When selecting a CPU for gaming, we have experienced that the most important characteristics are the single-core clock speed (or frequency), number of cores and threads, cache size, and type of memory it supports. Additional considerations like integrated graphics and overclocking needs may also influence your selection.
This article evaluates AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X desktop CPU. We evaluated AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X and compared it to others to determine which provides the best value as a gaming CPU. We shaped our testing methodology to focus on each CPU's attributes rather than solely on benchmarks.
This article helps you make an informed decision by comparing the CPU's attributes, such as the core types, core counts, frequencies, cache capacities, overclocking capabilities, PCIe support, and DDR support. We've examined these attributes for multiple CPUs to help you compare their abilities. By understanding these key factors, you can determine which CPU will best suit your needs and provide the performance you desire.
When selecting a CPU, it's essential to consider your specific needs and use case. For example, most gamers will want to prioritize high clock speeds and single-threaded performance. However, suppose we have additional video editing or rendering needs. In that case, we like to get a CPU with a high core count and multi-core boost frequency.
We investigated the capabilities of multiple AMD and Intel CPUs to compare them objectively. Your CPU selection will ultimately depend on your specific requirements, budget, and priorities. However, by examining the attributes of each CPU, we aim to provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision when choosing a gaming CPU.
Is the 5950X Good for Gaming?
Based on our evaluation of using AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPU for gaming, you can expect excellent game performance with a high-performance CPU cooler.
We created this performance assessment based on the following characteristics of the CPU and their relevance to the latest graphics-intense games:
- 64 MB of L3 cache is excellent for performance
- 16 cores allow for excellent performance
- 3.4 GHz base frequency
- 4.9 GHz single-core max boost frequency is excellent for performance (requires a high-end cooler)
- Max stock DDR4 speed of 3200 MHz can be good for performance
- Overclocking support can be excellent for performance (requires a high-end cooler)
- PCIe 4.0 support can be excellent for performance (with the fastest SSDs and GPUs)
Performance of the Ryzen 9 5950X
Cores
5950X: Based on our evaluation, the 5950X's 16 cores allow for excellent performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Learn more about Core Counts
below.
Base Frequency
5950X: The 5950X has a 3.4 GHz base frequency, which is the speed before boosting.
Learn more about CPU Clock Speeds below.
Single-Core Boost Frequency
5950X: Based on our evaluation, the 5950X's 4.9 GHz single-core max boost frequency is excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games. You can maintain these frequencies with a high-end cooler.
Learn more about CPU Clock Speeds below.
Overclocking Support
5950X: Based on our evaluation, the 5950X CPU's support for overclocking can be excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Learn more about Overclocking below.
DDR Support
5950X: Based on our evaluation, the 5950X CPU's support for DDR4 with a max stock speed of 3200 MHz can be good for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Learn more about DDR Support below.
PCIe
5950X: Based on our evaluation, the 5950X CPU's support for PCIe 4.0 can be excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games, when using the fastest SSDs and graphics cards.
L3 Cache
5950X: Based on our evaluation, the 5950X's impressive 64 MB of L3 cache is excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Learn more about Cache Sizes below.
Is the Cache Size of the 5950X Good for Gaming?
A CPU's cache is a small amount of memory, close to the CPU cores, containing recently used data.
Games performance can improve as cache size increases, as it will reduce delays when retrieving commonly used game assets from memory.
An L3 cache capacity of at least 20 MB is ideal for game performance.
The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X has an L3 cache capacity of 64 MB.
Based on our evaluation, the 5950X's impressive 64 MB of L3 cache is excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Is the Core Count of the 5950X Good for Gaming?
Increased core counts can improve the performance of games that use them, but most modern games don't benefit from having more than 6–8 cores. We've experienced the best performance by prioritizing a higher single-core boost frequency, then on a higher multi-core boost frequency, rather than focusing on core count alone. Remember that cache sizes often increase along with core counts, so if you want to increase your L3 cache, you may need to get a CPU with more cores.
AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPUs have 16 cores.
Based on our evaluation, the 5950X's 16 cores allow for excellent performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Is the Clock Speed of the 5950X Good for Gaming?
We've experienced that single-core performance is essential for some games, as many don't take full advantage of multiple cores.
Boost frequencies are only achieved under ideal circumstances. The safest strategy for consistent gaming performance with a basic cooler is to get a higher base clock speed processor. However, with adequate cooling, you may be able to maintain speeds near the max boost frequency.
Based on our evaluation, the 5950X CPU's support for overclocking can be excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
The processor has a 3.4 GHz base frequency and supports a 4.9 GHz single-core max boost frequency.
The 5950X has a 3.4 GHz base frequency, which is the speed before boosting.
Based on our evaluation, the 5950X's 4.9 GHz single-core max boost frequency is excellent for performance with the latest graphics-intense games. You can maintain these frequencies with a high-end cooler.
The 5950X does not have Performance cores.
Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X, for recommended coolers that can maintain these boost frequencies.
Is the DDR Support of the 5950X Good for Gaming?
Based on our evaluation, the 5950X CPU's support for DDR4 with a max stock speed of 3200 MHz can be good for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Faster PC memory can improve game performance and frame rates, but using the fastest RAM may not have as much of an impact as upgrading your CPU and graphics card or adding more RAM.
Learn more about DDR in DDR4 vs. DDR5? Which You Should Buy.
Learn about our recommended RAM for the 5950X in Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU.
