TOP 7 best AMD Ryzen processors: reviews, features

AMD is now releasing processors that look much more interesting than chips from the Intel brand. But the main advantage over the blue brand is that the red products are much cheaper. At the same time, the new Ryzen does not have the same problems as Intel (for example, the Specter and Meltdown vulnerabilities, typical for blue processors). This fact speaks volumes.

At the same time, the top-end CPUs of the Ryzen family are not inferior to the chips of their competitors. And in most cases they even surpass them. Therefore, many users now choose exactly the products of the red brand. But choosing the right CPU is not easy. There are many subtleties to consider. We will definitely talk about them.

Top 7 best AMD Ryzen processors

AMD Ryzen 5 1600

One of the most affordable options for a home computer. There are OEM and boxed versions of this CPU. If you need to save money, then it is better to take an OEM. The chip is made according to the 14 nm process technology and is equipped with 6 cores. This means that it has 12 virtual threads. Its architecture has a fairly fresh Summit Ridge core. The nominal operating frequency is 3200 MHz. But if the Turbo Boost mode is activated, then this value can reach 3600 MHz.

The processor works exclusively with DDR4 RAM. Older generations of RAM are not supported. RAM can work in two-channel mode. The L3 cache size is 16 megabytes, which has a positive effect on performance. In active mode, the CPU generates 65 W of heat. Therefore, an appropriate cooling system is required. The processor has a very impressive overclocking potential.

A great option for a home computer. Suitable for gaming systems: performance is sufficient. I am glad that there is solder under the lid (cooling is better). However, there are problems when working with RAM on certain chips (for example, I had problems with Hynix chips).

AMD Ryzen 5 1400 OEM

A quad-core processor that's perfect for building a powerful home PC. It has eight virtual threads and an architecture based on the Summit Ridge core. The CPU is made according to the 14 nm process technology. Designed for installation in socket AM4. The standard frequency is 3200 MHz. In turbo mode, the CPU overclocks to 3400 MHz. The processor has a built-in memory controller. The CPU can work with dual-channel DDR4 RAM.

The cache of the third level (L3) has a volume of 8 MB. Of course, this is not very much, but for typical tasks (including games) it is quite enough. During operation, the CPU generates 65W of heat. The boxed cooler easily handles such a volume. But if you dabble in overclocking, then it is worth choosing a more powerful cooling system, since this figure will increase significantly. The CPU is capable of operating normally at 95 ° C. It also supports 16 PCI Express lanes.

An excellent CPU for a gaming system. But only if you know which motherboard and memory to use for it. When it comes to RAM, go with Samsung-based options. Ryzen works best with them.Even if the frequency is increased to the maximum possible, the heat dissipation increases minimally. A great option for your money.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

AMD's top-of-the-line TR4 socket. This monster has 32 physical cores and 64 virtual threads. It is designed for complex professional tasks (editing, rendering, and so on). The architecture with the Colfax core is used. The CPU is made according to the 12 nm process technology. In normal mode, the CPU operates at 3000 MHz. But if necessary, it can overclock without problems to 4200 MHz (the same Turbo Boost).

Present in the CPU and a built-in memory controller. The product supports DDR4 RAM with a maximum frequency of 2933MHz. The L3 cache has a monstrous 64MB. This has a positive effect on the speed of processing multithreaded tasks. Provides 250 watts of power to the CPU when running. Therefore, it is impossible to save on the cooling system in any way. The processor also supports 64 PCI Express lanes.

This processor is simply built for complex tasks. Rendering in 4K is not a problem for him - it quickly processes everything that is needed. In single-threaded performance, the performance is slightly inferior to the same chips from Intel. But in multithreading, it definitely tears them to shreds. But don't forget to put in a good cooling system. Preferably liquid.

AMD Ryzen 5 1500X

A mid-range CPU designed for socket AM4. It is gaming based on the Summit Ridge architecture. The CPU has 4 cores. They are capable of operating at the standard 3500 MHz frequency. However, when the turbo mode is activated (in difficult tasks), the frequency rises to 3700 MHz. There are 8 virtual streams. Supports dual channel DDR4 RAM. The L3 cache reaches 16 megabytes, which has a positive effect on overall performance.

