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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5500

#20

Core i3-6300T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

117%

#21

Core i5-680

MSRP: $294|Avg: $10

115%

#22

Ryzen 7 1700X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $60

115%

#23

Core i3-3240T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $8

114%

#24

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

113%

#25

Core i5-3570T

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

111%

#26

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

111%

#27

Athlon X4 845

MSRP: $70|Avg: $15

111%

#28

Pentium E6700

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

107%

#29

Pentium G2130

MSRP: $75|Avg: $8

105%

#30

Athlon X4 950

MSRP: $58|Avg: $15

105%

#31

Phenom II X4 B97

MSRP: $100|Avg: $11

102%

#32

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

101%

#33

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

101%

#34

Core i5-4570R

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

101%

#35

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

100%

#36

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

98%

#37

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

97%

#38

Core i5-3450S

MSRP: $174|Avg: $20

97%

#39

Celeron E3200

MSRP: $43|Avg: $5

96%

#40

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

96%

#41

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

96%

#42

Core i7-950

MSRP: $562|Avg: $15

95%

#43

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

95%

#44

Celeron G550T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

95%

#45

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

93%

#46

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

93%

#47

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

92%

#48

Core i3-4330T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

91%

#49

Celeron G440

MSRP: $37|Avg: $5

91%

#50

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

91%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Ryzen 5 5500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$159
Manufacturer	TSMC
Release Date	4 April 2022 (3 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Cezanne (2021−2025)
Performance Ranking Position	814

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	6
Threads	12
Die Size	180 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)
L3 Cache	16 MB
Max Frequency	4.2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.6 GHz
Transistor Count	10,700 million
Process Technology	7 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+
Windows 11 Compatible	+
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	95 °C