AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors: Everything you need to know

AMD announced the Ryzen 5000 series of processors based on the Zen 3 architecture October 2020. This new family of desktop-class CPUs is the successor to the previous 3000 series, offering additional performance with a core redesign and yet more efficiencies to really ramp up the pressure on Intel.

These processors are fast. Real fast. They're also incredibly efficient with the leading Ryzen 9 5950X rocking 16 cores and 32 threads only sporting a thermal design power (TDP) rating of just 105W. AMD is also now setting up for a retail launch of a couple of its Ryzen 5000G desktop APUs, with an expected release date of Aug. 5. Here's everything you need to know about these processors.

Meet the new AMD Ryzen 5000 processors

But which processor is right for you? We've rounded up the SKUs in this handy specifications table. Interestingly, AMD has decided not to include coolers with the 105W processors and instead only bundle one with the 65W Ryzen 5 5600X.

The Ryzen 5000 series starts from just $299 for a six-core processor with 12 threads. It's clocked at 3.7GHz but can boost up to 4.6GHz, and 32MB of cache ensures you'll find it difficult to find issues with this budget-friendly CPU. There was a time when six-core processors were the best of the bunch and now it's an affordable entry for AMD Ryzen 5000.

Leading the pack is the behemoth Ryzen 9 5950X, which is in a class of its own. Threadrippers used to be where you needed to go for enthusiast performance, but now AMD offers similar levels of computing without requiring specific coolers and motherboard chipsets and sockets. This CPU houses 16 cores and 32 threads with a TDP of just 105W. Yes, it's as insane as it sounds. Our Ryzen 9 5950X review has all the details.

Be sure to have a look at our AMD Ryzen 7 5800X review as well for more information.

Meet the new AMD Ryzen 5000G APUs

AMD followed up its standard Ryzen 5000-series desktop CPUs with the launch of its 5000 G-series APUs in April 2021. These chips come complete with integrated graphics baked right in, allowing you to get the full PC experience without a discrete graphics card. They're built using the same 7nm process and Zen 3 architecture, with AMD's Radeon graphics. They're a successor to the previous 4000G chips.

While the 4000G CPUs didn't actually see a retail release — meaning they were available only in OEM systems — the 5000G CPUs are now expected to launch for everyone on Aug. 5 after enjoying a short run exclusively in OEM systems. While there were six 5000G CPUs initially launched, it appears that only two will be making the move to a retail release: the Ryzen 5 5600G and Ryzen 7 5700G.

The main differences between the 5000 and 5000G CPUs, aside from the integrated graphics, involve PCIe support and frequencies. The 5000G chips are capped at PCIe 3.0, whereas the standard 5000 CPUs offer PCIe 4.0 support. There's also a matter of the boost clocks being a bit lower in the 5000G chips.

While the Ryzen 5 5600G and Ryzen 5 5600X have the same 65W TDP, the Ryzen 7 5600G has a lower 65W TDP compared to the 105W TDP in the Ryzen 7 5800X. In any case, you're getting the same amount of cores and threads across CPUs.

If you're looking for AMD's laptop CPUs, have a look at our guide on how to pick the right AMD Ryzen 5000 Mobile processor.

Which motherboards work with AMD Ryzen 5000 processors?

Current X570 and B550 motherboards work fine with the new 5000 series Ryzen processors, so if you have either board from a vendor you'll be ready for the next generation of CPUs. All that's required in some cases is a BIOS update, which should be applied before installing the new processor.

Many older 400-series motherboards have also received support for the newer CPUs in the form of a BIOS update. Still, the best bet is to upgrade to a 500-series motherboard, allowing you full access to PCIe 4.0 and other notable improvements the latest chipsets offer. Have a look at our collection of the best motherboards for more details, and be sure to take a look at our guide on how to check if you have the latest motherboard BIOS for AMD Ryzen 5000 CPUs.