AMD CPUs Guide: Top 10 Best Ryzen Processors

You must have heard AMD at least once if you’ve been into computers or computing devices, especially processors. Maybe when buying a laptop or a PC. If you do not already, you can look at your laptop’s keyboard with a hard-to-remove AMD Ryzen sticker attached to it. Back then, with Intel’s dominance over the processors’ segment, the market was influenced by a monopoly. With time, AMD has clawed back to render tough competition to Intel on price and specifications toll, being favorable and powerful yet value-for-money processors. In this article, let us gain insights on AMD CPU guide to best Ryzen processor and consider some of the best AMD Ryzen CPU for gaming in the market currently. With this guide, you will also learn about AMD processors suffix meaning and AMD processor generation with the Ryzen series. Let’s get started!

AMD CPUs Guide: Top 10 Best Ryzen Processors

You will get to know about the best AMD Ryzen CPU list and what is the AMD processors suffix meaning further in this article. Keep reading to learn more about it in detail.

AMD Generation Zen History

Based on Zen Microarchitecture, AMD announced its first Zen-based processors in 2016. A year later, the company launched its first generation of processors based on Zen (14nm) technology.

• AMD 1^st Generation processors – Zen (14nm) launched in 2017
• AMD 2^nd Generation processors – Zen+ (12nm) launched in 2018
• AMD 3^rd Generation processors – Zen 2 (7nm) launched in 2019
• AMD 4^th Generation processors – Zen 3 (7nm) launched in 2020
• AMD 5^th Generation processors – Zen 4 (5nm) launched in 2022

AMD Hierarchy of Processors

With a similar model-naming scheme of Intel and AMD, they both follow the same fundamental to inform users on differentiating between their range of CPUs. AMD Ryzen series CPUs prominently comprise 3,5,7, and 9 number systems. In general, the higher the number, the higher the capabilities.

Let’s take a look at these AMD processor generations:

1. AMD Ryzen 3 Series Processors

The AMD Ryzen 3 series of processors is its third set of processors designed.

• These are entry-level budget-friendly series of CPUs for the desktop and mobile segments.
• In comparison to other generations of processors, these are quite low in power.
• Ryzen 3 CPUs are ideally great to handle low-end tasks like the office or student-level tasks like browsing the internet, creating presentations, spreadsheets, emails, watching content, and occasionally light gaming if there are integrated Vega graphics. But they’re not designed to manage intensive applications.
• These are Quad-core chipsets, i.e., 4 cores 4 threads, and 8 threads options.
• There was an uplift of 15% instruction-per-clock in these chipsets.
• This was the first CPU to offer PCI Express 4.0 (PCIe) connectivity.
• The first Ryzen 3 processor was AMD Ryzen 3 1200 released in 2017 with 4-core 4-threads, max boost up to 3.4GHz.

2. AMD Ryzen 5 Series Processors

The AMD Ryzen 5 series processors fill the spot between absolute low-end and high-performance centric CPUs, designed to compete against the Intel Core i5 processors.

• These are mid-range performances that balance price and performance.
• This series of processors is comparatively powerful and provide smoother performance.
• The CPUs can be used for general gaming and productivity tasks.
• These are Quad-core and Hexa-core chipsets, i.e., powered with 4-core to 6-core options.
• They are specifically designed to reduce overall power consumption while offering better clock speeds.
• Multitasking is better on these chipsets.
• The first AMD Ryzen 5 1400 was released also in 2017 with 4-core 8-threads and max clock speed up to 3.4GHz.

3. AMD Ryzen 7 Series Processors

The Ryzen 7 AMD processors generation brings a noticeable upgrade over all previous series of processors.

• These are high-performance yet energy-efficient processors.
• They are available in Quad-core, Hexa-core, and Octa-core options, i.e., 4-core, 6-core, and 8-core.
• These are designed to handle more intensive and demanding tasks and produce faster results.
• It works fine for image editing, and video editing and also streams 4K and HDR content.
• This series meets the demand of serious gamers. So, better multitasking as well as overall smooth gaming is what can be expected from these chipsets.
• They contain high TDP between 65 watts to 105 watts.
• The first 7 series processor was AMD Ryzen 7 1700 built with 8 core 16 threads and offered a clock speed of 3GHz to 3.6GHz.

Also Read: Acer Aspire 3 with Ryzen 7000 Series Processor Now in India

4. AMD Ryzen 9 Series Processors

The AMD CPU guide to best Ryzen processor is not possible without the AMD Ryzen 9 series processors. These are their flagship, top-of-the-line computing chipsets and the most powerful among all the Ryzen processors.

