Top AMD Gaming CPUs for Budget Gamers in 2023

In 2023, AMD is making a comeback with the release of its Ryzen 9 7950X3D and Ryzen 9 7900X3D chips. The company is aiming to capture a larger portion of the processor market by offering better value and improved gaming performance. Finding the best value for money in gaming processors has been a challenge with the introduction of Zen 4. However, AMD's Ryzen 7000 series (non-X3D) has become more promising in terms of value and price-to-performance ratios thanks to several price cuts. AMD's new Ryzen X3D releases, including the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and higher-end processors, have led to updated performance benchmarks and price points for the best budget AMD CPUs for gaming. This has resulted in an overhaul of our guide.

The cost of AMD's AM5 platform can be quite high due to the expensive motherboard options and the need for DDR5 RAM. Additionally, the performance scaling of unlocked processors like the Ryzen 5 7600X relies heavily on cooling options which are often not included. However, the Ryzen 5 7600X is a great budget option for those looking to upgrade to the new generation of CPUs. With access to PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM, as well as a switch to motherboard pins, this processor offers impressive efficiency.

The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6-Core 12-Thread CPU offers access to new technology via the AM5 platform, such as PCI-E 5.0, DDR5, and a new pin-less approach to the processor. It boasts excellent single-core performance that rivals even the 8-core 5800X3D, making it the top choice for budget AMD processors. Another standout feature is its integrated graphics, a rarity in budget AMD CPUs. However, the cost of building a system around the 7600X may be higher due to the need for AMD's AM5 motherboards and DDR5 EXPO rams, which can be more expensive than their AM4 counterparts. Additionally, the CPU does not come with a stock cooler, which may add to the overall cost of the system. Despite these drawbacks, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a solid choice that offers impressive performance and value for its price point. Currently priced at $234 on Amazon and $244 on Newegg, it's a strong contender in the market.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 is a budget-friendly 6 core 12 thread processor from the entry-level 5000 series AMD Ryzen-based processor lineup. It features Zen 3 cores and a PCI-E 3.0 interface at the processor level, making it a great choice for those on a tight budget. Despite its limitations, the Ryzen 5 5500 offers acceptable multicore performance as a hexacore CPU and is relatively power-efficient compared to its competitors. It also has a decent upgrade path to better AM4-based processors down the line. However, its weak single-core performance may make it a questionable choice for some games. Despite this, the Ryzen 5 5500 is a slightly faster and more affordable alternative to the last-gen Ryzen 5 3600. At only $89 USD on Amazon, the Ryzen 5 5500 is an excellent option for those looking to build a budget gaming PC.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 may not initially stand out as a strong contender, as it appears to be a weaker version of the Ryzen 5 5600 with lower clocks and only half the L3 Cache, and limited to PCI-E 3.0 speeds. While it could be considered a budget-friendly alternative to the Hexacore Ryzen 5 due to its conservative clocks and boost speeds, this only tells part of the story as it offers a unique value proposition.

It features Zen 3 cores, like its more expensive counterparts, and offers slightly better performance than its previous-generation equivalent, the Ryzen 5 3500X/3600, while also including a decent stock cooler. However, in some cases, it may struggle due to its lower clocks affecting single-core performance, where it is outperformed by the current-generation 4-core Intel Core i3 13100F, albeit at a considerably higher price point.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600G Best Budget AMD Gaming APUHexacore Budget APU Tradeoff

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is the ideal choice for building a budget PC without compromising on performance. This APU comes with integrated graphics, a low-power consumption, and a bundled cooler, while also providing the option to overclock. You can easily handle gaming, everyday workloads, and more without having to purchase a dedicated graphics card right away.

Here are the specifications of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G: it has a CPU socket of AMD AM4, 6 cores, 12 threads, PCIe 4.0 support, a base clock speed of 3.9 GHz, and a boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz. It also has a cache of 3MB L2 + 16 MB L3 Cache and can support up to 128GB DDR4 3200 MHz RAM. Additionally, it has a TDP of 65W.

This APU is an excellent value for money as it comes with a 7-core integrated GPU running at 1900MHz, making it capable of handling most MOBA and MMORPG titles. It also allows for medium gaming on HD and Full HD resolutions for most current titles. Moreover, it is power-efficient and has a configurable TDP within the range of 45W to 65W.

However, it sports PCI-E 3.0 lanes, which could be an issue for memory and GPU upgrades down the line. It also has a cut-down L3 Cache that slightly impedes CPU performance. Nevertheless, it is still a great option as it costs just a shade below the 5600/5600X while providing a decent iGPU.

At $128 on Amazon and $138 on Newegg, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G 6-Core 12-Thread APU is our top pick for the best AMD gaming APU, offering great performance and value for money.

