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 5600 review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£95PassMark multi-core score:21525N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:4.4 GHzCPU socket:AM4TDP (Thermal design power):65 W

AMD Ryzen 5 5600 Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 25 expert and video reviews and 16 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600
7.9/10

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

40%

6.7

Technical score

25%

8.2

Reviews score

25%

8.7

List score

10%

10

Sentiment score

★Better than 92% of processors
8.5

Value for money

Value for money
8.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

★Better than 97%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 64% of models
Score components

60%

6.6

Performance

18%

6.3

Architecture

10%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.8

Power & Thermal

4%

8.7

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

▲Better than 64%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

9.3

Popularity

Grades by review (25)
14 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 11 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.
▲Better than 83%
8.7

List score

List score
8.7/ 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 (16)
List score: in 16 of 87 lists (18%)
★Better than 99%
  • amd-ryzen-5-5600
amd-ryzen-5-5600
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 5600

Based on 10 · 9

Reviewers praise its value, cool running and broad motherboard support, but are split on gaming and find Intel rivals stronger.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the AMD Ryzen 5 5600

Based on 197 owners sharing their experience in online comments

91%positive6%mixed3%negative

Owners mostly praise its affordable gaming performance, while some hit CPU limits or need better cooling.

What owners dislike

  • With high-end GPUs and high-refresh or ray-traced games at 1080p or 1440p, the CPU can hold back frame rates and drop GPU usage to around 70%.9
  • With the stock cooler under heavy load, temperatures can reach around 80–90°C, so owners fit a better air cooler or tune the fan curve.6
  • Owners upgrading from a Ryzen 3600 or from a 3600X report only small gains, and overclocking gives about the same performance.3
  • A few badly optimized games, such as Hogwarts Legacy and Dragon's Dogma 2, still dip below 60 fps even with a fast GPU.3

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor AMD Ryzen 5 5600

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 64% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Performance

18%

6.3

Architecture

10%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.8

Power & Thermal

4%

8.7

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

6.7
Reviews score
8.2
List score
8.7
Value for money
Value for money
8.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components:

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

8.5
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
AMD 300 Series, AMD 400 Series, AMD 500 Series
This processor supports AMD 300 Series, AMD 400 Series, AMD 500 Series chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 72.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% 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, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V instruction sets, which is broader support than 54.5% of processors and equal to that of 3.5% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
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
12
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 53% of processors and equal to 14.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.4 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.4 GHz which is higher than that of 48.6% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.5 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x3.5 GHz which is higher than that of 66.4% of processors and equal to that of 1% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
21,525
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 21,525 in PassMark, which is higher than 72.8% 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
What reviewers say
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 5600 vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 87.7% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (21,525 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    21,525 vs 11,469
  • 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
  • 65.1% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,600 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    8,600 vs 5,209
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 27.3% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,256 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,256 vs 2,558
  • 22.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 83% of models

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    9.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (25)
    14 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 11 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.
    8.2 vs 6.7
  • 38.9% higher sentiment score
    10.0 vs 7.2
  • 11.5% higher list score
    List score
    8.7/ 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 (16)
    List score: in 16 of 87 lists (18%)
    8.7 vs 7.8
  • 17.1% better value for money
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600 has better value for money than the average processor (8.53 vs 7.3).
    8.53 vs 7.29
  • 2.63x cheaper
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is cheaper than the average processor (£95 vs £250).
    £95 vs £250
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (AM4 vs FP5).
    AM4 vs FP5
  • 87.7% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (21,525 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    21,525 vs 11,469
  • 65.1% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,600 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    8,600 vs 5,209
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 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
  • 27.3% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,256 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,256 vs 2,558
  • 59.7% better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,479 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    4,479 vs 2,804.5
  • 33.4% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2047 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,047 vs 1,535
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.5 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.5 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 17.1% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (574 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    574 vs 490
  • 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
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Vermeer vs Kaby Lake).
    Vermeer vs Kaby Lake
  • 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 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 vs 3
  • 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.
  • 10 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    90 °C vs 100 °C
  • 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
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x8/x8, x8/x4/x4, x4/x4/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x8/x8, x8/x4/x4, x4/x4/x4/x4 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.
  • 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
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES, SHA, 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, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 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
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES, SHA, 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, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 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
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x8/x8, x8/x4/x4, x4/x4/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x8/x8, x8/x4/x4, x4/x4/x4/x4 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.
  • 10 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    90 °C vs 100 °C
  • 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
  • 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

