AMDRyzen 9 5950X 16-core, 32-thread unlocked desktop processor

Great cpu for a really good price in 2025. This thing is a beast for the price and performs super well. It runs hot so be ready to get a good cooler but that’s par for a higher end cpu. I have not experienced any issues with this cpu since I got it it’s stable and runs like a beast.

The CPU can fluctuate between 3.4GHz and 5.0GHz, but it will get hot (60-90 degrees Celsius). I stress tested it with AMD Ryzen Master and it performs well while not exceeding 90 degrees. My BIOS settings default to overclocking so I have to tweak the settings (ex. after a BIOS update). I disabled Precision Boost Overdrive and set the CPU Core Ratio at 3.4GHz, which is its base clock speed, wherefor the temperature gets between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius. I prefer a lower CPU temperature as opposed to overclocking. Liquid cooling is required, in my case being the ASUS TUF Gaming LC 120 ARGB which was a solid choice for my build, looks totally awesome.I upgraded from a Ryzen 7 3700X with a Wraith Prism. The computer ran just fine with 8 cores, but altogether it performs better and feels much more complete. Full system startup in 30-45 seconds. UserBenchmark places this CPU at the 80th percentile; "With a good single core score, this CPU can easily handle the majority of general computing tasks. Additionally this processor can handle intensive workstation, and even full-fledged server workloads. Finally, with a gaming score of 80%, this CPU's suitability for 3D gaming is very good." ~ UserBenchmarkI monitor my clock speed and CPU temperature with the software Core Temp.Skál.

This 5950X is part of my recent PC upgrade. Great price and fast delivery for a very AM4 chip! You will need your own cooler, though, and keep in mind that the box that is pictured is not the box that arrives. Also, if you're going for an air-cooling solution you may want to go for a very good one because this chip seems to want to run warm but has a threshold of 90°C before it thermo-throttles. But, there seem to be several good air coolers on the marker right now.

I had two reservations about buying this processor. First, I didn't think I would see much improvement over the Ryzen 7 3700X. I was wrong, I believe the performance has increased at least 50%. My average boot time is now about 18-20 seconds versus 35-40 seconds with the 3700X. I now run my Webroot program in four minutes 8 seconds max vs. 5-9 minutes. Still other programs have run in half the time of the 3700X. Second, I was worried that my Dark Rock Pro 4 air cooler couldn't handle this processor. I was wrong again. After removing the Dark Rock Pro 4 cooler and blowing out the dust and cat hair and installing Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Grease on the 5950X, it now runs cooler than the 3700X. With the ambient room temperature of 66 degrees, my idle temps are 23 Celsius (73 F) to 29 Celsius (84 F). When running software, I have not seen temps above 63 Celsius. I am sure temps will increase as summer is coming but I will be happy if I can keep it below 70 Celsius as Thermal Grizzly says the thermal grease is good to 80 Celsius. Don't believe all the reviews that say you have to have a liquid cooler. I have never been a fan of putting a liquid in my computer. I saw a video review of the 5950X processor with the Dark Rock Pro 4 air cooler installed and then I ordered my 5950X.Now for the bad news.If you have Windows 10 and are upgrading to this processor then it should be a walk in the park provided you have a bios version that supports 5000 series processors.If you have Windows 11 Pro like I have, you will have problems after the install. Windows 11 does not like hardware or bios changes. Their security feature checks everything on startup and when it finds changes it now makes you change your pin. If you don't have your password that you had when you installed Windows, you are dead in the water. Not only do you have to have your password, Windows 11 requires you to confirm a security key with a second email address requiring you to have another computer to get to that code. I hadn't used my computer I built in 2010 in over a year. Luckily it booted up and I was able to retrieve my second security code and now it let me change my pin. However, I still have a problem with one website after the new install. It takes me about 5 minutes to log on because my pin number has changed and doesn't want me to logon to that site.I wanted to get the Ryzen 9 5950X before they are gone. I believe the price will increase shortly due to tariff increases. Get one before it goes up. I missed last year's Black Friday sale price of $292.00 and I didn't want to miss this one.

I have had no issues with this processor and its def a powerhouse!

It's a beast of a processor. I had a 5800X, and for certain jobs, especially productivity and aggressive file compression in 7Z, I bought this processor. However, what I recommend is having a well-ventilated case and the processor accompanied by good cooling (in my case, I have the Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black), and it works perfectly for me.

While an older CPU, still a powerhouse in its own right! The core of my system, still able to run all the current software and games with no issues to date as of this review! It is quite stable and reliable even when pushed to its max levels.The heat is the ONLY issue as this is a chip that will run HOT! DO NOT! I will repeat this, DO NOT try to run this air cool. This is a CPU that you will want liquid cool only. I also found you will need at least a 360 cooler to keep this running cool properly. A 240 liquid cooler will do it but, it will be constantly running max to do it. If your case can support a larger than 360, I would even suggest that just for the head room. I have one of the better ones and it still will sometimes get a little warm for comfort (and no, I do not over clock... I run stock).That said, at the end of the day, this is a sold, stable choice that is compatible with anything you choose to do. It is especially great at gaming and streaming! (Or anything that deals with multi-tasking / multi-processing which is the center strength of the AMD CPU!) If you primarily work on only 1 thig or application... and have almost no other windows open... While this is more than capable of doing it, this CPU isn't the best geared one for such tasks, Intel is more geared towards single processing power housing!Yep, there you have it. Where the AMD is a Multiprocessing Powerhouse, the Intel is the Single Processing Powerhouse! Both CPU's have their strengths and weakness!