Choose between a 6-core or an 8-core processor.
Choose between a 6-core or an 8-core processor.
I'm starting my first PC and mainly plan to use it for gaming. Should I opt for a 6-core CPU or invest in an 8-core one? Right now I'm undecided between the Ryzen 5 5600X and the Ryzen 7 5800X.
Are you working on a vintage PC? AM4 components are outdated. From the two options, only the 5600 and 5700X are available. What is your price range?
While 6 cores offer a solid gaming experience, if you plan to maintain it for an extended period without upgrading, I’d favor 8 cores. Only when finances are limited should I opt for 6 cores with the possibility of upgrading later. Think about how this fits with your GPU selection as well.
In casual talk, a 6-core setup gives about 95% performance while an 8-core model hits full 100%. In my view, aiming for a 5600X is already solid enough. Gamers Nexus has checked this thoroughly—they found that sticking to an expensive AM4 chip like the Ryzen 5900X only brings about a modest boost, around 1.17%. For more details, check the link provided. P.S. If you have extra cash, the 5800X3D is the top pick for AM4 builds—it delivers great FPS and only a tiny drop. If you’re tight on funds now, go with the 5600X and switch to the 5800X3D later when prices fall. Edited September 20, 2023 by ImWilly
Budget and country considerations aside, if you're not into gaming, there are still solid choices. Just opt for a 6-core processor if you need more performance—set the multiplier to around 47 or 48 and adjust the voltage to 1.4V for LLC off. Under load, it should stabilize near 1.32 to 1.34V. A RAM speed of about 3800MHz would also be beneficial.
I would only receive the X models. The 5600X operates at 4850 with PBO. My 5600X is functioning well in my son's gaming setup.