The AM4 socket has been a mainstay of AMD’s Ryzen lineup, offering users an affordable and powerful platform that supports a wide range of CPUs. Whether you’re building a gaming rig, a workstation, or an all-around productivity machine, AM4 has an array of compatible processors that cater to different needs and budgets. In this guide, we will explore the best CPUs available for the AM4 platform to help you choose the right one for your next build.
TL;DR
The AM4 socket has stood the test of time and offers CPUs for everyone—from budget-friendly options like the Ryzen 5 5600 to top-tier performance beasts like the Ryzen 9 5950X. Gamers will appreciate the Ryzen 7 5800X3D’s impressive 3D V-Cache for improved gaming performance, while multitaskers and creators will thrive with the high core counts of the Ryzen 9 series. This article breaks down the top picks for various use cases, with features, benchmarks, and upgrade tips included.
Why Choose the AM4 Platform?
Before diving into the top CPUs, let’s quickly recap why AM4 remains a popular choice:
- Wide Compatibility: With support from first-gen Ryzen (2017) all the way to Zen 3, AM4 motherboards can support dozens of CPU models.
- Affordable Entry: Budget builders can find solid options without overspending on platforms like AM5 or Intel’s latest sockets.
- Mature BIOS/software: Years of support mean stable BIOS updates and optimized software support across the board.
Best Overall CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is AMD’s special addition to the AM4 family, featuring 3D V-Cache that significantly boosts gaming performance. Launched as a late-stage enhancement to the AM4 lineup, this CPU often outperforms even newer processors in specific gaming workloads, thanks to its massive 96MB L3 cache.
Key Specs:
- 8 cores / 16 threads
- Base clock: 3.4 GHz
- Boost clock: 4.5 GHz
- L3 Cache: 96MB (thanks to 3D V-Cache)
Perfect For: Gamers who want top-tier frame rates and lower latency in CPU-intensive games.
This processor has made waves in the tech community due to how well it extends the life of AM4 for gaming. In many scenarios, it competes with Ryzen 7000 and Intel 13th-gen chips—making it a worthwhile upgrade for existing AM4 users.
Best High-End CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
If you need absolute performance across throughput-heavy tasks like 4K editing, virtualization, or software development, the Ryzen 9 5950X is the AM4 king. With 16 cores and 32 threads, it’s a monster for multitasking and heavy productivity workloads.
Key Specs:
- 16 cores / 32 threads
- Base clock: 3.4 GHz
- Boost clock: 4.9 GHz
- TDP: 105W
Perfect For: Content creators, software developers, and anyone with demanding multitasking needs.
Despite being a couple of years old, the 5950X holds up impressively well. With its high efficiency and multi-core performance, it’s ideal as the centerpiece for a professional workstation.
Best Performance on a Budget: AMD Ryzen 5 5600
The Ryzen 5 5600 is the unsung hero of the AM4 lineup. With 6 cores and 12 threads, it strikes an optimal balance for budget-conscious gamers and general users. It launched later in the Zen 3 lifecycle, effectively replacing the 3600 and offering excellent performance per dollar.
Key Specs:
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Base clock: 3.5 GHz
- Boost clock: 4.4 GHz
- TDP: 65W
Perfect For: Budget gaming rigs, compact systems, or entry-level work PCs.
The Ryzen 5 5600 delivers performance that matches or beats older 8-core CPUs from earlier Ryzen generations. It’s frequently recommended in budget build guides for good reason.
Great Value Midrange: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
If you’re looking to go a bit beyond the budget but don’t need the raw power of a Ryzen 9, the 5700X might hit that just-right note. It offers 8 cores at a much more affordable price point than the 5800X or 5800X3D, without major compromises.
Key Specs:
- 8 cores / 16 threads
- Base clock: 3.4 GHz
- Boost clock: 4.6 GHz
- TDP: 65W
Perfect For: Users who want solid multicore performance on a reasonable budget and plan to multitask or game moderately.
Best Value for Legacy Upgrades: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 was once the default recommendation for almost any build in its price range—and for good reason. It was the first 6-core, 12-thread CPU to hit the sweet spot of affordability and performance during the Zen 2 era. While newer chips have come out, the 3600 is still highly relevant, especially for users looking to breathe new life into aging AM4 systems without shelling out for a new motherboard or BIOS updates.
Key Specs:
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Base clock: 3.6 GHz
- Boost clock: 4.2 GHz
- TDP: 65W
Perfect For: Budget-conscious upgraders using older B450 or X470 motherboards needing a drop-in solution.
Special Mention: APUs like Ryzen 5 5600G and Ryzen 7 5700G
If you’re building a system without a discrete GPU, AMD’s APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) are a smart choice. The Ryzen 5 5600G and Ryzen 7 5700G come with integrated Vega graphics, capable of light gaming and media consumption without a dedicated graphics card.
Perfect For: Home theater PCs, budget consoles, or office/desktops without a discrete GPU.
Summary of Top Picks
| CPU | Cores/Threads | Use Case | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | 8 / 16 | Gaming | 3D V-Cache |
| Ryzen 9 5950X | 16 / 32 | Productivity | High core count |
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 6 / 12 | Budget builds | Great value |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | 8 / 16 | Midrange multitasking | Excellent price per core |
| Ryzen 5 3600 | 6 / 12 | Legacy upgrades | Zippy Zen 2 performance |
Final Thoughts
The AM4 platform may be a few years old, but its utility and performance options remain outstanding in 2024. Whether you’re a first-time builder, looking to upgrade an older system, or seeking a powerful workstation