The CPU supports 16 PCI Express lanes. This allows you to work seamlessly with additional graphics cards and other devices. However, the CPU does not play well with RAM based on Hynix chips. The best results are obtained when using modules based on Samsung chips. The product emits 65 watts of energy during operation. Therefore, you need to get adequate cooling. The chip can withstand temperatures up to 95 ° C.

I bought this processor instead of the quad-core Phenom (also from AMD). The sensations are just incredible. The whole platform just started to fly. The CPU fulfills any task as quickly as possible. All that remains is to select the correct RAM for it and install the SSD for the system. Then the speed of work will surely increase even more.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600

A six-core chip based on the Pinnacle Ridge architecture, made using a 12 nanometer manufacturing process. It is a next generation CPU with 12 virtual threads. In the normal mode it operates at 3400 megahertz, but if absolutely necessary it can overclock up to 3900. This CPU has an unlocked x34 multiplier that allows you to overclock without the need to increase the core voltage. There is also a built-in memory controller.

The processor works well with dual channel DDR4 memory at 2933 MHz. The 16MB L3 cache provides excellent performance in multi-threaded tasks. 16 PCI Express lanes are supported. In theory, this allows you to use 16 video cards at the same time.But you are unlikely to find the required motherboard anywhere. The processor can operate at temperatures up to 95 degrees Celsius.

Works great in tandem with 16 gigabytes of RAM. It also unleashes the full potential of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080. It performs well both in games and in rendering. There are no problems at work. The processor doesn't even get too hot (which is generally unique for AMD). Works great with motherboards based on B450 and X470 chips.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X OEM

An improved version of the previous processor. This chip is also made according to the 12 nm process technology and is designed for the AM4 socket. But it has a slightly higher maximum frequency in turbo mode - 4200 megahertz. Moreover, it has 6 physical cores and 12 virtual threads. The nominal operating frequency is 3600 MHz. There is a built-in memory controller and an unlocked multiplier. The CPU can work with dual-channel DDR4 RAM.

The CPU has good overclocking potential. But you need to get an appropriate cooling system. Otherwise, there is a high probability of overheating. Even in the normal mode, the processor emits 95 watts of thermal energy. The size of the installed L3 cache is 16 MB. For all modern tasks, this is enough (including games). The CPU is based on a core with the Pinnacle Ridge architecture. It is ideal for home gaming systems.

This processor delivers outstanding performance in virtually any environment. It's good for video editing, rendering and graphics, and gaming. Works best in tandem with RAM on chips from Samsung. If you're going to be doing extreme overclocking, be sure to install liquid cooling. Without it, the temperature after overclocking will be very high.

AMD Ryzen 7 1700

And this CPU is from a completely different category. It has 8 physical cores and 16 virtual threads. The chip is made on the Summit Ridge architecture using the 14 nm process technology. The nominal operating frequency of the CPU is at 3000 megahertz. Under full load, the processor overclocks to 3700 MHz. Installed memory controller with a bandwidth of 42.7 GB / s. Supports dual-channel DDR4 RAM (preferably on chips from Samsung).

The processor is designed for installation in socket AM4. It has everything you need to provide high performance in complex multithreaded tasks. The third level cache is 16 megabytes. During active operation, the chip emits 65 watts of thermal energy. If you have a boxed version, then the standard cooler will be enough for normal operation. The maximum allowable CPU temperature during operation should not exceed 95 degrees Celsius.

I use the assembly on this processor for streaming and games. He's amazing at multitasking. There were some problems with the ASUS motherboard (the necessary BIOS update was not done right away). But then everything went well. Especially after the release of the patch for Windows 10.The CPU shows incredible gaming performance when paired with a top-end graphics card.

Top Models by Qualifying Criteria

Now you need to determine the highest performing or most affordable processor. In general, there can be many categories. And each will have its own winner. Let's define the main categories for AMD's top-end CPUs.

