Best Ryzen CPU for Gaming
The CPU (central processing unit) handles all the data you interact with while you use your PC.
GPUs tend to get all the glory, but the reality is that a good CPU can have an impact equal to that of a GPU when running intensive tasks.
AMD has a host of options for various budgets for gaming and everyday computer tasks that will be the difference between a rig that runs buttery smooth and one that lags.
When evaluating what you need from a CPU, for instance, you can consider the types of games you want to play on your rig and whether you’ll use the rig for other tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, or any other task that requires plenty of processing power.
If you’re a casual gamer, you can do with AMD’s budget-friendly CPUs, and if you’re a professional who uses your rig for work, you’ll work better if you go for AMD’s high-end CPUs.
That said, let’s look at some of the best Ryzen CPUs available right now.
| 5 Best Ryzen CPU | Architecure | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Cores/Threads | TDP | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 7 3800X | Zen 2 | 3.8Ghz | 4.7Ghz | 8 & 16 | 105W | 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 in. | 2.8 oz. |
| AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | Zen 3 | 3.8Ghz | 4.7Ghz | 8 & 16 | 105W | 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 in. | 2.8 oz. |
| AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | Zen 3 | 3.7Ghz | 4.8Ghz | 12 & 24 | 65W | 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 in. | 2.8 oz. |
| AMD Ryzen 9 5950X | Zen 3 | 3.4Ghz | 4.9Ghz | 16 & 32 | 105W | 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 in. | 2.8 oz. |
| AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX | Zen 2 | 2.7Ghz | 4.2Ghz | 64 & 128 | 280W | 3.07 x 2.2 x 0.3 in. | 12.32 oz. |
1. AMD Ryzen 7 3800X
Best Ryzen CPU – AMD Ryzen 7 3800X
As a 3rd Generation Ryzen CPU, the Ryzen 7 3800X is built on AMD’s Zen 2 architecture, making it slightly less efficient than other CPUs on this list.
It has eight cores and 16 threads, which have a boost clock speed of 4.5Ghz. This means that the Ryzen 7 3800X can run multiple heavy apps simultaneously.
This makes it the perfect mid-range CPU for pros who run multiple apps simultaneously and need their PC to keep on running throughout the day regardless of the payload.
Key Specifications
- Architecture: Zen 2
- Base Clock: 3.8Ghz
- Boost Clock: 4.7Ghz
- Cores/Threads: 8/16
- TDP: 105W
- Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 Inches
- Weight: 2.8 Ounces
2. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
The Ryzen 5800X is built on AMD’s Zen 3 architecture with eight cores and sixteen threads. The Zen 3 architecture delivers a 19% boost in IPC throughput, allowing the Ryzen 5800X to deliver impressive gains over previous-gen models.
Unfortunately, AMD stopped including air coolers in chips with a TDP rating above 65 watts, so the Ryzen 5800X doesn’t have what used to be AMD’s most prized asset for the Ryzen 7 series.
However, it’s still a very capable Ryzen CPU, all things considered.
Key Specifications
- Architecture: Zen 3
- Base Clock: 3.8Ghz
- Boost Clock: 4.7Ghz
- Cores/Threads: 8/16
- TDP: 105W
- Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 Inches
- Weight: 2.8 Ounces
3. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Best Ryzen CPU – AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is perhaps the biggest Ryzen generation on generation leap in performance we’ve seen in years, making it a top-notch CPU.
It’s one of the latest CPUs from AMD, and it’s not just a stronger CPU across the board; it’s also an incredibly capable CPU for gaming and creative work such as video editing.
An added perk is that you won’t need a new motherboard to connect it to your rig.
Key Specifications
- Architecture: Zen 3
- Base Clock: 3.7Ghz
- Boost Clock: 4.8Ghz
- Cores/Threads: 12/24
- TDP: 65W
- Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 inches
- Weight: 2.8 Ounces
4. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
Best Ryzen CPU – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
Sitting on top of AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series is the Ryzen 9 5950X, a behemoth and an over-powered CPU for most people.
It’s equipped with sixteen cores and thirty-two threads that can offer boosts of up to 4.9Ghz alongside a whopping 72MB of L3 and L2 cache.
As with most high-end CPUs, the Ryzen 9 5950X’s power is clear from specifications, but it takes a bit more digging to realize its performance benefit in real-world use.
It might be better than the 5900X when it comes to running power-intensive tasks; however, the Ryzen 9 5950X shines most when it comes to multithreaded performance.
Key Specifications
- Architecture: Zen 3
- Base Clock: 3.4Ghz
- Boost Clock: 4.9Ghz
- Cores/Threads: 16/32
- TDP: 105W
- Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 Inches
- Weight: 2.8 Ounces
5. AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX
Best Ryzen CPU – AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX
With AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper Pro 3995WX, you never need to place creative and productive tasks on hold.
You can compute detailed simulations or render complex 3D scenes as you rehearse a 3D model or fine-tune animations.
What’s more, you can encrypt compositions as you edit high res images or footage. With support for more storage capacity and extensibility, the Ryzen Threadripper Pro 3995WX can do more a lot faster than ever before.
Key Specifications
- Architecture: Zen 2
- Base Clock: 2.7Ghz
- Boost Clock: 4.2Ghz
- Cores/Threads: 64/128
- TDP: 280W
- Dimensions: 3.07 x 2.2 x 0.3 Inches
- Weight: 12.32 Ounces
Final Thought
As you can see, there are plenty of powerful AMD Ryzen CPUs available right now.
Therefore, if you intend to push your computer to the max when editing, gaming or rendering, you should seriously consider a Ryzen CPU as your next buy.
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