AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs 3600 for Gaming?

I'm looking into getting a new CPU for gaming. I've been comparing the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 and the Ryzen 5 3600, but I can't seem to make up my mind. Can anyone give me some advice on which one would be better for gaming?

I've used both of those CPUs before, and they're great for gaming. The performance difference isn't super noticeable in most games, so you might want to consider other factors like price or cooling.

Yeah, I agree with @redrose1148. I've had the Ryzen 5 3600 for a while now, and it's served me well. But if you're on a budget, the Ryzen 5 5500 could be a good option too.

I came across this TechReviewer article that might help with your decision. AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 It provides a detailed comparison of both CPUs, including their performance in gaming and other general apps.

Thanks for sharing that link, @no-love-lost. I'll definitely check it out. One thing I'm curious about is the single-core boost frequency. Does anyone know how important that is for gaming?

Single-core boost frequency is pretty crucial for gaming, especially in games that are more CPU-intensive. Higher frequencies can help maintain smooth frame rates and reduce stuttering.

That makes sense. I've noticed a difference when playing some of my favorite titles on my Ryzen 5 3600, particularly in older games or ones with complex physics.

So, it seems like both CPUs have great single-core boost frequencies (4.2 GHz), but the Ryzen 5 3600 has better PCIe support. Does that mean it would be better for pairing with a fast GPU?

Yes, exactly. The Ryzen 5 3600's better PCIe support can provide improved performance when using the fastest SSDs and graphics cards. So if you plan on upgrading your GPU in the future, the 3600 might be the better choice.

Good point. Another thing to consider is the L3 cache size. The Ryzen 5 3600 has a larger cache (32 MB) compared to the 5500 (16 MB). This could potentially improve performance in some applications, especially those that benefit from larger caches.

Thanks for all the input! Based on what you've said, I think I'll go with the Ryzen 5 3600. It seems like it would be a better fit for my gaming setup and future upgrades.

Great choice, @TheLordofTheSkeltals! The Ryzen 5 3600 has served me well, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too.

Agreed. Good luck with your new CPU!

Have fun gaming with your new setup!