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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. The Ryzen 5 5500U is positioned at rank #73 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Balanced cost-benefit for your build. 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 5500U

#15

Ryzen 5 220

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

98%

#18

Ryzen 5 8500G

MSRP: $179|Avg: $150

94%

#61

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

230%

#62

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

227%

#63

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

208%

#64

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

207%

#65

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

206%

#67

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

198%

#68

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

190%

#69

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

190%

#70

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

185%

#73

Ryzen 5 5500U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#75

Core i3-4030U

MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A

98%

#79

Atom D2500

MSRP: $42|Avg: N/A

95%

#88

Core 2 Duo T7500

MSRP: $316|Avg: $5

91%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

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

It currently holds Rank #73 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1158 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Ryzen 5 5500U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#73
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