AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Hexa-core Processor — 3.60 GHz, 12 Threads, 65W

Experience solid, all-around performance with the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Hexa-core processor. Built for mainstream desktops, this six-core, twelve-thread CPU delivers responsive multitasking, capable gaming with a discrete GPU, and reliable productivity for everyday workloads. Featuring a compact 7 nm design and a power-efficient 65 W TDP, it’s an excellent upgrade for budget builds, mid-range PCs, or upgrading an existing AM4 platform without sacrificing modern features. With a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a maximum boost up to 4.20 GHz, the Ryzen 5 5500 brings snappy responsiveness to everyday tasks, content creation, and light gaming tasks while maintaining energy efficiency and thermal headroom for longer work sessions.

• Six cores, twelve threads for superior multitasking: The Ryzen 5 5500 pairs six physical cores with twelve threads, enabling smooth parallel processing for everyday productivity suites, photo/video editing, and background tasks, so your PC stays responsive even when you juggle multiple apps at once.
• High clock speeds for fast responsiveness: With a 3.60 GHz base clock and a 4.20 GHz boost, this processor delivers strong single-thread performance for responsive launches and snappy application loading, keeping you productive and entertained without waiting on your system.
• Efficient 7 nm technology and 65 W TDP: Built on a modern 7 nm process, the Ryzen 5 5500 emphasizes energy efficiency without sacrificing performance, helping maintain cooler operation in standard builds while delivering steady throughput during extended workloads.
• Large cache for snappy data access: Equipped with 16 MB of L3 cache and 3 MB of L2 cache, the processor minimizes data retrieval times, accelerates game logic, and enhances responsiveness in multitasking scenarios where cached data matters most.
• AM4 socket compatibility with no integrated graphics: Designed for AM4 motherboards, the Ryzen 5 5500 requires a discrete graphics card for visual output, making it ideal for users who want dedicated GPUs for gaming or professional workloads, while keeping the CPU footprint lean and cost-effective.

Technical Details of AMD Ryzen 5 5500

• Cores: 6
• Threads: 12
• Base Clock: 3.60 GHz
• Boost Clock: 4.20 GHz
• Cache: L3 16 MB; L2 3 MB
• Process Technology: 7 nm
• Socket: AM4
• Graphics: No integrated graphics
• Thermal Design Power (TDP): 65 W
• Instruction Set: 64-bit processing

How to install AMD Ryzen 5 5500

Installing the Ryzen 5 5500 on an AM4 motherboard is straightforward with care and proper preparation. Before you begin, ensure your motherboard BIOS supports Ryzen 5000-series processors and that you have a compatible cooler to manage the CPU’s thermal output. Gather a quality thermal paste (if your cooler doesn’t come with pre-applied paste) and verify your case has adequate clearance for your cooler height and RAM clearance. Follow these steps for a clean, reliable install:

• Power down your system, unplug all cables, and ground yourself to prevent static discharge.
• Open the motherboard’s CPU socket latch, rotate the lever to the release position, and prepare the AM4 socket for CPU seating.
• Align the Ryzen 5 5500 with the socket by matching the notches or the marked triangle on the CPU to the corresponding mark on the socket. Gently place the CPU into the socket without applying lateral pressure.
• Close the socket lever to secure the processor in place. If your cooler requires thermal paste, apply a small pea-sized amount to the CPU center and attach the cooler according to its mounting hardware, ensuring even contact with the heat spreader.
• Install memory modules and any add-in cards, reconnect power, and boot the system. Enter the BIOS to verify CPU recognition, enable XMP/DOCP profiles if desired, and check temperatures. Install or update drivers as needed to ensure full system stability.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Does the Ryzen 5 5500 have integrated graphics? A: No — this processor ships without integrated graphics, so you’ll need a discrete graphics card for video output.
• Q: What type of motherboard is compatible with this CPU? A: The Ryzen 5 5500 uses the AM4 socket, so it is compatible with many AM4 motherboards across chipsets that support Ryzen 5000-series processors. A BIOS update may be required on older boards.
• Q: Is this CPU suitable for gaming with a dedicated GPU? A: Yes. When paired with a capable discrete GPU, the Ryzen 5 5500 provides solid frame rates in many modern titles at 1080p and can handle lighter titles at higher resolutions with appropriate GPU support.
• Q: What is the recommended cooling solution? A: A standard air cooler or a compatible AIO cooler is suitable. Ensure your cooler can dissipate the 65 W TDP and avoid clearance issues with tall memory modules.
• Q: How much cache does it have? A: It includes 16 MB of L3 cache and 3 MB of L2 cache, which helps with data access speed and overall system responsiveness during multitasking and gaming.
• Q: What kind of performance can I expect for productivity tasks? A: With 6 cores and 12 threads, you’ll experience smooth workflow for web browsing, office suites, photo editing, and multi-application workloads, along with solid multitasking headroom and faster encoding/decoding compared to entry-level CPUs.