• the most productive;
• best for home PC;
• budget model;
• optimal for games.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX - Highest Performance CPU

It is a monster with 32 cores and 64 virtual threads. It delivers incredible performance in multi-threaded processes. There is a cache of the third level in the amount of 64 MB, which also has a positive effect on performance. The CPU runs at a maximum frequency of 4200 MHz in turbo mode. Although this product is powerful, it makes no sense to use it on home computers. There will be no place to simply use such capacities. But for professional work platforms, there is nothing better. Even Intel brand chips are far behind.

AMD Ryzen 7 1700 - Best for Home PC

This octa-core processor is great for a variety of tasks. It shows itself well in such tasks as rendering, video editing, working with 3D graphics. But in games the performance is also excellent. Therefore, this processor is considered ideal for a home PC. It has eight physical cores and 16 virtual threads. The CPU can work with high-performance DDR4 RAM. The maximum clock frequency can reach 3700 megahertz.

AMD Ryzen 5 1400 - Budget Model

The most affordable Ryzen processor in our roundup. If desired, you can purchase it for a little less than 5,000 rubles. For this money, the user gets a high-performance chip of the latest generation with 4 cores and 8 threads. The turbo frequency is 3400 MHz with an L3 cache of 8 megabytes. Shows good performance in games. As in other tasks. But for top gaming systems, it is not suitable. Nevertheless, for a universal machine, this processor is ideal.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X - Optimal for Gaming

Powerful six-core processor with 12 virtual threads and a maximum frequency of 4200 MHz. The CPU is optimized for high performance gaming systems. It is able to unleash the potential of the most advanced video cards. It is possible to work with the most efficient DDR4 memory modules. At the same time, the processor costs significantly less than similar solutions from Intel. And those chips of the blue brand that correspond in price are usually much inferior in performance.

Best in terms of price-quality ratio

AMD Ryzen 5 1600

This processor has the most optimal combination of price and performance. It is based on the Summit Ridge architecture. The chip consists of 6 cores with 12 virtual threads. The maximum available frequency is 3600 MHz in turbo mode. The processor works only with DDR4 RAM. However, if you decide to purchase this CPU, you will have to choose the appropriate motherboard. It is also desirable that chips from Samsung are used in the RAM. They are the most acceptable.

How to choose a processor

This is a complex high-tech device with a huge set of characteristics. But it is worth considering that not all parameters need to be paid attention to. To select the best product, only a few basic features of a particular model are needed. Now let's talk about what to pay special attention to.

• Technical process. The more modern the technological process, the higher the productivity with less energy consumption.And if the consumption is less, then the processor generates less heat. Accordingly, it heats up less. As a result, the user will be able to save on the cooling system. Therefore, it is better to choose a CPU made according to the 12 nm process technology. Chips made using 7nm technology have recently appeared on the market. If possible, it is better to purchase them. By the way, only AMD has 7nm CPUs so far.
• Socket. This is the connector on the motherboard where the corresponding processor is installed. Sockets AM4 and TR4 are currently relevant for the AMD platform. If you do not have such a connector, then you will have to change the motherboard, since the processor cannot be installed in the wrong slot. That is, you can install it once. But after that you will definitely need a new CPU as well as a new motherboard as the socket will fail.
• Number of Cores. Pay attention to this feature only if you need a productive multithreaded platform. For a home computer, a processor with 4 cores is sufficient. Its performance is sufficient for both games and successful work. But if you need stable and fast multi-threading work, then choose the Threadripper series chips. The top product in this series has 32 cores on board.
• Turbo mode. The presence of this mode allows you to significantly increase the operating frequency of the processor when the load increases. This is useful for overall system performance. Also, this mode is useful for those who do not want to mess with overclocking the CPU, finding it very dangerous. Many top-end processors now have this option.
• Overclocking potential. Increasing productivity on demand is one of the most important features of a gaming machine. This can be done by overclocking the processor. The top models from AMD are almost overclocked. Therefore, you can choose any CPU. The chance of being wrong is very small.
• OEM or BOX. These are the delivery options for the processor. The box version assumes the presence of a box, printed information and a standard cooler. The OEM version is just a processor in a bag. If you need to save money, then OEM is the best option. After all, the standard cooling system is completely useless during overclocking. And buying a third-party cooler will be much cheaper. And you shouldn't overpay for a box.