AMD’s Ryzen Zen CPU architecture has allowed the company to rise to new heights with competitive processors in the server, desktop and mobile markets. Lisa Su took to the stage on October the 8th to announce the latest groundbreaking Zen 3 architecture, which represents one of the largest improvements for AMD’s desktop processors. During the launch which included plenty of useful information, AMD announced the lineup of Ryzen 5000 processors. Overclockers UK has already listed the full range and here’s what we know about the performance and pricing.
What ryzen 5000 CPUs are available?
AMD released four new processors for the desktop platform which range from the incredible 16 core/32 thread Ryzen 9 5950X to the more modest 6 core/12 thread Ryzen 5 5600X. Each processor fits neatly into the Ryzen line up and provides a boost to performance at every level. The Ryzen 9 5950X is the new flagship, the Ryzen 9 5900X slots in as a more powerful mainstream option, with the Ryzen 7 5800X and Ryzen 5 5600X providing Zen 3 performance at a more affordable price point.
| Processor Model | Cores/Threads | TDP(Watts) | Boost Frequency/Base Frequency | Total Cache | Included cooler | Pricing | Availability |
| AMD Ryzen™ 9 5950X | 16C/32T | 105W | Up to 4.9Ghz / 3.4Ghz | 72MB | N/A | £749.99 | November 5, 2020 |
| AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900X | 12C/24T | 105W | Up to 4.8Ghz / 3.7Ghz | 70MB | N/A | £529.99 | November 5, 2020 |
| AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800X | 8C/16T | 105W | Up to 4.7Ghz / 3.8Ghz | 36MB | N/A | £428.99 | November 5, 2020 |
| AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600X | 6C/12T | 65W | Up to 4.6Ghz / 3.7Ghz | 35MB | Wraith Stealth | £289.99 | November 5, 2020 |
What is the performance like for Ryzen 5000?
The latest Zen 3 processors from AMD really bring the fight to Intel and win. Subsequently, AMD is once again the market leader when it comes to multi-core applications, single-core performance, and gaming.
“7nm “Zen 3” Architecture: The world’s fastest processor core for the world’s fastest gaming processors“
— AMD
The Ryzen 5000 line up using the same optimised 7nm process as AMD’s Ryzen XT models but the brand new Zen 3 microarchitecture delivers an exciting 19% IPC( instructions per cycle/clock) improvement. These processors are also more efficient with a 24% gen-on-gen power efficiency improvement which means they can deliver up to 2.8 times more performance-per-watt versus competitors (Intel). Most models have an increase to the peak Boost frequencies which can be achieved on a single core and while all models have a lower base frequency this is offset by the increased IPC. The performance figures released by AMD demonstrate that clock speed isn’t always king for gaming.
At the top of the stack sits the beasty 16-core 32-thread Ryzen 9 5950X. It’s capable of boosting up to 4.9 GHz, has a total Cache of 72MB and a 105W TDP rating. AMD says this chip has the highest single-thread performance of any desktop gaming processor and the most multi-core performance of any desktop gaming processor and any desktop processor in a mainstream CPU socket. Intel has no equivalent chip which means the 5950X beats out Intel’s 10-core Core i9-10900K in pretty much everything. You can see the level of performance in the graphs below which were released by AMD. The Ryzen 9 5950X is up to 29% faster while gaming than the 3950X. In addition, for content creation, it beats out the Intel i9-10900K for video editing, rendering, CAD and compiling.
If gaming is your main focus the Ryzen 9 5900X with 12-cores 24-threads and a boost speed of up to 4.8Ghz is bound to be on your wishlist. Most importantly, AMD said it offers the best experience thanks to it being on average of 7% faster in 1080p gaming across select game titles than the competition. It’s also 26% faster in 1080p gaming than the Ryzen 9 3900XT.
When is Ryzen 5000 available to buy?
Overclockers UK has already listed all four processors on the website ready for the launch on November the 5th 2020. AMD likes making things easy to remember so get ready for Ryzen 5000 at 5 pm on the 5th. The pricing is listed for all the processors and AMD has opted to increase the launch price over Ryzen 3000 launch prices to reflect the increase in performance.
If you’re looking to get your hands on an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X, AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor you’ll be pleased to know AMD revealed you’ll also get a copy of Far Cry 6 Standard Edition on the PC. The offer is running from November 5th 2020 until December 31st 2020. Additionally, if you want to get your hands on a bargain 3900XT or 3800XT you’ll also qualify for a free copy of the game until December 31st 2020.
What Motherboard is needed for Ryzen 5000?
