AMD Desktop CPU Buyers Guide

The CPU or processor acts as the brain of a PC or workstation, controlling almost all functions. AMD manufactures a wide range of CPUs designed for use in everything from entry-level PCs and high performance PCs for gamers, through to professional workstations and servers.

AMD Box

To simplify this vast array of CPUs, AMD has given each of these ranges a name – Ryzen, Threadripper and EPYC, with some further divided into sub families designated by a number - 9, 7, 5 and 3. This guide focuses on Ryzen and Threadripper CPUs for desktop PCs and workstations, with a separate guide for AMD EPYC SERVER CPUS

AMD Ryzen Badge

AMD Ryzen CPUs are optimised for gaming, office applications and mid-level content creation workloads.

AMD Threadripper Badge AMD Threadripper Pro Badge

Threadripper and Threadripper PRO CPUs are optimised for demanding workstation workflows such as graphics, video and data analysis.

AMD EPYC

AMD EPYC SERVER CPUS are optimised for demanding 24/7 server operations including graphics, video and data analysis.

Over the years AMD has released new generations of CPUs using this naming scheme. You can spot the generation as 9000-series, 7000- and so forth.

AMD Desktop Processors

The range of Ryzen, Threadripper and Threadripper PRO CPUs can broadly be split into the following groups, giving an indication into their relative performance and cost.

Threadripper PRO

Workstation

PERFORMANCE

Threadripper

ULTRA HIGH END

PERFORMANCE

Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9

High End

PERFORMANCE

Ryzen 5

Mid Range

PERFORMANCE

Ryzen 3

Entry-level

PERFORMANCE

AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors

AMD Threadripper Pro Processors

The latest workstation range of AMD processors is the new Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-series. Compared to the Threadripper with up to 64-cores / 128-threads, the new Threadripper PRO processors have up to 96-cores / 192-threads making them the ultimate professional workstation CPU for the most demanding workflows such as CFD, complex VFX and AI development. They feature 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes for multi-GPU acceleration, up to 384MB L3 cache capacity and an enterprise-class feature set including PRO security and manageability.

7000-Series / Zen 4

Latest Architecture

AMD WRX90, TRX50

Compatible Motherboard Chipsets

AMD Threadripper PRO 7995WX

3XS Recommends

To learn more about compatible motherboards for AMD Threadripper PRO CPUs, read our AMD MOTHERBOARDS BUYERS GUIDE.

VIEW LATEST RYZEN THREADRIPPER PRO PROCESSORS
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors

AMD Threadripper Processors

The latest edition to the Ryzen family is the return of Threadripper processors - perfect for the highest-spec desktop PCs. Compared to the Ryzen 9s with up to 16-cores / 32-threads, the new Threadripper 7000X-series processors have up to 64-cores / 128-threads, 48 PCIe 5.0 lanes and up to 320MB L3 cache. This combination makes them the ultimate in multitasking such as gaming and streaming at the same time and also ideally suited to content creation tasks such as 3D graphics and video.

7000-Series / Zen 4

Latest Architecture

AMD TRX50

Compatible Motherboard Chipsets

AMD Threadripper PRO 7980WX

3XS Recommends

To learn more about compatible motherboards for AMD Threadripper CPUs, read our AMD MOTHERBOARDS BUYERS GUIDE

VIEW LATEST RYZEN THREADRIPPER PROCESSORS
AMD Ryzen 9 Processors

AMD Ryzen 9 Processors

The latest edition to the Ryzen family is a new range of Ryzen 9 processors. Compared to the 8-core/16-thread Ryzen 7s, the new Ryzen 9s have up to 16-cores/32-threads making them monstrously fast for gaming, content creation or simply multitasking lots of applications at once. Keep an eye out Ryzen CPUs with an X3D on the end of the product name, these models have extra Level 3 cache making them even faster for gaming than standard Ryzens.

9000-Series / Zen 5

Latest Architecture

AMD X870E, X870, B850, B840, X670E, X670, B650E, B650

Compatible Motherboard Chipsets

AMD RYZEN 9 9950X3D

3XS Recommends

To learn more about compatible motherboards for AMD Threadripper CPUs, read our AMD MOTHERBOARDS BUYERS GUIDE

View Latest Ryzen 9 Processors
AMD Ryzen 7 Processors

AMD Ryzen 7 Processors

Want to experience 4K video, virtual reality and the latest games without breaking a sweat? The eight-core Ryzen 7's multitasking prowess makes it an ideal fit for content creators and PC enthusiasts seeking high-end performance without breaking the bank.

There are also two special types of Ryzen 7, those with an X3D or a G at the end of the product name. X3D models have extra Level 3 cache making them even faster for gaming than standard Ryzens. G models differ by having a more powerful Radeon 780M integrated GPU, enabling them to play games at 1080p at low to medium settings without having to invest in a discrete graphics card.

