AMD Ryzen 5 9600X

The Zen 5-powered AMD Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X deliver large generational gaming improvements that exceed price-comparable Intel models. The processors also deliver class-leading single-threaded performance but still trail Intel in heavily threaded applications. Overall, Ryzen 9000 delivers impressive generational performance gains, but consume 40% less power than their predecessors, ultimately yielding a cooler, quieter and faster system.

The Ryzen 5 9600X, priced at a fair $279, is a more accessible entry into the Zen 5 architecture, offering modest performance improvements only. However, for those on a tighter budget, the older Zen 4 processors like the 7600X, currently priced at $229, might present a better value due to their adequate performance and significantly lower platform costs. Good to know is that the AM5 socket promises compatibility with future upgrades until at least 2027, providing a viable path for users planning to upgrade their systems later.

At this time it doesn't look like a cheaper Ryzen 5 9600 non-X is planned—there is not much flexibility left in TDP choices, or maybe they'll release it with 45 W TDP. An 8-core 45 W Ryzen 7 9700 non-X doesn't seem probable either, and it's probably going to be too expensive. While the upcoming Zen 5 X3D CPUs are expected to deliver exceptional gaming performance, I doubt that these will be anywhere close to $300, considering the 7800X3D sells for $370 right now. Maybe if AMD decided to release a 9600X3D, but that would go against their strategy to keep X3D at higher price points for better margins.

The first delivery in the current Zen 5 family is fast and cool, and a little cheaper than its predecessor. Nothing wrong with that but you might want to temper your expectations a little.

With much less power consumption and lower temperatures, the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X may be more conservative with its performance gain over its predecessor, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind – especially for first-time PC builders.

The AMD Zen 5 9600X is impressive but we know there is more to come so the best advice is to wait a while.

We must also consider that these are only 65 watt processors, whereas their predecessors had 105 watt TDPs. With that in mind, we’re eager to see what next week’s launch of the dual-CCD, 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X and flagship 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X 120 watt and 170 watt processors will bring. With double the number of cores, and double or triple the TDPs, overall performance could be quite interesting.

It's difficult to believe we're still calling the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X an entry-level processor as the specifications and performance show it's everything but. This is an incredible CPU for less than $300.

In a masterclass of performance-per-watt efficiency, AMD offers incredible single-core performance scores that beat its intended 14600K rival and even challenge the 14700K. However, generational multi-core bumps are so minor that anyone running Ryzen 7000 chips or Intel 13th to 14th Gen won't see any real benefits. The 9600X is for entry-level builders starting with AM5, whether upgrading from much older platforms or starting from scratch; and even then, in-house competitors like the 7700X and 7800X3D will be more tempting to some crowds.

Zen 5 is here, and the entry-level AMD Ryzen 5 9600X CPU is a winner. The architectural overhaul and improved efficiency deliver impressive single-core performance, so much so that gaming with the Ryzen 5 9600X is almost identical to gaming with the Ryzen 9 7950X.