AMD Ryzen 5 3500 Price, Specs and Features

AMD launched the Ryzen 5 3500, a mid-range desktop processor, targeting users looking for a harmonized performance and price. Launching in the Ryzen 3000 family of processors uses the Zen+ architecture built on a 12nm process node. With 6 cores and 6 threads, the AMD Ryzen 5 3500 inspects strong multi-core performance-making it capable for general computing usage, light multitasking, and mid-level gaming applications.

What makes the other Ryzen 5 different from the 3500 is that the 3500 does not come with Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT), meaning the processor does not support hyper-threading and does just one thread per core. Nevertheless, it makes up for that with a consistently high base clock of 3.6 GHz and a maximum boost clock of 4.1 GHz, allowing it to perform most normal tasks and gaming. Equipped with a 16MB L3 cache and a TDP of 65W, the Ryzen 5 3500 is a power-saving component delivering an unusually high performance vs power-consumption relationship.

Since the Ryzen 5 3500 does not incorporate the integrated graphical capabilities, it is aimed at the intermediate user intending to couple it with a dedicated GPU for gaming or graphical designing. It’s an AM4-socket processor so that custom PC builders would not miss an opportunity with such a processor if looking for a balance of price versus performance.

As such, the AMD Ryzen 5 3500 is a versatile processor-for users who can afford to dispense with the extra cores offered by higher-end options yet want a solid gaming and productivity performance capability.

AMD Ryzen 5 3500 Specs

AMD Ryzen 5 3500

Physical overview of the AMD Ryzen 5 3500 processor

FeatureDescription
Package TypeAM4 Socket (Pin Grid Array – PGA)
Processor DimensionsApprox. 40mm x 40mm
Pins1331 pins arranged in a grid pattern
Top SurfaceFeatures Ryzen branding and identification marks
Socket CompatibilityCompatible with AM4 motherboards (B350, B450, X370, X470)
Thermal InterfacePre-applied thermal paste or needs to be applied separately
WeightVery light, typically a few grams
Heat SpreaderMetal plate for heat dissipation
ColorDark metallic color with Ryzen logo

Processor

Market:Desktop
Production Status:Active
Release Date:Sep 24th, 2019

Performance

Frequency:3.6 GHz
Turbo Clock:up to 4.1 GHz
Base Clock:100 MHz
Multiplier:36.0x
Multiplier Unlocked:Yes
TDP:65 W
PPT:88 W
FP32:1,180.8 GFLOPS

Architecture

Codename:Matisse
Generation:Ryzen 5
(Zen 2 (Matisse))
Memory Support:DDR4
Rated Speed:3200 MT/s
Memory Bus:Dual-channel
ECC Memory:No
PCI-Express:Gen 4, 24 Lanes
(CPU only)
Chipsets:A300, X300, A320, B350, X370, B450, X470, A520, B550, X570

Cache

Cache L1:64 KB (per core)
Cache L2:512 KB (per core)
Cache L3:32 MB (shared)

Core Config

# of Cores:6
# of Threads:6
SMP # CPUs:1
Integrated Graphics:N/A

AMD Ryzen 5 3500 Price in U.S

The price of the AMD Ryzen 5 3500 can vary depending on the region and the retailer, but as of recent market trends:

  • Average Price: Around $120 to $140 USD

Benchmark Performance

AMD Ryzen 5 3500 CPU Benchmark

The AMD Ryzen 5 3500 performs well in both single-core and multi-core tasks, though it is not the highest performer in its class due to the absence of hyper-threading. Here’s a breakdown of its benchmarks:

  • Cinebench R20 (Single-Core): The Ryzen 5 3500 scores around 380-400 points in single-core performance. While it’s a bit lower than the Ryzen 5 3600, it still offers solid performance for tasks that rely on single-threaded processing.
  • Cinebench R20 (Multi-Core): In multi-core tests, it achieves around 1800-1900 points, which is competitive with older 6-core processors like the Ryzen 5 2600, offering decent multi-threaded performance for tasks such as video rendering or simulations.
  • PassMark CPU Score: The Ryzen 5 3500 scores approximately 10,500, placing it in the same performance range as the Intel i5-9400F and other mid-range 6-core processors. This is a solid score for both gaming and general computing tasks.
  • Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): For single-core performance in Geekbench 5, the Ryzen 5 3500 scores around 1,100-1,200 points, which is slightly behind the Ryzen 5 3600 but still offers strong performance for most tasks.
  • Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): It scores around 5,000-5,200 in multi-core performance, comparable to the Ryzen 5 2600. This makes it suitable for light content creation and multitasking, though it falls short of higher-end processors like the Ryzen 5 3600.

