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AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs AMD Ryzen 3 4100

Buy the Ryzen 5 5500 for a gaming or general-purpose desktop: six cores and twelve threads on Zen 3 handle modern titles and multitasking far better than the Ryzen 3 4100's four cores. The Ryzen 3 4100 only makes sense as a budget stopgap for light office work or older games. No prices were provided for either chip, so compare current store prices on this page before deciding.

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AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 5500

AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core Processor

4.8(3,700 ratings)
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Choose the Ryzen 5 5500 if you game, stream, or run several apps at once and want a chip that stays useful for years.

Pros
  • Six cores and twelve threads for gaming and multitasking
  • Zen 3 architecture with 16 MB L3 cache
  • Runs cool at 65 W on the bundled-class cooler
  • Unlocked for overclocking
  • Drops into most existing AM4 boards with a BIOS update
Cons
  • No integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required
  • PCIe 3.0 only, no PCIe 4.0
  • No ECC memory support
  • Needs a recent BIOS on older AM4 boards
AMD
AMD Ryzen 3 4100 Processor

AMD Ryzen 3 4100

AMD Ryzen 3 4100 Processor

4.7(87 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the Ryzen 3 4100 if your budget is tight and you only browse, do office work, or play older, lighter games.

Pros
  • Cheapest way into a modern AM4 quad-core
  • Slightly higher base clock at 3.8 GHz
  • 65 W TDP, easy to cool
  • Unlocked for overclocking
  • Fine for office work, media, and older games
Cons
  • Only 4 cores and 8 threads, weak in modern games
  • Just 4 MB L3 cache
  • Zen 2 cores, older and slower per clock
  • No integrated graphics
  • Limited headroom for streaming or heavy multitasking

What separates them

AMD Ryzen 5 5500AMD Ryzen 3 4100
Cores / threads6 cores, 12 threads4 cores, 8 threads
ArchitectureZen 3Zen 2 cores (listed as Zen 3/Zen 2)
Base / boost clock3.6 GHz / 4.2 GHz3.8 GHz / 4.0 GHz
L3 cache16 MB4 MB
PCIe supportPCIe 3.0 onlyPCIe 3.0 only
Integrated graphicsNoneNone
TDP65 W65 W
Socket / memoryAM4, DDR4-3200 dual channelAM4, DDR4-3200 dual channel

Price history

  • AMD Ryzen 5 5500: lowest $87.84 on Nov 3 at Amazon.
  • AMD Ryzen 3 4100: lowest $66.99 on Nov 3 at Techinn.com.

Prices at every store

AMD Ryzen 5 5500

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • AVADirect Custom ComputersCheck price at AVADirect Custom Computers
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
Prices and history →

AMD Ryzen 3 4100

  • ConnectionCheck price at Connection
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com

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Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecAMD Ryzen 5 5500AMD Ryzen 3 4100
Socket TypeAM4AM4
RAM TypeDDR4DDR4
Integrated GraphicsNoNo
ManufacturerAMDAMD
Clock Speed3.6 GHz3.8 GHz
Number Of Cores64
Boost Clock Speed4.2 GHz4 GHz
Number Of Threads128
Thermal Design Power (TDP)65 W65 W
Supports OverclockingYesYes
Memory TypeDDR4DDR4
Max Memory Capacity128 GB128GB
Show all 26 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAMD Ryzen 5 5500AMD Ryzen 3 4100
Memory Speed3200 MHz3200MHz
ECC SupportNoNo
Memory Channel SupportDual ChannelDual Channel
CPU ModelRyzen 5 5500Ryzen 3 4100
CPU SeriesRyzen 5Ryzen 3
CPU GenerationZen 3Zen 3 Core Architecture, Zen 2 Core Architecture
CPU For Use WithDesktopDesktop
CPU Release Date20222022-04-04
Integrated Graphics ModeliGPU removedDiscrete Graphics Card Required

What reviewers say

AMD Ryzen 5 5500

  • 4.8 / 53,700 ratings

Owners rate it highly as a value gaming CPU, praising its six cores and low power draw for the price. Some note the missing integrated graphics and the dated AM4 platform as trade-offs.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say six Zen 3 cores handle modern games and everyday work smoothly.
  • Power and heatPraisedThe 65 W TDP keeps temperatures and cooler noise low.
  • GraphicsCriticisedBuyers note there is no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required.
  • PlatformMixedAM4 compatibility is convenient for upgrades but limits future CPU options.

AMD Ryzen 3 4100

  • 4.7 / 587 ratings

Owners rate it highly as a cheap, cool-running chip for basic builds and older AM4 upgrades. Most criticism centers on its Zen 2 cores and the need for a separate graphics card.

What people mention
  • ValueMixedBuyers like the low price but note 6-core chips cost only a little more.
  • ArchitectureCriticisedOwners point out it uses Zen 2 cores, not the Zen 3 of other 4000-series chips.
  • GraphicsCriticisedWith no integrated graphics, a separate GPU is required.
  • ThermalsPraisedThe 65 W TDP keeps it cool and quiet on stock cooling.

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming?
The Ryzen 5 5500. Its six Zen 3 cores and 16 MB cache keep frame rates steadier in modern titles, while the Ryzen 3 4100's four cores and 4 MB cache bottleneck harder in CPU-heavy games.
Do either have integrated graphics?
No. Both need a discrete graphics card, so budget for a GPU in either build.
Will both work in my AM4 motherboard?
Both use AM4, but older boards may need a BIOS update first. Check your board's CPU support list before buying either chip.
Is the Ryzen 5 5500 worth the extra money?
For gaming and multitasking, yes. The extra two cores, twelve threads, and larger cache give it a clear lead. For basic office use, the Ryzen 3 4100 is enough.
Which runs cooler or uses less power?
They are equal on paper at 65 W TDP. Real power draw is similar, and both are easy to cool with a basic tower cooler.
Can I overclock either one?
Yes. Both are unlocked, though the gains are modest and the Ryzen 5 5500 remains the faster chip either way.

More comparisons

  • AMD Ryzen 5 3400G Processor vs AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core Processor
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3400G Processor vs AMD Ryzen 3 4100 Processor
  • SR33A - Intel 7th Generation Core i7-7700K Processor vs AMD Ryzen 3 4100 Processor
FSB Speed
3200 MHz
—
Suitable For GamingYes—
RAM Maximum Capacity—128GB
RAM Speed—3200MHz
RAM ECC Support—No