Ryzen 5 5500U
AMD
PassMark
12,736
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 5500U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 January 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Lucienne-U (Zen 2) (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: FP6. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 12,736 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 5500U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Baldur's Gate 3
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Dead by Daylight
Delta Force
Hogwarts Legacy
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Palworld
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Ryzen 5 5500U specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5500U is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Lucienne-U (Zen 2) (2021) architecture, manufactured on a 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4 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 8 MB (total) 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 12,736, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,100, while multi-core reaches 5,200. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 6,900.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5500U |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 6C / 12T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.1 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Lucienne-U (Zen 2) (2021) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 7 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 8 MB (total) |
| 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 | 156 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 9,800 million |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 105 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 12,736 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 6,900 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,100 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 5,200 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5500U fits into the FP6 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 3200 MHz (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (Vega 7) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5500U |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD Lucienne (Zen 2, Ryzen 5000) |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FP6 |
| 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 3200 MHz |
| 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 | AMD Radeon Graphics (Vega 7) |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | FP6 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Ryzen 5 5500U is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5500U |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Mobile |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | true |
Power & Cooling
The Ryzen 5 5500U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 25 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5500U |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 25 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 105 °C |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #1158 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5500U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1158 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 12 January 2021 (4 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| 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
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | AMD Lucienne (Zen 2, Ryzen 5000) |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $149 |
| Manufacturer | TSMC |
| Release Date | 12 January 2021 (4 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Lucienne-U (Zen 2) (2021) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1158 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 6 |
| Threads | 12 |
| Die Size | 156 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) |
| Multiplier | 21 |
| Max Frequency | 4 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.1 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 9,800 million |
| Process Technology | 7 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 105 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | + |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | FP6 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 25 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
2 specs
Memory
2 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Ryzen 5 5500U
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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