports ECC memory
    This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.
  • Includes a cooler
    This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
  • 5 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor 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.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    This processor 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
  • 6.8% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 5 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, SHA, GMET, SME, SEV, SEV-ES, SKINIT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, SHA, GMET, SME, SEV, SEV-ES, SKINIT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, SHA, GMET, SME, SEV, SEV-ES, SKINIT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, SHA, GMET, SME, SEV, SEV-ES, SKINIT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Older TPM support
    This processor supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2 vs PTT 2).
    fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 6.8% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 2 fewer CPU threads
    This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (6 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    6 vs 8
  • 4.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (467 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    467 vs 490
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    This processor 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
  • 5 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    This processor 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

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Nonantum tech
≈ estimated
11/04/2025
Benchmark compilation · game tests at low and high settings
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X holds stable frame rates across the tested games, so high settings are fine on this system.
9.0
goldfries
≈ estimated
15/04/2020
Hands-on review · game and productivity benchmarks · overclocking
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is worth its price, delivering about 94 percent of higher-end performance out of the box and overclocking well.
8.0
Matt Miller
≈ estimated
24/12/2025
Hands-on test · Fortnite FPS and CPU usage
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X delivers good frame rates in Fortnite, but its CPU hits 100% usage in DirectX 12 modes.
5.0
RandomGaminginHD
≈ estimated
14/04/2021
Comparison · 3500X vs 3600 gaming and Cinebench tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X gets close to the 3600 in gaming, but the small price gap isn't enough to justify it.
9.0
Snickerrick
≈ estimated
25/03/2021
Quick update · few days of use, tuning and synthetic tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is not perfect with six cores, but a strong, efficient gaming CPU with a great memory controller.
8.0
Ujjal samanta
≈ estimated
10/11/2020
First look · unboxing and included cooler check
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is the best choice for editing and gaming users, with no problems found in the box.
7.0
OzTalksHW
≈ estimated
25/10/2019
Comparison review · gaming and price per frame
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is fine for gaming at its price, but it only pulls clearly ahead where shipping from China is cheap.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
techspot.com
✓ explicit
28/12/2019
Benchmark review · Gaming and productivity
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3500X runs games that use few cores well, but its six threads fall behind in heavy productivity and in games with big frame dips.
8.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
29/04/2020
Lab test · Overclocking and power
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is a solid six-core chip for systems with a graphics card, but enthusiasts should prefer AMD's standard retail Ryzen models.
9.0
historytools.org
≈ estimated
04/05/2024
Detailed review · Gaming and overclocking
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3500X is a well-rounded six-core chip that beats the Core i5-9400F in heavy work, though its small cache and stock cooler hold it back.
7.0
elchapuzasinformatico.com
≈ estimated
10/10/2019
Benchmark test · Intel comparison
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3500X matches the Core i5-9400F in games and pulls ahead in heavy compression, but draws more power than the Intel under full load.

Third-party reviews

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 don't like 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

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.

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