5.0
Older Tech Today
≈ estimated
14/02/2026
Benchmark test · price-to-performance comparison
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 offers only a small gain over the Ryzen 5 3600 for the price, so the older chip is the better buy.
9.0
Overseer PC Hardware
≈ estimated
06/08/2024
Gaming benchmarks · comparison with 5800X3D and RAM tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is great value for budget competitive gaming, though the 5800X3D is clearly faster in some titles.
8.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
02/04/2024
Gaming benchmark · 2024 games with mid to high-end GPUs
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is an excellent budget buy with plenty of life left, but it bottlenecks high-end graphics cards.
7.0
Legit Camel Retro
≈ estimated
03/02/2023
Benchmark test · GPU bottleneck across resolutions
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a fine stopgap CPU for high-end graphics cards in single-player games, but limited for competitive 1080p gaming.
8.0
CyberCPU Tech
≈ estimated
12/12/2022
Hands-on upgrade test · benchmarks against Ryzen 5 3500
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 delivers a snappier system and good value, though you may want to upgrade again sooner.
9.0
Dannys Tech Channel
≈ estimated
15/10/2022
Hands-on review · gaming and benchmark tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is great value for gaming; spend the savings on a stronger graphics card instead.
8.0
Cheap Bastard
≈ estimated
24/03/2026
Game benchmark comparison · against a newer AM5 CPU
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is still great value for DDR4 gamers, though it bottlenecks high-end GPUs and cannot be upgraded.
9.0
eTeknix
≈ estimated
19/03/2024
Comparison with 5600X · 42 game benchmarks at three resolutions
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is the better buy because the 5600X's clock speed advantage brings only small gains.
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
26/06/2022
Benchmark review · Mid-range Zen 3
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a good upgrade for Ryzen 1000 owners, with capable gaming and app speed, but Intel's Alder Lake chips are better for new builds.
8.0
club386.com
✓ explicit
26/07/2022
Benchmark review · Quiet CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a six-core chip that runs close to the 5600X and stays quiet, suiting upgrades on older AM4 PCs, though newer chips are coming.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
23/04/2022
Lab test · Mid-range AM4 chip
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a decent six-core choice for AM4 upgraders who already have a graphics card, but it has no clear edge over rivals.
10
guru3d.com
✓ explicit
20/05/2022
Benchmark review · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a six-core, 12-thread chip whose unified core design helps gaming, while peak clock speed still trails Intel.
9.0
techspot.com
≈ estimated
13/06/2022
Benchmark test · Ryzen 1600 upgrade
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a big step up from the Ryzen 5 1600 for high-refresh 1080p gaming, but gains shrink at 1440p.
8.0
techspot.com
≈ estimated
16/06/2022
Upgrade test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a worthwhile step up from the Ryzen 5 3600 for competitive multiplayer, but many single-player games barely change.
8.0
bluescreenbuilds.com
✓ explicit
15/03/2026
Buying advice · AM4 platform check
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 suits mid-range graphics cards and existing AM4 systems, but AM5 is the better choice for a new build.
8.0
custompc.com
✓ explicit
20/05/2022
Full review · Overclocking focus
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 overclocks well, reaching 4.7GHz and matching or beating the 5600X, but Intel's Core i5-12400F is often faster in games.
9.0
pcwelt.de
≈ estimated
14/04/2022
Benchmark test · Gaming efficiency
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 trails the Ryzen 5 5600X by only a few percent and uses less power in games, but runs hotter than Intel's Core i5-12400.
8.8
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
24/05/2022
Hands-on test · Desktop processor
Verdict
The Ryzen 5 5600 nearly matches the Ryzen 5 5600X in gaming and multi-core work, but Intel's Core i5-12400 is still faster in raw speed.
7.0
profesionalreview.com
≈ estimated
15/07/2024
Gaming benchmarks · RTX 4080 test
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a decent AM4 gaming chip with a mid-range graphics card, but it holds back an RTX 4080 in demanding games like Starfield.
8.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
21/06/2022
Full review · Six-core desktop CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a six-core chip that handles multitasking well and runs fairly cool, but it has no built-in graphics.
7.0
tweakers.net
≈ estimated
02/05/2022
Benchmark review · Mainstream CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 runs games almost as fast as the 5600X and well ahead of the Ryzen 5 3600, though it trails the 5600X in Far Cry 6.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about AMD Ryzen 5 5600

  • Exceptional price-to-performance ratio for mid-range gaming and productivity
  • High power efficiency with a low 65W TDP that runs cool and quiet
  • Excellent upgrade path for existing AM4 motherboard owners (B350, X370, B450, etc.)
  • Performance is nearly identical to the more expensive Ryzen 5 5600X
  • Includes a capable Wraith Stealth stock cooler in the box
  • Unlocked for overclocking with significant headroom reported by enthusiasts
  • Support for PCIe 4.0 provides faster bandwidth for modern GPUs and SSDs

What customers don't like about AMD Ryzen 5 5600

  • No integrated graphics (iGPU), requiring a dedicated graphics card for any display output
  • Based on the aging AM4 socket, which lacks a future upgrade path compared to AM5
  • Slightly lower clock speeds than the Ryzen 5 5600X
  • Fails to clearly outperform some Intel competitors like the Core i5-12400F in raw gaming
  • Late arrival to the market made it less relevant for users building entirely new systems
  • Half-width write interface on Zen 3 can impact specific memory-intensive write scenarios

Verdict

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is a Zen 3-based desktop processor featuring 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 3.5 GHz and a maximum boost clock of 4.4 GHz. Built on a 7nm process, it includes 32 MB of L3 cache, supports PCIe 4.0, and operates with a 65W TDP, often bundled with a Wraith Stealth cooler. Its main advantages include exceptional price-to-performance value, high energy efficiency, and compatibility with older AM4 motherboards (B350/X370/B450) via BIOS updates. However, it lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU, and its performance is slightly lower than its 'X' sibling, while the AM4 platform it uses has reached its end-of-life for future CPU upgrades.

Compare AMD Ryzen 5 5600 with other processors

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of AMD Ryzen 5 5600 and other processors

No results found