9000-Series / Zen 5

Latest Architecture

AMD X870E, X870, B850, B840, X670E, X670, B650E, B650

Compatible Motherboard Chipsets

AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D

3XS Recommends

To learn more about compatible motherboards for AMD Threadripper CPUs, read our AMD MOTHERBOARDS BUYERS GUIDE

View latest Ryzen 7 Processors
AMD Ryzen 5 Processors

AMD Ryzen 5 Processors

Ryzen is all about more cores, thus more performance, at minimal cost, and to that end Ryzen 5 opens the door to faster PCs. Armed with up to six cores Ryzen 5 is a stellar choice for gamers and content creators alike, Ryzen 5's many-core approach is ideally suited to demanding multi-threaded workloads such as video editing, virtual reality and juggling multiple apps at any one time.

This is also a special type of Ryzen 5 with a G at the end of the product name. G models differ by having a more powerful Radeon 700M-series integrated GPU, enabling them to play games at 1080p at low to medium settings without having to invest in a discrete graphics card.

9000-Series / Zen 5

Latest Architecture

AMD X870E, X870, B850, B840, X670E, X670, B650E, B650

Compatible Motherboard Chipsets

AMD RYZEN 5 9600X

3XS Recommends

To learn more about compatible motherboards for AMD Threadripper CPUs, read our AMD MOTHERBOARDS BUYERS GUIDE

View latest Ryzen 5 Processors
AMD Ryzen 3 Processors

AMD Ryzen 3 Processors

Ryzen 3 is AMD's range of entry-level processors, and are a great choice for a cost-effective gaming PC and are also ideal for basic photo editing and everyday office applications.

4000-Series / Zen 2

Latest Architecture

AMD X570, B550, B450, A520

Compatible Motherboard Chipsets

AMD RYZEN 3 4100

3XS Recommends

To learn more about compatible motherboards for AMD Threadripper CPUs, read our AMD MOTHERBOARDS BUYERS GUIDE

VIEW LATEST RYZEN 3 PROCESSORS

CPU Naming Conventions

Although we've recommended a CPU from each range on the tabs above, it will help to understand what the CPU letters and numbers mean, should you want to select a different model. The below diagrams give an indication to what the different sections of a CPUs name refers to.

Ryzen

Family

9

Range

9

This one-digit number signifies the series, i.e. 9 for 9000-series and 7 for 7000-series

950

This three-digit number indicates the model number. A higher number typically indicates faster performance.

X3D

Some, but not all processors have a combination of letters on the end that signify special features. X3D is for processors with extra cache and G is for processors with more powerful graphics.

Summary

The below table offers a quick recap of comparative performance out of 10 for different workloads - always select a CPU based on the most demanding workloads you intend to have, otherwise you may find your PC ends up being under-powered when you need it the most.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO Ryzen Threadripper Ryzen 9 Ryzen 7 Ryzen 5 Ryzen 3
Gaming 9 9 10 8 6 4
Streaming 9 9 10 8 6 4
Content Creation 10 9 7 6 4 2
Multitasking 10 9 7 6 4 2

