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Is the Ryzen 5 5600x good for gaming in 2024?

We take a look at the Ryzen 5 5600X and decide whether it's still good for gaming.

Updated: Oct 23, 2023 11:20 am
Is the Ryzen 5 5600x good for gaming in 2024?

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Wondering whether the AMD Ryzen 5 5600x is still good for gaming in 2024? Then you have come to the right place. AMD’s Ryzen line of processors is very affordable and available, especially these older models. Particular value can be found within the Ryzen 5 family, and that’s especially true for the 5600X. So, is the Ryzen 5 5600X still good for gaming?

Ryzen 5 5600x AMD Processor

With the arrival of the Ryzen 7000 series, it’s meant the 5000 series CPUs can be picked up for a real bargin. Despite arriving in 2020, the Ryzen 5 5600x more than holds its own today – especially when it comes to gaming. With the Intel 14th Gen now here, and the next iteration of Ryzen chips looming, we are fully expecting these older chips to fall in price even more.

Excellent

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 1

Speed

3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz

Core (Threads)

6/12

Socket

AM4

TDP

65W

Pros
  • Set to out-perform the 10600K
  • Great value for money
  • Unlocked overclocking
Cons
  • Slightly more expensive than what we’re used to from AMDs midrange offering
  • Requires CPU cooler

Why is Ryzen 5 5600x good for gaming?

The Ryzen 5 5600X is still a phenomenal CPU. It replaced the Ryzen 5 3600X and outperforms it by a margin of about 10%. The previous generations of the Ryzen 5 processor proved suitable for AAA games. This generation was even better than its predecessors, offering much more power and performance.

Ryzen 5 5600x at WePC
The Ryzen 5000 chip at WePC HQ – it still more than holds its own today in 2024

We’re mostly going to be comparing the Ryzen 5 5600X to the Ryzen 5 3600X, as the 3600X is the predecessor to the 5600X. The Ryzen 5 5600x contains 6 Cores, two more than Ryzen 5 3600, giving a powerful core function experience. The more CPU cores you have at your disposal, the better your CPU will be at multitasking natively.

A total of 12 threads are present in R5 5600x. Multitasking is no more an issue with this Ryzen 5 SKU. Users can use multiple apps at the same time without causing issues. Threads are similar to cores, but they’re virtual in a way, they don’t physically exist as CPU cores do.

For the first time in Ryzen 5 series, the Zen 3 micro-architecture was used in the R5 5600x. This was superior to the Zen 2 function-wise as well as in terms of power. The Zen 3 architecture is built upon a 7nm process and has 19% higher instructions per cycle (IPC) on average than Zen 2. A Zen 3 core is about 30% faster than a Zen 2 core: 10% faster-sustained clocks on average as well as an almost 20% IPC uplift.

With an incredible base clock speed of 3.7GHz, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600x can reach a peak core frequency of 4.6GHz, which is considerably higher than all previous generations. A CPU cycle is comprised of three main actions; fetch, decode and execute. The faster a CPU can complete these cycles, the faster it can process information. The Ryzen 5600X wins this battle hands down against the 3600X.

Like all AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors and below, the Ryzen 5 5600x has an AM4 socket type. This means that the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X will only fit into a motherboard that it shares compatibility with. In this case, we need an AM4 motherboard to serve the Ryzen 5 5600X. Sockets are clearly stated on both motherboard packaging and product information. We recommend a B550 chipset for the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Finally, the L3 cache capacity of R5 5600x is 32 MB, enough for maximum storage and smooth performance. A CPU cache is a type of storage constructed physically very close to a CPU core, this is done for speed and efficiency. The cache is a lot like system memory, only much faster. A CPU cache is where instructions and calculations are stored.


Is the Ryzen 5 5600X still good in 2024?

Absolutely, the performance of the Ryzen 5 5600X still stands well against its much more powerful successor, the 7600X. Not only that, but you’ll be able to find the 5600X for much cheaper than the new generation of Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, making the 5600X much better value for money. You’ll also save yourself a lot of money on platform upgrades, as the Ryzen 7000 series of CPUs require the AM5 platform. Not only that, the AM5 platform requires DDR5 memory, there is no DDR4 option.


Do I need to upgrade my motherboard for a Ryzen 5 5600X?

Unless you’re coming from Intel, you will not need to upgrade your motherboard, although, it is advised if you have a very outdated one. The chipset we recommend is X470 – X570. If you have an older motherboard (as long as it’s a socket AM4) you may need a BIOS update. Performing a BIOS update is easy and will need to be done with your old CPU installed. Some motherboards have a flashback utility function that allows you to flash the BIOS without powering on the system.


Final word

The best thing about almost all AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs is that they are affordable to everyone. The Ryzen 5 5600x is the ideal processor for those wanting gaming on a budget, but if money is no object, check out our best CPUs for gaming in 2024 for the more state-of-the-art options.


Jack is a Tech and News Writer who has a vast and proficient knowledge of CPUs, Motherboards, and Computer technology.

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