When selecting a CPU for gaming, the most important characteristics are the 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.
In addition to discussing how good the 5950X is for gaming, this article will discuss our recommended:
Is the 5950X Good for Gaming?
When using AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPU for gaming, you can expect excellent game performance with a high-performance CPU cooler or good game performance with a basic or stock CPU cooler.
Check out our Recommended AM4 Coolers
below.
This performance assessment is 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)
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.
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. 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.
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?
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.
When using a high-end cooler, 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. You can reach these base frequencies even without a high-end cooler.
With a high-end cooler, 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.
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?
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 about our recommended RAM for the 5950X in Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU.
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.
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
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Cooling the 5950X
A CPU cooler's TDP (Thermal Design Power) rating indicates how much heat it can dissipate in watts. If the cooler can't keep your CPU cool enough, your CPU may throttle (slow down), and your cooler will constantly run at full speed.
AMD CPU specifications indicate this power dissipation number as "TDP."
The Ryzen 9 5950X has a TDP of 105 watts.
A CPU cooler can still work with a lower TDP rating than the TDP of a CPU. However, the CPU will eventually throttle itself to a lower frequency to allow itself to cool.
The CPU may not achieve or maintain maximum boost speeds without adequate cooling.
Learn more in What is the Best Type of CPU cooler for a Gaming PC?
Motherboard Requirements for Ryzen 9 5950X Processors
For AMD's Zen 3-based Ryzen 9 5950X processor, you'll need a motherboard with an AM4 socket and a compatible chipset.
Motherboards for AMD processors are made with chipsets provided by AMD. Each chipset offers a unique set of capabilities. However, motherboards must explicitly support features and capabilities for you to use them. Verify that a motherboard supports the features and capabilities you desire.
Ryzen 5000-series CPUs, which includes the Ryzen 9 5950X, are compatible with all 400 and 500-series consumer chipsets. Supported chipsets include the X570, B550, A520, X470, and B450.
To use Ryzen 5000-series CPUs with the 400-series chipsets, you'll need an updated BIOS. You either need to purchase one with an updated BIOS, perform the update with an older supported CPU installed, or use the USB BIOS Flashback feature (if available).
Products that ship with a compatible BIOS are typically marked as "Ready" for Zen 3 / Ryzen 5000 series / 4th Gen processors.
The older X370, B350, and A320 300-series chipsets are generally not compatible, out of the box, with Ryzen 5000-series CPUs. However, these 300-series chipsets may be supported by some motherboard manufacturers, when using a specific compatible BIOS.
The X570 is our recommended chipset for the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU, as it provides the most functionality and full support for PCIe 4.0. The Ryzen 9 5950X CPU also supports PCIe 4.0.
Only the X570 chipset provides PCIe 4.0 lanes via the chipset.
When using motherboards with the B550 chipset, you still have PCIe 4.0 lanes from the CPU for PCI-Express slots; however, all PCIe or M.2 slots connected via these chipsets will run at PCIe 3.0 speeds.
For a detailed comparison of these chipsets and PCIe speeds, check out my article Which Chipsets Work With AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPU?.
- Find Zen 3 X570 Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
- Find Zen 3 B550 Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
- Find Zen 3 A520 Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
Recommended Motherboards for the Ryzen 9 5950X
Best Value Motherboard
- Our recommended value motherboard to pair with the Ryzen 9 5950X:
ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
- High-quality components
- PCIe 4.0 support
- One Gb Ethernet port is faster than most Internet speeds
- Two NVMe M.2 slots both run at PCIe 4.0 speeds
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi provides the convenience of connecting to a Wi-Fi router
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 offers 10 Gbps USB speeds
- Check the latest price of the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) Motherboard on Amazon (affiliate link).
Best Feature Motherboard
- Our recommended feature-rich motherboard to pair with the Ryzen 9 5950X:
MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
- PCIe 4.0 support
- One 2.5 Gb Ethernet port is faster than most Internet speeds, with room to spare for file transfers
- Two NVMe M.2 slots both run at PCIe 4.0 speeds
- Wi-Fi 6 provides great Wi-Fi speeds (not Wi-Fi 6E, but still really good)
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 offers 10 Gbps USB speeds
- Check the latest price of the MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard on Amazon (affiliate link).
Recommended AM4 Coolers
Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X, for more info about how to choose the best CPU cooler.
The boxed version of the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU does not come with a CPU cooler, so you'll need to purchase one separately.
Best All-in-One Liquid Cooler
- Check the latest price of the CORSAIR iCUE H150i ELITE LCD on Amazon (affiliate link).
- This cooler is designed to fit Intel and AMD sockets, including the following models: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2066 and AMD AM5, AM4, sTRX4, sTR4 (Intel LGA 1700 is supported with CW-8960091 or CW-8960093 kits).
- 350-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).
- It provides powerful low-noise cooling and RGB lighting with a customizable LCD display which can display your CPU temperature or other graphics.
- It has 120mm CORSAIR ML RGB ELITE magnetic levitation fans for great CPU cooling performance.
- Make sure your computer case dimensions support this, as it will take up a decent amount of space!
CORSAIR iCUE H150i ELITE LCD Liquid CPU Cooler Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Runner-Up All-in-One Liquid Cooler
- Check the latest price of the Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID 360 ARGB Sync on Amazon (affiliate link).