AMD Ryzen 5 3500 Gaming Benchmark

The gaming performance of the AMD Ryzen 5 3500 is solid, particularly for mid-range gaming builds. While it is not the highest performer in the Ryzen 5 series, it still offers excellent value for users looking to play modern games at 1080p. Here’s an overview of the gaming benchmark results:

  1. 1080p Gaming Performance: The Ryzen 5 3500 can achieve around 100-140 FPS in most modern titles at 1080p resolution when paired with a decent dedicated GPU. Games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Far Cry 5, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey run smoothly at high settings.
  2. CPU-Dependent Games: For CPU-intensive games (like Civilization VI, Total War, and other strategy games), the Ryzen 5 3500 offers good performance but may be slightly outpaced by processors with higher multi-core counts like the Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel i5-9600K, especially when the game utilizes all available cores.
  3. Overclocking: The Ryzen 5 3500 is capable of being overclocked, which can provide an extra boost in gaming performance. However, since it lacks Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT), the improvement might not be as significant as it would be with CPUs that support more threads.
  4. GPU Pairing: The Ryzen 5 3500 doesn’t have integrated graphics, so it relies heavily on a dedicated GPU for gaming. Pairing it with a mid-range GPU, like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti or AMD RX 580, will allow you to maximize its gaming potential.

Average FPS in Popular Games:

GameFPS
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (High Settings)100-120 FPS
Far Cry 5 (High Settings)110-130 FPS
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (High Settings)90-110 FPS
PUBG (High Settings) 100-130 FPS
The Witcher 3 (High Settings)90-110 FPS

AMD Ryzen 5 3500 Productivity Benchmarks:

Overview of the productivity benchmarks for the AMD Ryzen 5 3500

Productivity TaskBenchmark PerformanceDetails
Office ProductivityPCMark 10 Score: ~ 4,200 – 4,500 pointsStrong performance for word processing, spreadsheets, web browsing, and general office tasks.
Video EditingAdobe Premiere Pro: Decent for 1080p, slower for 4KHandles 1080p editing well but slower than higher-core CPUs in 4K editing.
Photo EditingAdobe Photoshop: ~ 1,300 – 1,500 pointsPerforms well in tasks like image manipulation, comparable to older Intel i5 processors.
3D RenderingBlender Rendering: ~ 15-20% slower than Ryzen 5 3600Slower rendering times in Blender compared to CPUs with more cores like Ryzen 5 3600.
General Productivity (Web, Email, etc.)Excellent, performs well with daily tasksSmooth performance for general productivity tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing.

Summary:

The AMD Ryzen 5 3500 offers a good balance between gaming and productivity tasks, making it a solid choice for users seeking an affordable mid-range processor. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Gaming: The Ryzen 5 3500 delivers solid performance for 1080p gaming, achieving around 100-140 FPS in modern titles when paired with a mid-range GPU. It performs well in CPU-intensive games but may lag slightly behind more expensive CPUs like the Ryzen 5 3600. Overall, it provides excellent value for budget-conscious gamers.
  • Productivity: In office productivity tasks, the Ryzen 5 3500 excels, with scores of around 4,200-4,500 points in PCMark 10, making it suitable for general office work, web browsing, and multitasking. For photo editing and video editing, it delivers good performance, although it is slower than processors with more cores when dealing with multi-threaded tasks like 4K video editing or 3D rendering. However, it still handles 1080p video editing and photo manipulation with ease, making it a good choice for light content creators.

Conclusion:

AMD Ryzen 5 3500 is a strong mid-range processor that has good gaming performance along with decent productivity prowess for the money. Although it may have struggled against high-end processors in demanding multi-core tasks like 3D rendering or video editing at 4K resolution, it is more than capable of handling day-to-day office work, light content creation, and 1080p gaming. A great value for someone on a budget who wants a CPU for online gaming and daily stuff, the amazing Ryzen 5 3500 shines. If you have a heavier workload or want to have better multi-threaded performance, then you ought to consider an upper-end processor like the Ryzen 5 3600 or the Intel i5-9600K.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is the Ryzen 5 3500 compatible with B450 or X470 motherboards?

  • Yes, the Ryzen 5 3500 is compatible with B450, X470, and X570 motherboards, provided the motherboard has the latest BIOS update to support 3rd-gen Ryzen processors. Make sure to check for compatibility with your motherboard before purchasing.

Does the Ryzen 5 3500 have integrated graphics?

  • No, the Ryzen 5 3500 does not have integrated graphics, so you will need a dedicated GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) for gaming or any graphic-intensive tasks.

View also: AMD Ryzen 3 1200