Considerations for Choosing a CPU
Core Count
AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPUs have 16 cores.
We found that, in general, more cores do provide better performance in professional tools and when running multiple applications simultaneously.
Increased core counts can improve the performance of games and professional tools that use them. Most modern games don't benefit from having more than 6–8 cores. Even general apps can benefit from many cores when numerous applications are open simultaneously. Web browsers don't significantly take advantage of multiple cores when loading a single page. However, more CPU cores can improve performance when running demanding web apps in multiple windows.
CPU Clock Speeds
The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X has a 3.4 GHz base frequency and supports a 4.9 GHz single-core max boost frequency.
We've experienced that single-core performance is essential for some games, as many don't take full advantage of multiple cores. Similarly, we have experienced that professional tools depend on high single and multi-core boost frequencies to maximize their processing speed.
Boost frequencies are only achieved under ideal circumstances. However, with adequate cooling, you may be able to maintain speeds near the max boost frequency.
Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X, for recommended coolers that can maintain these boost frequencies on the 5950X.
Higher vs. Lower Base Frequencies
We've found that lower base clock speeds result in lower power consumption.
A CPU's base frequency refers to the clock speed at which its cores run under normal operating conditions. However, the actual clock speed of the CPU can vary depending on the workload and the system power state.
A lower base frequency can lead to better power savings overall since the clock speed decreases when the load is low, resulting in lower power consumption. However, a CPU may run slower than the base frequency to conserve power or reduce heat generation. For example, modern CPUs use technologies like Intel SpeedStep or AMD Cool'n'Quiet to dynamically adjust the CPU's clock speed based on the system's workload and power state.
A CPU with a lower base frequency may generate less heat under normal operating conditions, enabling it to boost some cores to higher frequencies while remaining within its thermal limits. This lower base frequency results in better performance than a CPU with a higher base frequency, which may not be able to sustain its boost frequency for long periods due to thermal throttling. However, this is mostly only relevant if your system's cooling solution can only partially dissipate the heat produced by all cores being fully boosted.
DDR Support
The 5950X CPU's fastest supported DDR memory type is DDR4, with a max stock speed of 3200 MHz.
You can exceed these stock speeds officially supported by CPUs when overclocking memory, such as with an XMP profile. Motherboard specifications will indicate their supported overclocked-memory speeds. To be able to overclock DDR memory, your motherboard chipset needs to support memory overclocking.
Faster PC memory can improve game and professional tool performance by reducing the time it takes to perform calculations and data operations.
We've experienced that using the quickest RAM may not have as much of an impact as upgrading your CPU and graphics card or adding more RAM.
Learn about our recommended RAM for the 5950X in Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU.
Cache Size
The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X has an L3 cache capacity of 64 MB.
A CPU's cache is a small amount of memory, close to the CPU cores, containing recently used data. An L3 cache capacity of at least 20 MB is ideal for games and professional tool performance.
Games and professional tool performance can improve as cache size increases, as it can reduce delays when retrieving commonly used assets from memory. While nearly any task will use a CPU's cache, our research indicates that a large cache becomes less impactful for general PC usage, such as browsing webpages.
Remember that cache sizes often increase with core counts, so if you want to increase your L3 cache, you may need to get a CPU with more cores.
Overclocking
The 5950X supports overclocking.
Overclocking is mainly relevant for PC gamers who want to maximize their game framerates. CPU overclocking increases frequencies past their default limits. Excellent heat dissipation via fans or another solution is required to maintain system stability while overclocking. While we felt a sense of excitement and anticipation when we pushed the limits of our CPU's performance, it's essential to remember that overclocking comes with the risk of damaging your system components or voiding warranties.
Professional tools can benefit from overclocked frequencies. However, overclocking may introduce some possibility of system instability, which may be less acceptable in business scenarios. We've found out the hard way that losing work due to system instability is a pain.
What Does the X Suffix in 5950X Mean?
| Processor Name Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| X | "X" means it is an extended frequency range CPU. These CPUs support higher frequencies than standard CPUs. |
The 5950X model name doesn't have a G suffix. Non-G CPUs do not contain integrated graphics, and a separate graphics card is required.
Where to Buy the Ryzen 9 5950X
Find the Ryzen 9 5950X on Amazon (affiliate link).
Find the Ryzen 9 5950X at Best Buy.
Find the Ryzen 9 5950X at Newegg.
Learn More About the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- Motherboard: Choosing the Best Motherboard for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X
- Chipset: Which Chipsets Work With AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPU?
- Cooler: Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X
- Power Supply: Choosing the Best Power Supply for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
- RAM: Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
- TDP: What Is the TDP of the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU?
- Gaming: Is the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU Good for Gaming?
Other Considerations When Building a PC
Want to brush up on other new technologies to consider when building a computer? Check out these articles:
- Cases:
- CPUs:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 5.0?
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 4.0?
- LGA 1700 CPU List
- LGA 1200 CPU List
- Look up an Intel or AMD CPU on TechReviewer for related recommendations:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- CPU Coolers:
- Storage:
- Memory:
- PCI-Express:
- Motherboards:
- Graphics Cards:
- Power Supplies:
- Keyboards:
- Monitors:
A Note From the Authors
Our team is composed of individuals who have a keen interest in technology and a passion for helping others. We strive to provide accurate and helpful information on various technology products and services to empower our readers to make informed decisions.
We understand that the technology industry is constantly evolving, and we strive to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. However, we recognize that there may be occasions when errors or inaccuracies slip through, despite our best efforts.
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