AMD · Ryzen

Ryzen 5 2600X

Released April 2018

A 6-core, 12-thread Zen+ desktop processor for AM4, with up to 4.2 GHz boost and an included Wraith Spire cooler.

Model history · 2 models, 2017–2018

2017Ryzen 5 1600X Compare
2018Ryzen 5 2600X

Cores: 6/12
Boost: 4.2 GHz
L3: 16 MB
Power: 95 W
Socket: AM4

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviewers liked the 2600X's combination of six cores, strong multithreaded performance and an included cooler. It improved on the original Ryzen generation without providing a compelling upgrade for existing 1600X owners. Intel's Core i5-8400 remained faster in CPU-limited games, while manual overclocking brought only small gains. The cheaper Ryzen 5 2600 was attractive to buyers willing to tune it themselves.

From pcgamesn.com and pcgamer.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 6
Threads: 12
Base clock: 3.6 GHz
Boost clock: 4.2 GHz
L3 cache: 16 MB
Cores: Zen+; Pinnacle Ridge; simultaneous multithreading
Clocks: Up to 4.2 GHz boost; Precision Boost 2 and XFR 2; unlocked for overclocking
Cache: L1 576 KB; L2 3 MB; L3 16 MB

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: No
Graphics: A separate graphics card is required

Platform

Socket: AM4
Base power: 95 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: Yes
Memory support: DDR4; 2 memory channels; up to 2933 MT/s
PCIe: PCIe 3.0 x16
Process: 12 nm FinFET CPU cores
Cooler: AMD Wraith Spire included; Tjmax 95°C

Pros and cons

Pros

AMD Wraith Spire cooler included
Six cores and twelve threads
Unlocked for overclocking

Cons

Requires a separate graphics card
95 W default TDP
No PCIe 4.0 support

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
IntelCore i5-9600K	6/6	4.6 GHz	9 MB	95 W	LGA1151	Oct 2018
IntelCore i5-8600K	6/6	4.3 GHz	9 MB	95 W	LGA1151	Oct 2017
IntelCore i7-8700K	6/12	4.7 GHz	12 MB	95 W	LGA1151	Oct 2017

Previous model: Ryzen 5 1600X. Newer model: Ryzen 5 3600X.

Sources

Photo: AMD official isolated second-generation Ryzen processor render, actually published on the exact ryzen 5 2600x maker page. Archived official original; shared family image without an individually marked SKU. Native alpha, original hardware/printed package details and soft-alpha physical shadow preserved.

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