Technical Comparison

The table below includes not only the latest AMD desktop CPUs but also a selection of models going back several generations so you can see how the capabilities of the newest models compare to their forebears.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO Ryzen Threadripper Ryzen 9 Ryzen 7 Ryzen 5 Ryzen 3 ATHLON
Model 7995WX 5995WX 7985WX 5975WX 7975WX 5965WX 7965WX 7980X 7970X 7960X 9950X3D 9900X3D 9950X 9900X 7950X3D 7950X 5950X 5900XT 7900X3D 7900X 5900X 7900 9800X3D 9700X 8700G 7800X3D 7700X 7700 5800X3D 5800XT 5800X 5700X 5700G 9600X 8600G 8500G 7600X 7600 5600X 5600 5600G 5500 4600G 4500 4100 3000G
Architecture Zen 4 Zen 3 Zen 4 Zen 3 Zen 4 Zen 3 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 5 Zen 5 Zen 5 Zen 5 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 3 Zen 3 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 3 Zen 4 Zen 5 Zen 5 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 3 Zen 3 Zen 3 Zen 3 Zen 4 Zen 5 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 4 Zen 3 Zen 3 Zen 3 Zen 3 Zen 2 Zen 2 Zen 2 Zen
Socket TR5 sWRX8 TR5 sWRX8 TR5 sWRX8 TR5 TR5 TR5 TR5 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM4 AM4 AM5 AM5 AM4 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM4 AM4 AM4 AM4 AM4 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM5 AM4 AM4 AM4 AM4 AM4 AM4 AM4 AM4
Cores / Threads 96 / 192 64 / 128 64 / 128 32 / 64 32 / 64 24 / 48 24 / 48 64 / 128 32 / 64 24 / 48 16 / 32 12 / 24 16 / 32 12 / 24 16 / 32 16 / 32 16 / 32 16 / 32 12 / 24 12 / 24 12 / 24 12 / 24 8 / 16 8 / 16 8 / 16 8 / 16 8 / 16 8 / 16 8 / 16 8 / 16 8 / 16 8 / 16 8 / 16 6 / 12 6 / 12 6 / 12 6 / 12 6 / 12 6 / 12 6 / 12 6 / 12 6 / 12 6 / 12 6 / 12 4 / 8 2 / 4
Base Frequency 2.5GHz 2.7GHz 3.2GHz 3.6GHz 4.0GHz 3.8GHz 3.8GHz 3.2GHz 4.0GHz 2.8GHz 4.3GHz 4.4GHz 4.3GHz 4.4GHz 4.2GHz 4.5GHz 3.4GHz 3.3GHz 4.4GHz 4.7GHz 3.7GHz 4.0GHz 4.7GHz 3.8GHz 4.2GHz 4.2GHz 4.5GHz 3.8GHz 3.4GHz 3.8GHz 3.8GHz 3.4GHz 4.3GHz 3.9GHz 4.3GHz 3.5GHz 4.7GHz 3.8GHz 3.7GHz 3.5GHz 3.9GHz 3.6GHz 3.7GHz 3.6GHz 3.8GHz 3.5GHz
Turbo Frequency 5.1GHz 4.5GHz 5.1GHz 4.5GHz 5.3GHz 4.5GHz 5.3GHz 5.1GHz 5.3GHz 5.3GHz 5.7GHz 5.5GHz 5.7GHz 5.6GHz 5.7GHz 5.7GHz 4.9GHz 4.8GHz 5.6GHz 5.6GHz 4.8GHz 5.4GHz 5.2GHz 5.5GHz 5.1GHz 5.0GHz 5.4GHz 5.3GHz 4.5GHz 4.8GHz 4.7GHz 4.6GHz 4.6GHz 5.4GHz 5.0GHz 5.0GHz 5.3GHz 5.1GHz 4.6GHz 4.4GHz 4.4GHz 4.4GHz 4.2GHz 4.1GHz 4.0GHz ✖
Level 3 Cache 384MB 288MB 256MB 144MB 128MB 72MB 128MB 320MB 160MB 152MB 128MB 128MB 64MB 64MB 128MB 64MB 64MB 64MB 128MB 64MB 64MB 64MB 96MB 32MB 16MB 96MB 32MB 32MB 96MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 20MB 32MB 16MB 16MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 19MB 11MB 11MB 6MB 4MB
Memory Controller Eight-channel Eight-channel Eight-channel Eight-channel Eight-channel Eight-channel Eight-channel Four-channel Four-channel Four-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel Dual-channel
Maximum Memory 2TB ECC Registered ECC Registered 2TB ECC Registered ECC Registered 2TB ECC Registered ECC Registered 2TB ECC Registered 1TB ECC Reg 1TB ECC Reg 1TB ECC Reg 192GB 192GB 192GB 192GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 192GB 192GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 192GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB 128GB
Memory Type DDR5 DDR4 DDR5 DDR4 DDR5 DDR4 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR4 DDR4 DDR5 DDR5 DDR4 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR4 DDR4 DDR4 DDR4 DDR4 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR4 DDR4 DDR4 DDR4 DDR4 DDR4 DDR4 DDR4
Memory Frequency 5,200MHz 3,200MHz 5,200MHz 3,200MHz 5,200MHz 3,200MHz 5,200MHz 5,200MHz 5,200MHz 5,200MHz 5,600MHz 5,600MHz 5,600MHz 5,600MHz 5,200MHz 5,200MHz 3,200MHz 3,200MHz 5,200MHz 5,200MHz 3,200MHz 5,200MHz 5,600MHz 5,600MHz 6,000MHz 5,200MHz 5,200MHz 5,200MHz 3,200MHz 3,200MHz 3,200MHz 3,200MHz 3,200MHz 5,600MHz 6,000MHz 6,000MHz 5,200MHz 5,200MHz 3,200MHz 3,200MHz 3,200MHz 3,200MHz 2,666MHz 2,666MHz 2,666MHz 2,666MHz
PCIe 5.0 / 4.0 / 3.0 Lanes 128 / 0 / 8 0 / 128 / 0 128 / 0 / 8 0 / 128 / 0 128 / 0 / 8 0 / 128 / 0 128 / 0 / 8 48 / 32 / 8 48 / 32 / 8 48 / 32 / 8 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 0 / 20 / 0 20 / 20 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 0 / 20 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 0 / 16 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 0 / 20 / 0 20 / 20 / 0 0 / 20 / 0 0 / 20 / 0 0 / 0 / 20 24 / 0 / 0 0 / 16 / 0 0 / 10 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 24 / 0 / 0 0 / 20 / 0 0 / 20 / 0 0 / 0 / 20 0 / 0 / 20 0 / 0 / 16 0 / 0 / 16 0 / 0 / 16 0 / 0 / 16
Integrated GPU ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✔
TDP 350W 280W 350W 280W 350W 280W 350W 350W 350W 350W 170W 120W 170W 120W 120W 170W 105W 105W 120W 170W 105W 65W 120W 120W 65W 120W 105W 65W 105W 105W 105W 65W 65W 65W 65W 65W 105W 65W 65W 65W 65W 65W 65W 65W 65W 35W

Ready to Buy?

If you still have questions on how to select a CPU, don't hesitate to contact one of our friendly advisors on 01204 474747.

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