Ryzen 5 3500U
AMD
PassMark
6,836
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Overview
The Ryzen 5 3500U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Picasso-U (Zen+) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,836 points. Launch price was $149.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Ryzen 5 3500U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Garry's Mod
Hearts of Iron IV
Hogwarts Legacy
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Path of Exile 2
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Ryzen 5 3500U specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 3500U is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Picasso-U (Zen+) (2019−2020) architecture, manufactured on a 12 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512K (per core) of L2 cache and 128K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,836, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 876, while multi-core reaches 1,898. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 3,545.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 3500U |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 8T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.7 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.1 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Picasso-U (Zen+) (2019−2020) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 12 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 128K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 209.78 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 4940 Million |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 105 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 6,836 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 3,545 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 876 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 3500U fits into the FP5 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon Vega 8 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 3500U |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD Ryzen 5 |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FP5 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 12 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 64 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Radeon Vega 8 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Mobile |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Advanced Features
The Ryzen 5 3500U is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i5-10210U.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 3500U |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Budget |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | AMD-V |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Core i5-10210U |
Power & Cooling
The Ryzen 5 3500U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 3500U |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 15 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 105 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #1607 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 3500U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1607 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 6 January 2019 (6 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | GlobalFoundries |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | AMD Ryzen 5 |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $149 |
| Manufacturer | GlobalFoundries |
| Release Date | 6 January 2019 (6 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Picasso-U (Zen+) (2019−2020) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1607 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 8 |
| Bus Type | PCIe 3.0 |
| Die Size | 209.78 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 128K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) |
| Multiplier | 21 |
| Max Frequency | 3.7 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.1 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 4940 Million |
| Process Technology | 12 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 105 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | + |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | FP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 15 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Memory
5 specs
Memory
5 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 38.397 GB/s |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
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AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Ryzen 5 3500U
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Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
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High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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