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AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
AMD

AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler

Bottom line: The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core ($87.95 on Amazon as of 2026-10-08): 6 cores and 12 threads at a budget-tier price; main trade-off: no integrated graphics; discrete GPU required to post.

$87.95

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Buy on Amazon — $87.95 Compare to similar processors

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-08. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 6 cores and 12 threads at a budget-tier price
  • ✓ 4.2 GHz Max Boost for CPU-bound esports titles
  • ✓ Wraith Stealth cooler bundled, no extra cooler cost
  • ✓ Unlocked multiplier for overclocking on capable boards

Cons

  • ✗ No integrated graphics; discrete GPU required to post
  • ✗ 19 MB cache is smaller than higher-tier Ryzen 5000 chips
  • ✗ DDR4-3200 only, no DDR5 support
  • ✗ Socket AM4 is an end-of-life upgrade path

Manufacturer description

Can deliver fast 100 plus FPS performance in the world's most popular games, discrete graphics card required 6 Cores and 12 processing threads, bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler 4.2 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 19 MB cache, DDR4-3200 support

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to our editorial and benchmark analysis across the processors category. AMD's processors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for processors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Ryzen 5 5500 come with a cooler?

Yes. AMD bundles the Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, so you can build without buying a separate CPU cooler.

Do I need a graphics card with the Ryzen 5 5500?

Yes. AMD specifies that a discrete graphics card is required; this chip has no integrated graphics for display output.

What socket and memory does the Ryzen 5 5500 use?

It uses the Socket AM4 platform and supports DDR4-3200 memory. Check your motherboard's AM4 CPU support list for BIOS requirements.

Can the Ryzen 5 5500 be overclocked?

Yes, the multiplier is unlocked. Stock Max Boost is 4.2 GHz; overclocking beyond that requires a motherboard with OC support.

Is the Ryzen 5 5500 fast enough for gaming?

AMD rates it for 100-plus FPS in the world's most popular games with a discrete GPU. Its 6 cores and 12 threads target 1080p gaming builds.

Video review

The BEST GPU For RYZEN 5 5500 In 2025 ✅ (Best BUDGET & VALUE GPUs) — BC Zone on YouTube

Key Features

  • Can deliver fast 100 plus FPS performance in the world's most popular games, discrete graphics card required
  • 6 Cores and 12 processing threads, bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler
  • 4.2 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 19 MB cache, DDR4-3200 support
  • For the advanced Socket AM4 platform

Full Specifications

BrandAMD
ColorCeramic Gray
ModelAMD Ryzen 5 5500
Warranty3 Year
UnitCount1
ReleaseDate2023-08-29T00:00:01Z
ManufacturerAMD
ItemPartNumber100-100000457BOX

Performance Data

View gaming FPS, AI inference throughput, and synthetic scores for the Ryzen 5 5500 — the core hardware component in this product. Benchmarks sourced from TechPowerUp, PassMark, and the r/LocalLLaMA community.

Ready to buy?

AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $87.95

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-08. Price and availability subject to change.

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AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
$87.95
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