AMD

AMD Ryzen 5 5500

Brand:: AMD
Form Factor:: Desktop
CPU Socket:: AM4
Core/Thread Count:: 6C/12T
TDP:: 65W
iGPU:: None
CPU Series:: Ryzen 5000 Series

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Manufacturer: AMD Last updated: October 9, 2026

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AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Review

AMD Ryzen 5 5500 desktop processor, 6C/12T 3.6 GHz base clock boosting up to 4.2 ghz, 65W TDP, AM4 socket.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 is part of AMD's Ryzen 5000 Series lineup (Cezanne), built for desktop systems. It offers 6C/12T with a 3.6 GHz base clock boosting up to 4.2 ghz, backed by 16 MB of L3 cache, within a 65W TDP on the AM4 platform, with Discrete Graphics Card Required integrated graphics.

Performance and Architecture

With 6C/12T, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 runs at 3.6 GHz base clock boosting up to 4.2 ghz. Cache totals 3 MB L2 and 16 MB L3. Its Discrete Graphics Card Required integrated graphics handle display output and light graphics work without a discrete GPU.

Platform and Compatibility

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 uses the AM4 platform in a 65W envelope. It supports DDR4 memory across 2 channels (Up to 3200 MT/s). The multiplier is unlocked for overclocking on a compatible motherboard and cooler.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Ryzen 5000 Series lineup in this catalog, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 is positioned by its core/thread count and TDP relative to other Ryzen parts. Buyers comparing options in this class should weigh core count and clock speed against platform cost and intended workload.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

Mainstream desktop builds
Everyday productivity
Value-focused upgrades

Not for

Extreme overclocking (unless K/X-series)
Workstation-class multi-threaded workloads
SFF builds without adequate cooling

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

Product Line	Ryzen
Model Number	5500
Codename	Cezanne
Release Year	2022

Segment and platform

Market Segment	Desktop
Microarchitecture	Zen 3
Socket	AM4
Socket Status	End of Life
Process Node	TSMC 7nm FinFET

Core configuration

Total Cores	6
Performance Cores	6
Efficiency Cores	0
Total Threads	12
SMT Enabled	Yes

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock	3.6 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock	4.2 GHz

Cache

L2 Cache	3 MB
L3 Cache	16 MB
3D Stacked Cache	No

Power and thermal

Base Power	65 W

Memory

Memory Type	DDR4
Max Memory Speed	3200 MT/s
Memory Channels	2
ECC Support	No

Graphics and AI

Integrated Graphics	No
Copilot Plus Certified	No

Expansion

PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0

Commercial

Retail Availability	Boxed Retail

Form Factor	Desktops, Boxed Processor
TDP	65 W
iGPU	None

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the AMD Ryzen 5 5500?

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 has 6 cores and 12 threads, a 3.6 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost clock, 16 MB of L3 cache and a 65 W TDP. It has no integrated graphics, so it needs a graphics card. Socket: AM4.

Will the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 work with my current setup?

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 lists Socket is AM4. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 best suited to?

Best suited to: Mainstream desktop builds; Everyday productivity; Value-focused upgrades.

What are the drawbacks of the AMD Ryzen 5 5500?

Not the best fit for: Extreme overclocking (unless K/X-series); Workstation-class multi-threaded workloads; SFF builds without adequate cooling.