If you‘re researching mid-range processors for a new desktop PC build or upgrade, AMD‘s 6-core Ryzen 5 3500X should be on your radar. Released back in 2019, this versatile little CPU remains a very solid option blending performance, efficiency and value.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 3500X‘s specs, architecture, real-world gaming benchmark results, ideal use cases, and pros and cons. My aim is to give you all the details to determine if it’s the right fit for your needs and budget. Let‘s dive in!
What is the AMD Ryzen 5 3500X?
The Ryzen 5 3500X is one of AMD’s Zen 2-based desktop processors sitting towards to lower end of the mid-range spectrum. With a $140 price tag, it promises better multi-threading than Intel’s Core i5 chips while gaming just as well.
Here are the key specs and features that define this CPU:
- 6 CPU cores, 12 threads – Excellent for multitasking
- Base clock speed of 3.6GHz – Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Max boost clock reaches 4.1GHz – Quickly ramps up for heavy workloads
- 32MB of total cache – More memory for faster access to frequently used data
- 65 watt TDP – Produces moderate heat even under full load
- Supports fast DDR4-3200 memory
- Leverages speedy PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Manufactured with advanced 7nm process – Improved efficiency and scaling
- AMD kept it unlocked – Opens doors for overclocking
I‘ll analyze how these specs translate into real-world performance shortly. But first, let‘s peek at what‘s new under the hood…
Architectural Improvements in Zen 2
The Ryzen 5 3500X represents AMD’s second generation Zen microarchitecture, codenamed Zen 2. This overhaul brought major improvements in clock speeds, core counts and power efficiency.
By shrinking from 12nm to an advanced 7nm transistor size, AMD was able to:
- Pack more cores into the same space
- Raise clock frequencies
- Reduce the amount of voltage (and therefore power draw) required per clock cycle
These enhancements directly boosted the 3500X’s processing muscle and energy efficiency over previous-gen Ryzen chips.
Head-to-Head Performance Benchmarks
Thanks to the Zen 2 makeover, the 6-core Ryzen 5 3500X outmuscles its predecessor (the Zen+ based Ryzen 5 2500X) in both single and multi-threaded duties. Here‘s a look at some benchmark results:
Analyzing the numbers, we see an average performance uplift of 15% going from 2500X to 3500X. Much of these gains come courtesy of the architectural improvements with Zen 2.
We can also pit the first-gen Zen product against its main Intel competitor – the 9th Gen Core i5-9400F:
Very impressive – while trading blows with the Intel chip in single threaded tests, the Ryzen ends up ~15% faster in heavy multi-threading thanks to its SMT support and two extra physical cores.
Now let’s examine how this pattern plays out running real games. Does the 3500X have what it takes to power smooth gaming?
Gaming Performance Breakdown
Today‘s complex game engines love CPU cores and threads. More of both allows the processor to capably handle game logic, physics, NPC AI and background tasks while freeing up resources for graphics rendering.
With its hex-core design the Ryzen 5 3500X fits this description. And its Zen 2 architecture gives much higher single thread throughput than earlier Ryzen generations struggled with. Combined, these attributes produce great gaming performance:
1080p gaming benchmarks (High settings):
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 82 fps
- Battlefield V – 143 fps
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 91 fps
- The Division 2 – 139 fps
- Far Cry New Dawn – 104 fps
- Hitman 2 – 96 fps
- Total War: Three Kingdoms – 120 fps
As you can see, the 3500X makes for an extremely capable 1080p gaming processor. It delivers well above 60 fps across many AAA titles, even surpassing 100+ fps in several games.
Now let‘s examine how it holds up when increasing resolution to 1440p while keeping graphical settings High/Ultra:
1440p gaming benchmarks (High settings)
- Assassin‘s Creed Odyssey – 79 fps
- Battlefield V – 125 fps
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 87 fps
- The Division 2 – 122 fps
- Far Cry New Dawn – 101 fps
- Hitman 2 – 96 fps
- Total War: Three Kingdoms – 86 fps
The results remain strong. Although fps metrics slide 10-15% from the 1080p runs, performance stays reliably above 60 fps throughout. This confirms the Ryzen 5 3500X still has enough muscle to drive smooth 1440p gameplay.
Clearly, AMD’s Zen 2 design sets this processor up nicely to handle modern games. Next let’s explore some ideal use case scenarios where the 3500X would fit especially well.
Good Fit For…
With its hex-core design and solid gaming speeds, the Ryzen 5 3500X works excellently for the following scenarios:
1080p gaming PC builds
- Pair with a higher-end GPU like RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6700 XT
- Enjoy buttery smooth 100+ fps on high settings for esports and AAA titles
- Won‘t leaving graphics card performance untapped
1440p gaming rigs
- Match with something like an RTX 3070 or RX 6800 XT
- Maintain 60+ fps for immersive gameplay on a high res display
- GPU remains focal point instead of CPU holding back fps
All-purpose desktops
- Provides nice balance of single and multi-core abilities
- Handle everyday multitasking, office work, content creation/consumption
- Great for families needing one shared machine
Budget productivity workstations
- Make your dollars stretch further without losing too much performance
- Works well for video editing, 3D modeling, software dev, other creative tasks
If you need strong multi-threading but aren‘t ready to splurge for a premium 8-core CPU, the 3500X hits a real sweet spot.
Now, despite looking like an excellent mainstream option on paper, the Ryzen 5 3500X isn‘t ideal for every scenario. Let‘s discuss why you may want to consider alternatives.
Reasons to Consider Other Options
The Ryzen 5 3500X brings a whole lot to like for $140. However, it does make certain sacrifices to hit that price point. Before rushing to buy, weigh the following factors:
Gaming not your focus? Intel CPUs offer instruct set advantages for applications like Adobe Premier Pro. The Core i5-10400 may serve you better, despite lower thread counts.
Need Thunderbolt 3 or Optane memory support? Sticking with an Intel platform remains your only path to these technologies.
Building tiny form factor or home theater PC? At 65 watts the 3500X releases quite a bit of heat when working hard. Lower power chips like the Ryzen 5 3600 or 5600G are much easier to cool inside compact cases.
Is overclocking in your plans? The Ryzen 5 3600 with its thicker copper core heat spreader operates more stably when manually pushing past stock speeds.
See what I mean? The Ryzen 5 3500X clearly makes trade-offs around gaming focus and peak overclocking potential to hit its affordable price tag. Figure out your priorities before locking in your purchase.
To Wrap It Up…Key Takeaways
After reviewing all the specs, benchmarks and real-world findings, I can comfortably recommend the Ryzen 5 3500X if the following apply:
You want:
- The best bang-for-buck 1080p gaming experience
- Solid 1440p gameplay at High quality in AAA titles
- Good enough productivity/workstation abilities without overspending
- A CPU that will provide a noticeable upgrade from previous gen Ryzen
You DON’T need:
- Every last fps for hyper-competitive 1080p esports gaming
- Support for niche technologies like Thunderbolt 3
- Maximum overclocking potential
For just $140, the Ryzen 5 3500X really proves itself an exceptional performer blending gaming prowess and multi-threaded abilities. If you‘re building a new mid-range AMD rig focused on gameplay, it belongs at the top of your consideration list.
Let me know if this helps summarize whether the 3500X fits your use case or not. I‘m happy to provide any other details that may help with your buying decision!