AMD aren’t launching any new chipsets or motherboards alongside the Ryzen 5000 processors. Therefore, current-gen 500 series motherboards such as X570, B550 and A520 models will work straight away with Beta support coming for 400 series motherboards in January 2021. It’s great to see AMD sticking to their promise of supporting the AM4 socket until the end of 2020. As a result, the newest processors will be drop-in compatible with only a BIOS update needed.
These BIOS updates are currently being developed by motherboard partners and you can prepare for the launch by checking manufacturers websites for the AGESA 1.0.8.0 update. In addition, at launch on November the 5th look for the AGESA 1.1.0.0 BIOS update which will ensure you get the best experience when using a new Ryzen 5000 processor with your motherboard. Here are some of the most popular 500 series motherboards available right now:
ASUS ROG Strix B550-I MINI-ITX board
ROG Strix B550 Gaming series motherboards offer a feature-set that is usually found in the higher-end ROG Strix X570 gaming series. This includes the latest pcie® 4.0. with robust power delivery and effective cooling. The ROG Strix B550 Gaming is well-equipped to handle 3rd gen AMD ryzen™ CPUs. With its futuristic aesthetics and intuitive ROG software, the ROG Strix b550-I gaming is ready to be a part of your next compact gaming build.
Gigabyte AORUS ELITE X570 ATX Motherboard
- Supports AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen™/ 2nd Gen Ryzen™
- RGB FUSION 2.0 with Multi-Zone Addressable LED Light Show Design.
- 12+2 Phases Digital VRM Solution with DrMOS
- Front USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C™ Header & HDMI 2.0 support.
- Integrated I/O Shield Armor
MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK
- Support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors and future AMD Ryzen™ processors with BIOS update
- Extended Heatsink Design with additional thermal pad and PCB with thickened copper are built for high performance and a non-stop gaming experience.
- Mystic Light with 16.8 million colours / 29 effects controlled in one click. Mystic Light Extension supports RGB and LED strips.
What CPU cooler is Best for Ryzen 5000?
As you can see in the table at the top of the page AMD has opted to not bundle coolers with Ryzen 9 and Ryzen 7 models. This was also the case for the Ryzen refresh earlier this year. For example, only the Ryzen 5 3600XT came with the beloved Wraith Spire cooler. It seems as though bundled coolers will no longer come with processors with a TDP higher than 65W. As a result, AMD recommends cooling Ryzen 9 and Ryzen 7 chips with at least a 280mm AIO cooler or high-end air cooler. AMD stated this is because these chips are optimised for enthusiasts. And therefore, it expects users to be investing in high-performance cooling anyway to get the most out of the chips.
The Ryzen 5 3600XT will come with the low profile Wraith stealth cooler which is a slight step down from the Wraith Spire. To get your PC system cooling up to scratch and ready for the Ryzen 5000 launch I’ve picked out some excellent coolers for Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9.
NZXT Kraken Z73 AIO CPU water cooler
- The included Aer P radiator fans are designed for liquid-cooling perfection with silent operation, long-term reliability, and powerful cooling performance.
- Fine nylon mesh sleeves strengthen the rubber tubing, providing durability and protection.
- The bright, 2.36” LCD screen means you can now completely customise the look of your CPU cooler.
Corsair Hydro Series H100I Platinum SE
- 16 Individually controlled RGB LEDs light up the pump head to produce stunning customisable lighting effects to match your build.
- CORSAIR iCUE software allows you to control your cooler’s RGB lighting and monitor CPU and coolant temperatures
- Experience the best ever CORSAIR Hydro Series cooling performance, with each fan running from 400 to 2,400 RPM.
Noctua H-D15 Chromax Pure Black CPU cooler
- Special edition of the NH-D15 from Noctua with black coated heat sink and matching accessories.
- Dual-tower design with brute power and six copper heat pipes.
- Colour-adjustable with optional accessories
Is the Ryzen 5000 processor a good upgrade?
The improvements AMD have made to performance with the Zen 3 architecture are impressive. It certainly makes the Ryzen 5000 CPU’s look like a must-have upgrade for the hardware or gaming enthusiast. The chips are a huge generational leap and the performance graphs AMD showed off are certainly impressive. In short, we’ll have to wait for more independent reviews and benchmarks but it’s shaping up to be an exciting launch so far. I can’t wait to see what AMD have in store for Big Navi!
- 8 min read
Briony Hannam
Author
Briony has been with Overclockers UK for nearly three years, starting off as a content copywriter before moving into producing videos and photos for various social media platforms. Outside of shooting and editing, she can be found racing in Forza, CTR, or even Donington circuit. Calmer endeavors include tending her jungle of houseplants & fishtanks before curling up under a blanket and watching back-to-back episodes of the latest Sci-Fi release.
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