• These processors are currently built on the Zen 4 architecture with 4nm technology in direct competition with Intel Core i9 processors.
• They are built for enthusiasts and offer maximum performance
• Included graphics
• These are available in variables of 12-core and 16-core.
• These processors are built to handle the most intense workloads, gaming, photo, and video editing, and content creation.
• Greater multi-core performance

Keep reading to learn about AMD processors suffix meaning.

What is the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Series of Processors?

The roadmap to AMD CPU guide to best Ryzen processor leads to AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors in the Ryzen series giving a glance at how AMD outdid themselves provide some insane level of overpowered processors to the users who look for a beast in hardware.

• Currently, these chipsets are available only based on Zen 2 based Threadripper processors
• The max out TDP goes up to 280W
• Support the built 32 cores and 64 cores

List of AMD Ryzen Series of Processors

The products of AMD Ryzen chipsets are currently distributed in 4 AMD processor generations available under seven series: 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000. Let’s go through the different AMD Ryzen series of CPUs and APUs.

1. Ryzen 1000

The Ryzen 1000 series of processors were built on the first-generation Zen technology with no integrated graphics. The CPUs supported DDR4 – 2666 memory support and AMD’s SenseMI technology. Later in 2019, the processors under the 1000 series started to be manufactured using the Zen+ technology. A few examples of the 1000 series chipsets would include Ryzen 3 1200, Ryzen 5 1600X, Ryzen 7 1800X, etc.

2. Ryzen 2000

The Ryzen 2000 CPUs were designed on the 12nm Zen+ microarchitectural design in 2018. These CPUs supported DDR4 in dual channels. L1 cache was 96 KB while L2 was 512 KB. These CPUs support PCIe 3.0 lanes. With this series of chipsets, AMD also introduced the first two CPUs with the integrated graphics card and called them APUs. They were the Ryzen 3 2200G and Ryzen 5 2400G.

3. Ryzen 3000

With a huge leap in performance over the Ryzen 1000 and 2000 CPUs, this series was launched in 2019 featuring the Zen 2 architecture. The third generation of AMD chips had gains that were noticeably more over the Zen and Zen+ architecture and Intel’s 9^th generation chips. These were based on TSMC’s 7nm architecture.

• 15% instruction-per-clock uplift
• Reduced energy consumption
• Doubled L3 cache size
• 6, 8, 12, and 24 cores support
• DDR4-3200 memory
• L1 cache: 64 KB per core (32 KB data + 32 KB instructions)
• L3 cache: 512 KB per core
• First to support PCI Express 4.0
• 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 core processors
• Examples including CPUs and APUs: Ryzen 9 3900XT, Ryzen 3 3200U, Ryzen 7 3780H, etc.

4. Ryzen 4000

The 4000 series AMD processors were targeted toward budget-oriented users designed on TSMC 7nm fabrication. E.g., Ryzen 3 4300G, Ryzen 5 4600 HS etc

5. Ryzen 5000

Ryzen 5000 series CPUs launched in 2020 were based on Zen 3 microarchitecture using the same 7nm fabrication. They are wonderfully faster chips aiming to fulfill the demands of gamers and content creators as well.

• Precision Boost 2 raises the frequencies for the hike in performance, boosts clock speeds, and allows overclocking as well
• 6, 8, 12, and 16 cores support and a TDP of 65W to 105W.
• L1 cache: 64 KB per core (32 KB data + 32 KB instructions)
• L3 cache: 512 KB per core
• Examples: Ryzen 5 5500, Ryzen 7 5700GE, Ryzen 7 5800U, etc.

6. Ryzen 6000

The Ryzen 6000 series of processors based on Zen 3 (Zen 3+) architecture but on a 6nm fabrication was launched in 2022. It enabled the memory support of DDR5 and LPDDR5. E.g., Ryzen 5 6600U, Ryzen 7 6800H, Ryzen 9 6980HX

7. Ryzen 7000

AMD launched the Ryzen 7000 series of processors in 2022 based on Zen 4 architecture and 5nm fabrication. They can be counted among those looking for an AMD CPU guide to best Ryzen processor.

• 13% uplift in instructions-per-clock
• Clock speeds over 5Ghz
• Single-thread performance levels hike around 29%
• L2 cache per core doubled to 1 MB
• Integrated RDNA 2 GPU
• DDR5 memory support
• PCIe 5.0 support
• E.g., Ryzen 5 7600X, Ryzen 9 7950X3D, Ryzen 7 7730U, etc.

Now, let’s see what is the AMD processors suffix meaning in the next heading.

Also Read: What is the Difference Between Microprocessor and Microcontroller?

What are the AMD Processor Letter Designations (Suffix)?

