Ryzen 5 1600

6 cores · 12 threads · up to 3.2 GHz on AM4.

4 · 473 votes

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Cores

Threads

Boost

3.2 GHz

L3 cache

16 MB

TDP

65W

Socket

AM4

Performance breakdown

Gaming7

Productivity7

Single-core7

Multi-core25

Power efficiency7

Lab scores

Performance score7

Cores6

Threads12

Boost clock (GHz)3.2 GHz

Estimated gaming FPS

Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.

1080p15 fps

1440p12 fps

4K8 fps

Full specifications

Processor & cores

Architecture: Summit Ridge
Process node: 14 nm
Socket: AM4
Release year: 2017
Total cores: 6
Threads: 12

Clocks & cache

Base clock: 3.2 GHz
Boost clock: 3.2 GHz
Multiplier: 32 (unlocked)
L1 cache: 576 KB
L2 cache: 3 MB
L3 cache: 16 MB

Memory & platform

Memory support: DDR4
Max capacity: 64 GB
Channels: 2
Max bandwidth: 42.671 GB/s
Base power (TDP): 65W
PCIe: PCIe 3.0
Launch price: $219

Technologies

Instruction sets: XFR, FMA3, SSE 4.2, AVX2, SMT
Extensions: AES-NI, AVX, AMD-V

Community Feedback

What Owners Say

Buyers love its incredible value and solid multi-core punch for the money. The main complaint is the noticeably slower single-core speed compared to later chips.

Pros

Great multi-tasking for its time
Runs cool without expensive cooling
Good value in used builds
Solid entry for budget gaming

Cons

Single-threaded performance feels dated now
No integrated graphics for troubleshooting
Stock cooler is barely adequate

Verdict

Our verdict on the Ryzen 5 1600

The AMD Ryzen 5 1600 is a solid six-core, twelve-thread CPU that made high core counts affordable for mainstream builders in 2017.

Get it if you need a cheap, six-core CPU for an old AM4 board and don't care about top speeds. Skip it if you want modern gaming performance or can stretch to a newer, faster Ryzen chip.