Choosing a CPU for your PC means carefully evaluating the daily use, the typical load, and the applications you will use. For some configurations, mid-range or even entry-level CPUs may be fine, for example, a Ryzen 5 5600G or an Intel Core i3-10100F. However, if you need a CPU that can give its best both in gaming and in the most demanding applications, then AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor can really be for you. In this article, you will learn whether the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is good for gaming or not in detail below.
Is AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Good for Gaming?
AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X is the successor to another CPU, the Ryzen 7 3800XT, whose performance and consumption can be equally compared. However, a lot has changed for this new CPU, starting from the architecture and up to the computing power. Below, you will see what are its strengths and weaknesses, so you can understand if it can really be right for you.
Chipsets and sockets
If you are already familiar with AMD processors and the Ryzen series, you already know that the socket has remained the same for years. Indeed, since the introduction of the first generation Ryzen, AMD has chosen to use only one socket: AM4.
It is a real physical interface between the motherboard and the processor. Unlike Intel, which changes its sockets often, AMD has kept only one until fifth-generation Ryzen like the 5800X. This means that you can also use motherboards designed for third-generation CPUs and count on a decent saving.
Here comes the second variable to consider when choosing a processor: the chipset. Unlike the socket, the chipset establishes the relationships between the CPU, RAM, memory, motherboard chip, PCIe interface, and so on.
You will be able to mount AMD Ryzen 7 5800X on motherboards with chipsets:
- New ones such as A520, B550, and X570, the latter being the top of the range in terms of component compatibility and speed.
- Older ones, such as X470 and B450, but after updating the BIOS to the version that supports the new CPUs.
This means that you will be able to install the processor on motherboards such as the still excellent MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max and the more powerful MSI X570 MPS Gaming Edge WiFi.
Frequency and performance
The Zen 3 architecture with a 7nm production process has not only allowed the introduction of mid-range samples such as the Ryzen 5 5600X and the Ryzen 5 5600G. This AMD Ryzen 7 5800X also presents several surprises and steps forward compared to the previous generation.
At first glance – seeing the 8 cores, 16 threads, 3.8GHz base frequency, and 4.7GHz boost – you might think there hasn’t been an actual upgrade. However, the improvements are all inside. The result is a significant increase in the IPC, or Instructions Per Cycle, which together with the improvement in efficiency makes the Ryzen 7 5800X superior to the third generation.
In terms of pure performance, the AMD CPU easily surpasses the mid-range options from both Ryzen and Intel. Even though we can’t expect it to reach like the Ryzen 9 5900X, we are talking about an ideal processor for:
- Gaming, including Triple-A titles and competitive games.
- Photo and video editing.
- Calculation software.
Moreover, you will necessarily have to choose a graphics card. In fact, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X does not have an integrated GPU like the 5600G or 5700G does. This is perhaps the only real flaw of this processor.
Conclusions
The Ryzen 7 5800X is one of the spearheads of the fifth-generation AMD processors. It represents a perfect CPU for practically everything, from gaming to work, from recreation to editing. In addition, also consider that it is lower in price than the Core i9-11900K and Ryzen 9 5900X and offers performance on a par with them. If you are looking for a processor that can support all your tasks and remain blazing fast in the future, this Ryzen 7 5800X will be ideal for you.
That is all you need to know about whether the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is good for gaming or not. If you are searching for similar types of guides, check out our other articles here: Is Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000 Good for Gaming, and Is WD Black SN850x Good for Gaming or Video Editing?