AMD offers two types of processors – CPUs, and APUs. To clear our readers, APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) is nothing extraordinary but a term used by AMD to market their CPUs with integrated Radeon graphics. Before we dig more into the AMD CPU guide to best Ryzen processor, let us first get comfortably acquainted with their naming. The designations including AMD processors suffix with meaning include:

A. Naming Scheme in 2022 and Earlier

AMD names its processors in a conventional and general way of naming nearly similar to that of Intel. The Ryzen series nomenclature includes the brand name and tier in the first followed by the generation number, and the AMD processors suffix meaning to their capabilities. The model number is in 4 digits.

Let’s take an example to decode the exact meaning of a processor’s name: Ryzen 9 6980 HX

• The first part says Ryzen 9 which stands for the hierarchy in AMD’s categories of processors. AMD categorizes its processors into 4 standards: Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 9.
• The digit 6 indicates which generation the processor belongs to, i.e., in this case, it is the 6^th generation. That means these processors belong to the Ryzen 6000 series chip.
• The third digit 9 refers to the position where a chip stands in comparison to other processors of the same hierarchy and generation, i.e., the CPU performance level. For example, Ryzen 9 6980HX is more powerful than Ryzen 9 6920HX.

Performance Indicators are:

• The last two digits 80 are differentiators, which almost are 00 or a multiple of 5 or 10. This differentiates between the PRO lineup and the mainstream chipsets. The mainstream processors usually would have a 00 or 0 at the end while the pro versions are a multiple of 5. For example, in Ryzen 7 PRO 5875U, the last digit is 5 which means ultra-low power consumption.
• The letters at the end stand to denote the power class of the processors i.e., U means ultra-portable low power consumption processors while HX is high-performance set for high power requirements.

B. Naming Scheme after 2022

In 2022, AMD decided to bring modifications to its older naming scheme, which was complicated and confusing. As we learned through the article looking for AMD CPU guide to best Ryzen processor, it is not always a straight and subtle acceptance of a higher number denoting higher CPU performance, the name of a CPU includes and indicates a lot more. The new naming scheme started to be used in 2023 and applied across the launched 7000 series of CPUs.

Let’s take the example of the Ryzen 5 7640U.

1. The first digit describes the generation’s model year, i.e., 7 in 2023, for launches in 2024 it will be 8, 9 for 2025, and so on.

2. The second digit denotes the family of processors:

• 1 – Athlon Silver
• 2 – Athlon Gold
• 3 & 4 – Ryzen 3 family
• 5 & 6 – Ryzen 5 chips
• 7 & 8 – Ryzen 7 chips
• 8 & 9 – Ryzen 9 processors

3. The third digit represents the architecture used to design the chip. That being said:

• 1 – Zen 1 and Zen 1+
• 2 – Zen 2
• 3 – Zen 3, Zen 3+
• 4 – Zen 4
• 5 – Zen 5

4. The fourth digit differentiates between lower-end and upper-tier models of a given processor. As said by AMD, this is somewhat like 0 for low end and 5 for upper models.

5. The last letter will be the performance and power centric as mentioned in the old nomenclature scheme, the AMD processors suffix meaning explained earlier in this article.

Also Read: Fix AMD Catalyst Control Center Missing

Top 10 Best AMD Ryzen CPU Recommendations

While the gallery of AMD’s processors under different price and performance categories is enormous, we have listed some of the top-picked AMD Ryzen CPU for you. The list features the reliable processors we have chosen while moving forward in the AMD CPU guide to best Ryzen processor.

1. AMD Ryzen 3 3300X Desktop Processor

The Ryzen 3 3300X belongs to the AMD Ryzen 3 desktop processors product lineup. Overall specifications include:

• Cores and Threads: 4 cores 8 threads
• Base clock speed: 3.8GHz
• Max clock speed: 4.3GHz
• L1/L2/L3 cache: 256KB/2MB/16MB
• TDP: 65W
• Memory: DDR4
• Price: Not available

2. AMD Ryzen 5 5600 Desktop Processor

The Ryzen 5 5600 Desktop Processor is a pretty decent and powered enough processor for daily usage, multi-tasking and good gaming performance.

• Cores and Threads: 6 cores 12 threads
• Base clock speed: 3.5GHz
• Max clock speed: 4.2GHz
• Cache: 35MB
• TDP: 65W
• Memory: DDR4 3200MHz
• Price: US $139.79 / Rs. 15,499

3. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X Desktop Processors

If you are looking for AMD CPU for gaming, the Ryzen 5 7600X Desktop Processors are targeted towards gamers for powerful gameplay with framerates of over 100.

