AMD · Ryzen

Ryzen 9 5900X

Released November 2020

A twelve-core Zen 3 AM4 processor for gaming and heavily threaded desktop work.

Model history · 2 models, 2019–2020

2019Ryzen 9 3900X Compare
2020Ryzen 9 5900X

Cores: 12/24
Boost: 4.8 GHz
L3: 64 MB
Power: 105 W
Socket: AM4

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviews praise the jump in single-threaded performance and strong rendering and encoding results. Gaming performance is broadly competitive with Intel's contemporary flagship, although results vary by game. The launch price and separate cooling add cost, and twelve cores offer limited benefit for gaming alone.

From techradar.com and pcgamer.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 12
Threads: 24
Base clock: 3.7 GHz
Boost clock: 4.8 GHz
L3 cache: 64 MB
Cores: Zen 3; Vermeer. Two CPU chiplets with six active cores each (PC Gamer).
Clocks: Unlocked for overclocking; AMD's launch notice describes Precision Boost 2 and Precision Boost Overdrive.
Cache: 6 MB L2; Zen 3 unifies each eight-core complex around 32 MB of L3 cache, as described in AMD's launch notice.

Graphics and AI

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

Platform

Socket: AM4
Base power: 105 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: DDR4; up to 3200 MT/s.
PCIe: PCIe 4.0.
Chipsets: AMD's launch notice specifies 500-series motherboards with a BIOS update; check the motherboard CPU support list.
Process: TSMC 7nm FinFET CPU cores; separate 12nm I/O die (PC Gamer).
Cooler: No thermal solution included; AMD recommends liquid cooling for optimal performance. Maximum operating temperature 90°C.

Pros and cons

Pros

Twelve cores with simultaneous multithreading
64 MB of L3 cache
PCIe 4.0 support

Cons

Requires a separate graphics card
No cooler included
DDR4 rather than DDR5

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
AMDRyzen 9 3900XT	12/24	4.7 GHz	64 MB	105 W	AM4	Jul 2020
IntelCore i7-12700K	12/20	5 GHz	25 MB	125 W	LGA1700	Nov 2021
IntelCore i9-10900K	10/20	5.3 GHz	20 MB	125 W	LGA1200	May 2020

Previous model: Ryzen 9 3900X. Newer model: Ryzen 9 7900X.

Sources

Photo: AMD official Ryzen 9 5000-series retail package render published on the exact Ryzen 9 5900X product page. Shared family packaging, not an individually SKU-marked box. Reviewed exterior-alpha mask preserves original printed faces and processor window.

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