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. The Ryzen 5 3500U is positioned at rank #614 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Ryzen 5 3500U
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Ryzen 5 3500U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
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
It currently holds Rank #614 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1607 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 3500U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #614 |
| 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 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Ryzen 5 3500U
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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