Is the Ryzen 9 5900X worth it over the Ryzen 7 5800X?

Yes if you do video editing, 3D work or heavy multitasking. The 5800X is close in games but has four fewer cores for productivity.

Does it work with my existing AM4 motherboard?

Most AM4 boards support it, but older ones need a BIOS update first. Check your board maker's CPU support list before installing.

Do I need a graphics card with it?

Yes. The 5900X has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required for display output.

What cooler does it need?

A strong air cooler or a 240mm or larger liquid cooler is sensible. It runs warmer than six-core Ryzen chips under sustained load.

How does it compare with Intel's 12th-gen CPUs?

Intel's 12th-gen chips lead in some single-thread tasks, while the 5900X is competitive in multi-core work and fits existing AM4 builds.

The processor only. AMD does not include a cooler with the 5900X, so plan for one separately.

Where is the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X cheapest?

At Walmart, for $689.95, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 33 ratings.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

Best price now

$689.95at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

Best price now

$689.95at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $689.95 at Walmart on Nov 10.

Our take on the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

The Ryzen 9 5900X is a 12-core, 24-thread desktop CPU on AMD's Zen 3 architecture for socket AM4. It boosts up to 4.8 GHz and carries 70MB of combined cache, which keeps games and heavy multitasking smooth. It suits builders who want strong gaming and content-creation performance without moving to a new platform. Against the 5800X it adds four cores for heavier workloads; against Intel's 12th-gen chips it gives up some single-thread speed but runs cooler and drops into older AM4 boards.

Best forGamers building or upgrading an AM4 systemVideo editors and 3D artists on a budgetMultitaskers running many apps at onceOwners of older Ryzen boards wanting more cores

Pros

12 cores and 24 threads handle heavy multitasking
Up to 4.8 GHz boost keeps games fast
70MB cache reduces memory stalls
Runs on existing AM4 motherboards
Efficient power draw for its core count

Cons

No integrated graphics, so a GPU is required
Needs a BIOS update on older AM4 boards
Runs warmer than the 5600X under full load
Newer platforms offer faster memory and PCIe

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by ElectronicsClubReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$689.95Free shippingChecked Nov 10
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What reviewers say

4.4 / 533 ratings

Owners rate it highly for gaming and productivity, calling it a big step up from older Ryzen chips. Complaints center on heat and the need for a good cooler and current BIOS.

What people mention

PerformancePraisedOwners say it handles gaming and heavy multitasking without slowdowns.
HeatCriticisedReviewers note it runs warm under full load and needs a strong cooler.
SetupMixedSome buyers had to update the motherboard BIOS before it would boot.
ValuePraisedBuyers call the multi-core performance strong for what it offers against rivals.
UpgradePraisedOwners describe it as a clear step up from older Ryzen processors.

About the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is a desktop processor with 12 cores and 24 threads. It has 70MB of cache and reaches a maximum boost clock of up to 4.8 GHz.

Brand: AMD
Model: Ryzen 9 5900X
Type: Desktop processor
Cores: 12 cores, 24 threads
Cache: 70MB
Max boost: Up to 4.8 GHz
Dimensions: 5.50" x 5.25" x 2.80"

Specifications

color: MulticolorSource
size: 5.50" x 5.25" x 2.80"Source

Questions and answers

Is the Ryzen 9 5900X worth it over the Ryzen 7 5800X?: Yes if you do video editing, 3D work or heavy multitasking. The 5800X is close in games but has four fewer cores for productivity.
Does it work with my existing AM4 motherboard?: Most AM4 boards support it, but older ones need a BIOS update first. Check your board maker's CPU support list before installing.
Do I need a graphics card with it?: Yes. The 5900X has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required for display output.
What cooler does it need?: A strong air cooler or a 240mm or larger liquid cooler is sensible. It runs warmer than six-core Ryzen chips under sustained load.
How does it compare with Intel's 12th-gen CPUs?: Intel's 12th-gen chips lead in some single-thread tasks, while the 5900X is competitive in multi-core work and fits existing AM4 builds.
What is in the box?: The processor only. AMD does not include a cooler with the 5900X, so plan for one separately.
Where is the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X cheapest?: At Walmart, for $689.95, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X?: Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 33 ratings.