Although the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G may not offer any magical surprises in terms of price, it certainly delivers exceptional gaming performance for an APU with one of the strongest integrated GPUs on the market. However, it does come with a trade-off - half of its L3 cache is sacrificed, reducing it to half the size of the 5600 and 5600X. Additionally, it is limited to PCI-E 3.0 at a CPU level, which could potentially hinder upgrades in the future. Despite these setbacks, the 5600G is still a very capable processor that can be purchased at a reasonable price point. With this processor, one can easily build a PC for under $500 that outperforms the competition.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a mid-range CPU that is ideal for gaming setups. It is AMD's fastest six-core processor and features 12 processing threads. According to the company, this processor can deliver over 100 FPS in the world's most popular games. It supports DDR4 RAM up to 3200 MHz and boasts 4.6 GHz max boost clock speed, overclocking capability, and 35 MB of cache. The 5600X also comes bundled with a quiet and capable AMD Wraith Stealth cooler. At a price point of $310, it offers excellent value for money. However, for those on a tighter budget, the 5600G is a great alternative that still delivers exceptional performance.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a top-tier processor in the Ryzen 5000 series and a worthy successor to the highly popular Ryzen 5 3600. Priced at just under $150, it's an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers, easily meeting most video game requirements for years to come.

Boasting better clocks, twice the L3 cache, and out-of-the-box support for PCI-E 4.0, the 5600X is the ideal CPU to pair with a discrete GPU. It performs comparably with the Intel Core i5-12400 or 12400F, a notable achievement for AMD which had been playing catch-up to Intel until recently.

With its six cores and twelve threads, the 5600X is a versatile processor that should remain the go-to choice for mainstream performance targets in the foreseeable future. Expect to see it frequently featured in budget-friendly PC builds in the coming days. However, note that the competing Intel 12400 has an iGPU and offers similar out-of-the-box performance.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D is a mid-range budget gaming processor that has stood the test of time, even against newer iterations of CPUs from both AMD and Intel. With its 8 cores and 16 threads, it delivers excellent performance across a wide range of gaming titles, making it a tried-and-tested option for gamers. In terms of value for money, it still outperforms some of the current-gen AMD processors, while also having a lower power draw compared to its competitors. However, it is slightly more expensive than the Ryzen 5 7600X, which is slightly faster. Additionally, it marks the end of the AM4 lineup when it comes to upgrades. You can purchase the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D for $325 at Amazon or $327 at Newegg.

The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 8-Core 16-Thread Processor is a strong contender that almost topped our list. Its only hindrance was the price cut received by the Ryzen 7 7600X, or else it would have made it to the top. This octa-core processor was AMD's solution to Intel's 11th and 12th generation's superior gaming performance, and it has only gotten better with time, thanks to its 3D stacked V-cache technology. This same technology has also propelled AMD to the top of the heap once again with the X3D refresh of the Ryzen 7000 series processors.

Despite its impressive features, the 5800X3D has a few downsides. It performs a little slower than its competing AMD CPU in most games tested in 1080P and 1440P benchmarks. Additionally, it is at the end of the AM4 socket's upgrade line, which means that users won't have a processor to upgrade to if gaming performance is their main metric. Furthermore, it is limited to slightly dated technologies such as PCI-E 4.0 and DDR4 memory.

However, the 5800X3D is still a compelling upgrade option. It performs solidly and offers two more cores than the 7600X, our overall winner. This makes it an attractive choice for content creators who may prefer the 5800X3D over its Ryzen 7000 series hexacore counterpart.

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the ultimate gaming CPU from AMD. It boasts exceptional gaming performance, making it one of the best options in the market. Its 3D V-Cache technology takes gaming on a PC to a whole new level. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is built on Zen 4 architecture with 5nm process and features eight cores and 16 threads, making it a powerful gaming machine. It supports the latest DDR5 and PCI-E 5.0 standards, making it future-proof. Additionally, it draws as little as 50W of load, making it incredibly power-efficient. However, it comes at a premium price point for an 8-core processor, and its multi-core non-gaming throughput performance is weaker than some of its competitors. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is available at Amazon and Newegg for $450.

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the ultimate gaming processor currently available on the market, boasting cutting-edge technology that surpasses even the most high-end Intel and AMD processors in benchmarks. Despite its steep price tag, this processor is a highly viable option for those looking for the best of the best, thanks to its Zen4 and 3D V-Cache enabled experience that delivers unparalleled performance while consuming a fraction of the power of its competitors.

One of the key improvements of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D over its predecessor is that it comes unlocked out of the box, allowing for even more customization and overclocking potential. While thermal limitations remain stringent, with a TJMax of 89 degrees, the built-in PBO overclocking feature ensures that this processor can push a tier above and deliver even better results.

Efficiency is a major focus for AMD with this generation, and the Ryzen 7 7800X3D does not disappoint, boasting a benchmark of around 50W for most game-related use. While it may not perform as well in multicore workloads, it is hands down the best CPU for gaming currently available on the market, making it the top choice for serious gamers. While it may be considered a premium entry on our list, it is well worth the investment for those seeking the ultimate gaming experience.

To determine whether to get an AM4 or AM5-based processor, you should consider your budget for the accompanying motherboard and memory. Currently, EXPO DDR5 memory and AM5-based motherboards are significantly more expensive than their DDR4 and AM4 counterparts due to their bleeding edge technology. If you prioritize the ability to upgrade, an AM5 processor may be the better option. However, if cost-effectiveness is your top priority, then an AM4 processor may be more suitable for your build.

For budget-conscious gamers looking for a top-performing processor, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X hexacore is the way to go. With its impressive gaming-specific capabilities and current price reduction, it easily outshines its competitors in this category.