• Cores and Threads: 6 cores 12 threads
• Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
• Max clock speed: 5.3GHz
• L1/L2/L3 cache: 384KB/6MB/32MB
• TDP: 105W
• Memory: DDR5 5200MHz
• Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (2200 MHz frequency and 400 MHz GPU base)
• Price: US $242.67 / Rs. 25,970

Also Read: List of Tablet and Mobile Processors

4. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Gaming Processor

Just as the game suggests, this CPU is designed to amplify the gaming experience and functionality of users. If you are looking for an AMD Ryzen CPU for gaming, we would say you hold on for a while because as speculated, this AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D seems to be the best for its price in this segment. If you have experienced the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, just know this takes the capabilities one step further.

• Cores and Threads: 8 cores 16 threads
• Base clock speed: 4.2GHz
• Max clock speed: 5.0GHz
• L1/L2/L3 cache: 512KB/8MB/96MB
• TDP: 120W
• Memory: DDR5 5200MHz
• Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (2200 MHz frequency and 400 MHz GPU base)
• Price: Not available

5. AMD Ryzen 7 7700X Desktop Processors

If you cannot wait for the previously suggested gaming processor and need one right fast, don’t worry. We still got dynamite for you in form of Ryzen 7 7700X Desktop processors.

• Cores and Threads: 8 cores 16 threads
• Base clock speed: 4.5GHz
• Max clock speed: 5.4GHz (unlocked for overclocking)
• L1/L2/L3 cache: 512KB/8MB/32MB
• TDP: 105W
• Memory: DDR5 5200MHz
• Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (2200 MHz frequency and 400 MHz GPU base)
• Price: US $341.46 / Rs. 34,699

6. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X Desktop Processors

The capabilities of the Ryzen 9 are undoubtedly superior. The powerful engine SOCs can perform any given task in a phew, which makes this Ryzen 9 7950X Desktop processor targeted towards gamers and creators even in budget Best AMD Ryzen CPU for gaming.

• Cores and Threads: 16 cores 32 threads
• Base clock speed: 4.5GHz
• Max clock speed: 5.7GHz (unlocked for overclocking)
• L1/L2/L3 cache: 1MB/16MB/64MB
• TDP: 170W
• Memory: DDR5 5200MHz
• Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (2200 MHz frequency and 400 MHz GPU base)
• Price: US $588.92 / Rs.60,999

7. AMD Ryzen 9 7900X Desktop Processors

The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X Desktop processor is for you if you want an under US $500 Ryzen 9 gaming processor and definitely a dominant player in AMD CPU guide to best Ryzen processor.

• Cores and Threads: 12 cores 24 threads
• Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
• Max clock speed: 5.6GHz (unlocked for overclocking)
• L1/L2/L3 cache: 768KB/12MB/64MB
• TDP: 170W
• Memory: DDR5 5200MHz
• Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (2200 MHz frequency and 400 MHz GPU base)
• Price: U.S. $479.95 / Rs. 44,999

Also Read: How to Check Intel Processor Generation of Laptop

8. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Desktop Processors

This is a little budget-constrained yet extremely powerful high-class CPU AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Desktop Processors for demanding needs and usage.

• Cores and Threads: 12 cores 24 threads
• Base clock speed: 3.7GHz
• Max clock speed: 4.8GHz
• L2/L3 cache: 6MB/64MB
• TDP: 105W
• Memory: DDR4 3200MHz
• Price: U.S. $340.00 / Rs. 42,498

9. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X Processor

What can you even demand from a CPU when it is designed to just do it all with a yes? With the inevitable power, this is the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X processor.

• Cores and Threads: 32 cores 64 threads
• Base clock speed: 3.7GHz
• Max clock speed: 4.5GHz
• L1/L2/L3 cache: 2MB/16MB/128MB
• TDP: 280W
• CPU socket: sTRX4
• Memory: DDR4 3200MHz
• Price: U.S. $3300.00

10 AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X Processor

The absolutely power-packed AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X processor along with a few other specifications differs in the presence of Thermal Solution. This makes this even more of a giant.

• Cores and Threads: 64 cores 128 threads
• Base clock speed: 2.9GHz
• Max clock speed: 4.3GHz (unlocked for overclocking)
• L1/L2/L3 cache: 4MB/32MB/256MB
• TDP: 280W
• CPU socket: sTRX4
• Thermal solution: Cooler is not included. Liquid cooling recommended
• Memory: DDR4 3200MHz
• Price: U.S. $4999.99

Recommended:

• Fix Apex Legends Error 0x00000017 on PC
• 20 Best Music Making Apps for iPhone and iPad
• Fix AMD Radeon WattMan Crash on Windows 10
• Fix AMD Error Windows Cannot Find Bin64 –Installmanagerapp.exe

So, we hope you have understood this AMD CPU Guide to best Ryzen processor and AMD processors suffix meaning. You can let us know any queries or suggestions about any other topic you want us to make an article on. Drop them in the comments section below for us to know.