AMD Ryzen 5 5500
The Ryzen 5 5500 is an AM4 6-core/12-thread chip boosting to 4.2GHz at 65W, positioned as the cheapest viable 6-core gaming CPU (beginner tier). It's a fit for rock-bottom AM4 builds and first-time builders. There's no integrated graphics or 3D V-cache, so plan on a discrete GPU and look elsewhere for top gaming cache.
Scores
BreakdownHideOverall63±6Caliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions.
Scores
BreakdownHideCaliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions.
The ± band on the overall score reflects sourcing confidence — wider when fewer specs are verified.
How each score is computed: our scoring methodology.
Specifications
| Spec | Value | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| socket | AM4Flagged | Flagged |
| cores | 6Sourced | Sourced |
| threads | 12Sourced | Sourced |
| boost (GHz) | 4.2Sourced | Sourced |
| TDP (W) | 65Sourced | Sourced |
| integrated graphics | noSourced | Sourced |
| x3d cache | noSourced | Sourced |
| includes cooler | yesSourced | Sourced |
7/8 detail specs sourced · 1 flagged for verification. Amber rows are flagged for verification — we show them as reported, not confirmed.
Verdict
Best for
- Cheapest viable 6-core gaming chip
- Budget AM4 builds
- First-time PC builders
Who should skip this
- Builders wanting an upgrade path — AM4 is legacy, so you're at the end of the road
- iGPU-only buyers — it has no integrated graphics and needs a discrete card
- High-refresh gamers — the trimmed-down core and cache hold back 1% lows
Where to buy
List price $159
Prices are a guide and can change — confirm the current price on the retailer's site before buying.
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Ecosystem
Standards
Form factors & standards — interchangeable across compatible builds, not a platform lock-in.
Compatibility
Built around AMD AM4, DDR4. Make sure the rest of your build uses the same platform before you buy — mismatched sockets, mounts or standards are the most common return reason. Check it in the builder →
Upgrade path
Outgrow it and the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X is the natural next step up in cpus. See it →