Ryzen 5 5500
AMD
PassMark
19,311
MSRP
$159
AVG Price
$85
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 5500 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Cezanne (2021−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,311 points. Launch price was $159.
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 Ryzen 5 5500
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Ryzen 5 5500 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 5500 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5500 is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Cezanne (2021−2025) architecture, manufactured on a 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB of L3 cache, plus 512K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 19,311, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Aging generation product.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5500 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 6C / 12T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4.2 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Cezanne (2021−2025) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 7 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 16 MB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 180 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 10,700 million |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 19,311 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5500 fits into the AM4 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 24 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-3200 memory at speeds up to DDR4-3200 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5500 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | AM4 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 24 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 128 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Ryzen 5 5500 is primarily designed for Desktop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5500 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Desktop |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | ✅ Unlocked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | AMD-V |
Power & Cooling
The Ryzen 5 5500 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5500 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 65 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $85 (MSRP: $159), the Ryzen 5 5500 delivers 227 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #814 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5500 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $159 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $85 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $159 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #814 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 4 April 2022 (3 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2022 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | TSMC |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Ryzen 5 5500
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Ryzen 5 5500 with other popular CPUs
Compare Ryzen 5 5500
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
