This processor is still the most recommended for your PC, for now: we tested the Ryzen 7 5800X

The Ryzen 7 5800X isn’t AMD’s cutting-edge processor, but it does make the most sense to buy right now, at least until the next generation arrives.

The personal computer sector has not been the same since AMD introduced the first generation of Ryzen. By focusing on including a greater number of cores, they were far superior in multitasking to Intel, which until then were the absolute reference.

On few occasions throughout history we have seen such a change in the sector. Intel was not prepared for that blow, and we have had to wait almost five years for an adequate response, with which it completely changes its architecture, promoting multitasking with cores of two different types.

But, is it necessary to return to Intel now? Depends. If you want to build or buy a computer right now, you may be better off opting for one of AMD’s most attractive options, the Ryzen 7 5800X.

This is the Ryzen 7 5800X

The Ryzen 7 5800X is not the most powerful model in the range; that honor goes to the Ryzen 9 5900X and especially the Ryzen 9 5950X. But it is the most reasonable purchase, since the two models that surpass it are much more expensive and difficult to obtain; Within the Ryzen 5000 range, the 5800X sits right in the middle, above the 5600X, but is far superior in every respect.

Like the rest of the range, the Ryzen 7 5800X is based on the Zen 3 architecture, which has also been so successful in laptops and consoles. The key is in the new core design; For context, Zen 2 used the same kernels as Zen 1, and that’s why in that generation the improvements came in other aspects. The new kernels boast improvements in bandwidth, new technologies, and hardware acceleration support for more codecs and payload types; all this, with a 7nm manufacturing process to maintain adequate energy efficiency for the times.

This 5800X uses 8 of those new high-performance cores, which translates into no less than 16 threads usable by the operating system. Again, not the best, considering that the 5950X has 16 cores and 32 threads, but it’s what we need today for maximum performance in multitasking and multi-threaded applications. Another important aspect is that the cache memory is only 32 MB, compared to 64 MB for its ‘older brothers’. The base frequency is 3800 MHz while the turbo frequency is 4700 MHz.

Performance to match

With these figures, we can expect a more than acceptable performance, and our tests have confirmed it, both in synthetic and real tests. As for the former, Cinebench 20 topped 600 points on single core and 5900 points on multicore with ease in multiple passes, while Geekbench 5 topped 1600 points.

It’s just the performance I was hoping for, and I’m glad to see this model lives up to expectations. As it also fulfilled them in real tests, in video encoding, and using demanding programs such as image editors. One detail to keep in mind is that this processor behaves better the more RAM we have and, especially, the faster it is. In my tests I used the DDR4-3200 at its maximum possible frequency while maintaining system stability, but it seemed that the processor ‘asked for more’.

In video games, the experience was just as good, with notable improvements in performance; however, this will largely depend on the graphics engine used, as many titles rely almost exclusively on the GPU and hardly push the CPU. Therefore, if you are going to build a gaming computer, this Ryzen 7 5800X is more recommended than the more expensive models with more cores: most games will not take advantage of all those additional threads and you will get the same performance by spending less.

Upgrading is cheap, with a few ‘buts’

Speaking of spending, one of the most notable advantages of the Ryzen 5000 range is that it uses the same AM4 socket that has been used since the first generation; and above all, it is compatible with 500 range motherboards (and some of the 400 range). So it is perfectly possible to reuse your motherboard.

That was my case, since for the tests I used a motherboard with X570 chipset, released three years ago, and I didn’t have any kind of problem; cheaper B550 motherboards are also supported. The only thing we need to make sure of is updating the motherboard BIOS to the latest version to get support for the latest processors. That makes the Ryzen 7 5800 X a great CPU to upgrade to if you’ve already bought, say, a Ryzen 3000 back in the day.

However, there are some ‘buts’. The TDP of the Ryzen 7 5800X has a TDP of 105 W, which means two things. First, that you will need a powerful power supply, especially if you are going to use it with a mid-range or high-end graphics card; in my case, a 650 W source was enough.

The second thing to note is that AMD does not include a cooler with the Ryzen 7 5800X, so we have no choice but to find one ourselves. The good news is that by continuing to use the AM4 socket, that won’t be difficult; it is advisable to spend a little more on a superior solution, or even use it as an ‘excuse’ to make the leap to liquid cooling.

It is still a reference

All in all, the Ryzen 7 5800X is an option that offers us the power we need, with a price that does not reach very high values: it is perfectly possible to find it for less than 400 euros in many stores. In , for example, it is available for 370 euros, while in it is available for 355 euros.

The most obvious alternative is among the new 12th generation Intel Core; in terms of power and price, the i7-12700 should come closest, but it’s too early to have a clear reference. Everything indicates that it should have a similar performance, but the question remains as to how the architecture that mixes two different types of cores will behave; In addition, we will need a new motherboard yes or yes for the new LGA1700 socket, and possibly another cooling system if the one we have is not adapted.

Therefore, it is too early to retire the Ryzen 5000, although we predict that this will change throughout 2021. It is not only that the new Intel will have time to establish itself as an alternative, but that AMD itself is preparing a new generation, the Ryzen 6000, in addition to the new one, the first with a three-dimensional structure that is predicted to be the most powerful processor for video games.