- TOUGHLIQUID Series is designed to fit Intel and AMD sockets, including the following models: Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-v3, 2066 and AMD AM5, AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2, FM1.
- We estimate that this supports roughly a 250-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).
- This Liquid cooler supports 5V RGB compatible motherboards.
- Equipped with TOUGHFAN 12 2000RPM and supports ARGB lighting on the waterblock.
- Make sure your computer case dimensions support this, as it will take up a decent amount of space. There is a smaller version available, if needed.
Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID Liquid CPU Cooler Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Best Dual-Fan Air CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15
- Dual 140 mm fans provide 220-watt TDP (183 NSPR) of cooling capability.
- Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2011, 2066 and AMD AM4, AM3, AM3+, AM2, AM2+, FM2, FM2+.
- Quiet operation at 24.6 dBA.
Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Runner Up - Dual-Fan Air CPU Cooler: Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510
- This CPU cooler doesn't have any fancy LED lights, but the dual 120 mm fans do a great job of cooling AM4 CPUs.
- Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150 and AMD AM4, AM3, AM3+, AM2, AM2+, FM2, FM1.
- Suppose you think this cooler will take up too much space. In that case, Thermaltake has a few single-fan TOUGHAIR variants which use different orientations.
- This CPU cooler has a 2000 RPM max speed for optimal cooling.
- 180-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).
Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510 Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Our Recommended RAM
Before purchasing memory, review your motherboard specification to verify which speeds are supported. For example, if a DDR4 motherboard stated that it supports "DDR4 3400(O.C.) / 3333(O.C.) / 3300(O.C.) / 3200 / 3000," that would mean that it could support DDR4-3400, DDR4-3333, and DDR4-3300 with memory overclocking, and DDR4-3200 and DDR4-3000 at stock speeds. Motherboard specifications also indicate the maximum capacity per stick of RAM (DIMM) and across all slots.
Best Stock-Speed RAM for 5950X: Corsair Vengeance LPX
For non-overclockers looking for a well-rounded performance upgrade to pair with their AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU, the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM (3200 MHz version) is an excellent option. This RAM comes in a 2-module kit with a 32 GB capacity, which is more than enough memory for intensive tasks like gaming, content creation, and video editing.
Find the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200 MHz on Amazon (affiliate link).
The Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM has a clock speed of 3200 MHz and a latency of 10 ns (16-20-20-38 timings), allowing it to provide quick and efficient performance. This DDR4 RAM balances speed and latency, making it ideal for users who want excellent performance at a reasonable price compared to newer DDR5 RAM. It is particularly suitable for demanding tasks that require speedy data processing.
The Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM is an excellent addition to any value gaming rig or workstation, especially when paired with the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU. The RAM consumes a modest voltage of 1.35 volts, making it energy-efficient. Additionally, the aluminum heatsinks provide superior thermal management while giving the modules a sleek and premium appearance, and they do not interfere with the CPU cooler. Moreover, the RAM is optimized for AMD DDR4 motherboards, ensuring a smooth and dependable experience for users who want the best performance from their AMD processors.
The only drawback of this RAM is that it is DDR4 instead of the newer and faster DDR5 RAM, but it is significantly less expensive than DDR5. However, the Ryzen 9 5950X only supports DDR4, so this 'drawback' is irrelevant for those who want or already have this CPU.
Read the full overview of the Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB DDR4-3200 RAM.
Best Overclocking RAM for 5950X: Corsair Vengeance LPX
The Corsair Vengeance LPX (3600 MHz version) DDR4 RAM is a highly dependable option for users seeking a balanced performance upgrade to pair with their AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU and those who want the ability to overclock their RAM to higher speeds. With a 32 GB capacity in a 2-module kit, this RAM offers sufficient memory for intensive tasks like gaming, content creation, and video editing.
Find the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3600 MHz on Amazon (affiliate link).
This RAM boasts a clock speed of 3600 MHz and a latency of 10 ns (18-22-22-42 timings), enabling the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM to deliver swift and efficient performance. This DDR4 RAM provides a solid balance between speed and latency, making it ideal for users who want excellent performance without breaking the bank compared to newer DDR5 RAM. It is well-suited for demanding tasks that necessitate speedy data processing.
The Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM is a valuable addition to any value gaming rig or workstation, perfectly complementing the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU. The modest voltage of 1.35 volts ensures that this RAM is energy-conscious and doesn't consume excessive power. The top-notch aluminum heatsinks offer superb thermal management and bestow the modules with a sleek and premium appearance while avoiding conflict with a CPU cooler. Furthermore, the optimization for AMD DDR4 motherboards guarantees a smooth and dependable experience for users seeking the best performance from their AMD processors.
The only downside to this RAM is that it's only DDR4 instead of the newer and faster DDR5 RAM, but it's much less expensive than DDR5. The Ryzen 9 5950X only supports DDR4, so the 'downside' is irrelevant for those who want or already have this CPU.
Read the full overview of the Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB DDR4-3600 RAM.
Learn More About the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- Which Chipsets Work With AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPU?
- Choosing the Best Power Supply for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
- Choosing the Best Motherboard for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X
- Is the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU Good for Gaming?
- Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU
- Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X
- What Is the TDP of the Ryzen 9 5950X CPU?
- How Many Cores Do AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPUs Have?
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: