AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

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Performance Performance

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AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
Spending on the Ryzen 9 5950X only for gaming is pointless, but going with a core-heavy processor no longer hampers performance, so it is a viable option for gamers with deep pockets. Where this new 16-core processor really shines is for those who want to work and play, and right now there’s no better option for tackling both those tasks.
- As reviewed by TechSpot on Nov 2020
16
Cores
32
Threads
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
4.9 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket AM4
Socket
105 W
TDP
No iGPU
Graphics
$349
Price
Release date:Nov 5, 2020Price at Launch:$799
Cores:16Threads:32
Base Clock:3.4 GHzBoost Clock:4.9 GHz
Type:DesktopMultithreading:Yes
L2 Cache:8 MBL3 Cache:64 MB
Box Cooler:NoTDP:105 W
Socket:Socket AM4Memory Support:DDR4-3200
Codename:Vermeer (Zen 3)Process Size:7 nm
Integrated Graphics:NoNPU:No
PCIe Support:PCIe 4.0, 24 lanes
Best CPUs 2022
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AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
A newer model is available:
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X

Performance Benchmarks

All benchmark data reflects aggregated results from dozens of tests conducted in TechSpot’s labs and compiled from our full library of CPU reviews. Single-core productivity scores are based primarily on Cinebench and Adobe Photoshop workloads. Multi-core results draw from Cinebench, Blender, Corona Benchmark, 7-Zip, Adobe Premiere Pro, and shader compilation tests. CPU gaming benchmarks are all 1080p runs (explainer) as published on TechSpot.

Single-Core Productivity

Multi-Core Productivity

Gaming Performance

Price History

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X pricing

Last 6 months
Price Date
Current $349 Dec 15, 2025
Highest* $379 Dec 2, 2025
Lowest* $270 Jul 13, 2025
Average $313
* Prices are based on listings from Newegg and other major retailers over the past 12+ months.
TechSpot is supported by its audience. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Learn more here.

Reviews and Ratings

91

Average Score

Based on 18 reviews

9.6

User Score

Based on 4,919 reviews

Reviewers Liked

  • Excellent performance in a variety of workloads - multi-threaded productivity, lightly threaded tasks, and high refresh rate gaming
  • Strong gains from PBO and manual overclocking
  • PCIe 4.0 support
  • Decent thermals
  • Retains socket compatibility
  • Lots of 500 Series motherboards

Reviewers Didn't Like

  • Stock all-core clock speeds not improved versus Ryzen 9 3950X
  • Relatively higher MSRP than predecessor
  • No included stock cooler

Intel 5th-Gen Core vs. 10th-Gen Core Architecture Benchmarked: Obviously, being stuck on their 14nm process for what seems like an infinite amount of pluses, Intel's progress over the years has been slower than expected. In a way, it's impressive to see just how much they've been able to squeeze out of the 14nm...

By TechSpot on

Ryzen 5 5600X vs. Ryzen 7 5800X vs. Ryzen 9 5900X vs. 5950X: GPU Scaling Benchmark: Basically, it doesn't matter how fast your graphics card is, you can go right up to a GeForce RTX 3090 and you'll sacrifice nothing by using a Ryzen 5 5600X. This applies whether you're playing esports titles using competitive quality settings, like what we saw in Rainbow Six Siege, or the latest and greatest AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

By TechSpot on
90

Spending on the Ryzen 9 5950X only for gaming is pointless, but going with a core-heavy processor no longer hampers performance, so it is a viable option for gamers with deep pockets. Where this new 16-core processor really shines is for those who want to work and play, and right now there’s no better option for tackling both those tasks.

By TechSpot on
80

These days, you're not suffering for choice if you're shopping for a new desktop CPU. Far from it! And that's true whether you're buying a new processor you'll use for PC gaming, one packed with cores for speedy content creation or media crunching, or a...

By PC Mag on
100

Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows CentralWho it's forThose who want exceptional gaming performanceThose who require 32 threads worth of available computing powerThose who want killer single- and multi-core performanceThose who want an unlocked CPUWho it...

By windowscentral.com on
90

With the Ryzen 5000 series, it's fair to say that AMD has finally, and fully, eclipsed Intel's performance dominance in desktop PCs. AMD's flagship $799 Ryzen 9 5950X has landed in our labs, boasting 16 cores and 32 threads bristling with the potent new...

By Tom's Hardware on
95

AMD's Ryzen 9 5950X is a niche part for those needing huge performance for multicore workloads, and boy does it deliver!

By TweakTown on
90

At $800, AMD is trying to establish a premium price point for mainstream processors that offer HEDT-like performance in many tasks. You're having to fork out the extra $500 for the cheapest Threadripper only if you have seriously memory-intensive apps which scale to the Nth core, or could use the added PCIe I/O of the Threadripper platform. The Ryzen 9 5950X is AMD Athlon 64 FX history repeating itself, and Intel looking just as helpless as it did before the first Core 2 Duo.

By TechPowerUp on
90

If your day consists of looking at software saying “compiling”, “rendering” or “processing” then the 5950X is what you want. For content creation, it’s the fastest consumer chip for the job right now and a solid investment to speed up your workflow.

By eTeknix on
90

Both of these models are stunning CPUs, and a big announcement from AMD that they're not just catching up with or shoulder to shoulder with Intel, but disappearing over the horizon into the sunset. On which metaphorical bookend we'll stop rambling and let you check your local retailer for stock.

By OC3D on
95

However, if you need a few more cores for that demanding workload of yours, slap a good LCS on this proc, and your eyebrows will ryze alongside the smile on your face that'll last for days—well done, AMD, well done.

By The Guru of 3D on
90

The Zen 3 Ryzen 9 5950X takes the mainstream flagship status away from its Zen 2 3950X predecessor. In doing so, it offers a new tier of performance in a variety of scenarios to buyers with £750 to spend on a processor. The Ryzen 9 5950X truly is a fantastic product.

By KitGuru on
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