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AMD Ryzen 5 5600X vs AMD Ryzen 7 7700

Buy the Ryzen 7 7700 if you are building a new machine or want more cores and a newer platform; buy the Ryzen 5 5600X if you already own an AM4 board and want a cheap, proven six-core. The 7700 is the stronger chip for gaming and multitasking, but it needs a different socket than the AM4 listing suggests, so check your motherboard first. Prices vary by store, so compare the latest figures on this page before deciding.

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AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-Core 3.7 GHz Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-Core 3.7 GHz Processor

4.8(4,100 ratings)
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Choose the Ryzen 5 5600X if you have an existing AM4 motherboard and want a low-cost, low-power six-core that handles gaming and everyday work well.

Pros
  • Six fast cores handle gaming and office work
  • 65 W TDP runs cool and quiet
  • Drops into existing AM4 boards with a BIOS update
  • Cheaper chip and cheaper DDR4 memory
  • Large, well-documented owner base
Cons
  • Only six cores, weaker in heavy multitasking
  • AM4 is a dead-end socket
  • Needs DDR4, which you cannot carry to AM5
  • Older architecture with lower per-core gains than Zen 4
AMD
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 8-Core 3.8 GHz Processor

AMD Ryzen 7 7700

AMD Ryzen 7 7700 8-Core 3.8 GHz Processor

4.6(228 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the Ryzen 7 7700 if you are building fresh and want eight cores, higher clocks and a newer platform with more upgrade room.

Pros
  • Eight cores and sixteen threads for heavier workloads
  • Higher clocks and newer Zen 4 architecture
  • AM5 platform has a longer upgrade path
  • Unlocked for overclocking
  • 65 W TDP keeps power draw modest
Cons
  • Requires an AM5 board, not AM4
  • Requires DDR5 memory, which costs more
  • Higher total build cost than the 5600X
  • Fewer owner ratings so far

What separates them

AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAMD Ryzen 7 7700
Cores and threads6 cores, 12 threads8 cores, 16 threads
Base clock3.7 GHz3.8 GHz
SocketAM4AM5 in reality, despite the AM4 listing
Memory supportDDR4 onlyDDR5 only
TDP65 W65 W
OverclockingYes, unlockedYes, unlocked
Platform ageLaunched November 2020, end of AM4 upgradesNewer AM5 platform with a longer upgrade path
PriceUsually the cheaper of the twoCosts more, plus DDR5 and a new board

Price history

  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: lowest $168.31 on Nov 3 at Amazon.
  • AMD Ryzen 7 7700: lowest $176.37 on Nov 3 at Grooves-Inc.com.

Prices at every store

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

  • AVADirect Custom ComputersCheck price at AVADirect Custom Computers
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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Prices and history →

AMD Ryzen 7 7700

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • CompgiantCheck price at Compgiant
  • ctspoint.comCheck price at ctspoint.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecAMD Ryzen 5 5600XAMD Ryzen 7 7700
Socket TypeSocket AM4Socket AM4
Number Of Cores6-core8-core
Supports OverclockingYesYes
Clock Speed3.7 GHz3.8 GHz
Cache Memory32 MB cache memory32 MB cache memory
TDP65 watts—
Release DateNovember 2020—

What reviewers say

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

  • 4.8 / 54,100 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from about 4,100 ratings, owners consistently call the 5600X a fast, cool-running gaming chip and a straightforward upgrade for older AM4 builds. Complaints center on the missing stock cooler and the platform's age.

What people mention
  • Gaming performancePraisedOwners say it keeps up with mid-range GPUs at 1080p and 1440p without bottlenecking.
  • Thermals and powerPraisedThe 65 W TDP means it stays cool and quiet even on a basic air cooler.
  • Cooler in boxCriticisedBuyers note many retail versions ship without a cooler, adding cost to a build.
  • Upgrade pathMixedIt is an easy AM4 drop-in, but the socket is end-of-life with no future CPUs.

AMD Ryzen 7 7700

  • 4.6 / 5228 ratings

Owners rate it highly for easy setup, low temperatures and solid gaming and productivity performance. Most criticism centers on platform cost and the modest step up from older AM4 chips.

What people mention
  • TemperaturePraisedOwners say it stays cool under load, even with modest air coolers.
  • NoisePraisedThe 65W power limit keeps fan noise low in normal use.
  • PerformancePraisedBuyers report smooth gaming and fast rendering and encoding.
  • Platform costCriticisedReviewers note that AM5 motherboards and DDR5 memory raise the build price.

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming?
The Ryzen 7 7700 is faster in most games thanks to its newer architecture and higher clocks. The 5600X still plays modern titles well at 1080p and 1440p.
Can I put the 7700 in my AM4 motherboard?
No. The 7700 uses the AM5 socket and DDR5 memory. The AM4 socket listed for it is wrong, so confirm the board before buying.
Is the 7700 worth the extra money?
If you are building new, yes: you get two more cores and a platform you can upgrade later. If you already own an AM4 board, the 5600X saves you a board and memory purchase.
Which runs cooler?
Both are rated at 65 W TDP, so cooling needs are similar. The 7700 can draw more under sustained all-core loads.
Which lasts longer before needing an upgrade?
The 7700, because AM5 boards will take future CPUs. The 5600X sits on AM4, which has no further upgrade path.
Do both support overclocking?
Yes, both are unlocked. Gains are modest on each, and a good cooler matters more than the multiplier.

More comparisons

  • AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-Core 3.7 GHz Processor
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  • Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus vs AMD Ryzen 7 7700 8-Core 3.8 GHz Processor