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Your old AM4 board still has life in it. Swapping just the processor is the cheapest way to make your PC feel new again — no new motherboard, no new DDR4 RAM. This guide cuts through the marketing to show you the processors that actually deserve a spot in your rig.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
These are the processors worth your money. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the king for gaming. The 5700X delivers 8-core power for less. And the 5700G works even without a graphics card. this is how to find the best cpu for am4 that fits your build and your budget.
Quick Picks
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 8-core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor — Best Overall
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700X Octa-core [8 Core] 3.40 GHz Processor — Best Value
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 5700G 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor with Radeon™ Graphics — GPU Backup
- AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600G 6-Core 12-Thread Desktop Processor with Radeon™ Graphics — Entry Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700 8 Cores / 16 Thread 65W TDP Socket AM4 — Quiet 8-Core
- AMD Ryzen 3 4100 4-Core, 8-Thread open up Desktop Processor — Budget Builds
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200G 4-core open up desktop processor with Radeon Graphics — Compact APU
How To Choose The Best CPU for AM4
Sticking with AM4 is a smart move. You already have the motherboard and likely the DDR4 RAM, so a CPU swap is the cheapest path to a faster computer. But not every AM4 processor is worth your cash today. Focus on these three things.
Core Count vs. Real-World Use
More cores are not always better for you. A 6-core chip like the Ryzen 5 5600G balances the cost of 6 cores and 12 concurrent threads for smooth daily work and modern gaming. The 8-core processors (like the Ryzen 7 5700X) are for heavy multitasking, video editing, or if you just want headroom for the next few years. Unless you are doing serious content creation, 6 good cores beat 8 slower ones.
Cache Size: The Hidden Speed Key
Cache memory is the chip’s quick-access data stash. A bigger cache, like the 100 MB total (L2+L3) on the 5800X3D, keeps more game data within arm’s reach of the cores, which directly boosts gaming frame rates. For most uses, a 20 MB L3 cache (found on the Ryzen 5 5600G and Ryzen 7 5700G) is plenty, but the 4 MB on budget chips like the 3200G is a real bottleneck.
Integrated Graphics: A Crucial Fork in the Road
This is the biggest split. CPUs ending in “G” (like the 5700G) pack Radeon graphics directly onto the chip, so you can get a display without a separate graphics card. CPUs ending in “X” (like the 5700X) have no integrated graphics — you must have a dedicated GPU. If your graphics card fails or you are building a super-small PC, the “G” chips save your day. If you already own a decent GPU, skip the “G” and get the “X” for pure CPU horsepower.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Cores / Threads | Max Boost | Cache (Total) | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | Max Gaming | 8 / 16 | 4.5 GHz | 100 MB | Amazon |
| Ryzen 7 5700X | Value Performance | 8 / 16 | — | — | Amazon |
| Ryzen 7 5700G | GPU-Less Gaming | 8 / 16 | 4.6 GHz | 20 MB | Amazon |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | Budget APU | 6 / 12 | 4.6 GHz | 19 MB | Amazon |
| Ryzen 7 5700 | Quiet Power | 8 / 16 | 4.6 GHz | 20 MB | Amazon |
| Ryzen 3 4100 | Entry-Level Build | 4 / 8 | 4.0 GHz | 6 MB | Amazon |
| Ryzen 3 3200G | Compact Media PC | 4 / 4 | 4.0 GHz | 4 MB | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 8-core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor
The AM4 gaming king that extends your board’s life by years.
This chip uses 3D V-Cache (a technology that stacks extra memory on top of the processor) to give it a 100 MB total cache — that is 5 times the 20 MB found on the 5700G. That massive cache keeps game assets close to the cores, reducing stutter and raising frame rates.. It runs 8 cores and 16 concurrent threads at a 4.5 GHz max boost. That is why it is AMD calls it the world’s fastest gaming desktop processor..
The one catch is heat. This chip runs hot, and the cooler is not included (unlike the budget chips that come with Wraith Stealth coolers). Buyers report that a 240 mm or 360 mm liquid cooler is essential, with one user noting that after a curve optimizer undervolt, their chip idled at 34°C and hit 65°C during gaming. Another reviewer came from a Ryzen 5 3600 and saw Call of Duty Warzone 3 jump from 70-90 FPS average to 110-140 FPS, with 1% lows doubling from 15 FPS to 50-65 FPS — meaning the stutter vanished.
It is a locked chip — no overclocking — and it demands a high-wattage power supply. But if you want to skip the full platform upgrade and just swap the brain, this is the endgame.
Why It Dominates
- 100 MB total cache keeps game data close for the best AM4 gaming performance.
- 8 cores and 16 threads handle modern titles and productivity
- Simple drop-in upgrade for existing AM4 boards
What to Plan For
- Runs hot; needs a high-performance cooler (240 mm AIO or bigger)
- Locked multiplier — no manual overclocking
- No integrated graphics, so you must have a dedicated GPU
Endgame pick: If you want the highest gaming FPS without leaving AM4, this is the one chip that beats everything else on the socket — just budget for a proper cooler.
skip it if: You do not game at high refresh rates, or your workload (like video rendering) scales better with more raw cores that you can overclock.
2. AMD Ryzen 7 5700X Octa-core [8 Core] 3.40 GHz Processor
Pure 8-core CPU power without the integrated graphics tax.
The 5700X strips out the GPU, giving you the same 8-core, 16-thread muscle at a lower price than the 5700G.. It is a clean CPU-only chip, which means you need a separate graphics card (you cannot plug a monitor into the motherboard). It has 8 cores and 16 concurrent threads — the same thread count as the 5800X3D but without the 3D V-Cache. Unlike the 5800X3D, it is not a locked chip, so you can overclock it on a good B550 or X570 motherboard.
Owners mention it is a perfect upgrade from older Zen chips. One reviewer went from a 3700X to this 5700X and said “this cpu has been working perfectly” after trying a 5950X that caused overheating — noting the 5700X stays cool with no loud fan noise and feels about 25% faster. At 1.6 ounces versus the 15.2-ounce Ryzen 3 4100, it is dramatically lighter.
If you already have a decent graphics card, this is the sensible 8-core upgrade that gives you the thread count of the premium chips without the premium price. It does not include a cooler, so factor that into your build.
Smart upgrade path: If you sit on a 6-core chip and want 8 cores for multitasking and modern gaming, this is the most cost-effective swap on AM4 — just add a cooler and a GPU.
Reach for this if: You have a dedicated GPU already and want the best price-per-core ratio on the AM4 socket.
Look elsewhere if: You do not own a graphics card — this chip has no built-in graphics, so your system will not even show a picture.
3. AMD Ryzen™ 7 5700G 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor with Radeon™ Graphics
An 8-core desktop CPU that can game without a separate graphics card.
The 5700G is a monolithic Zen 3 APU with a Vega 8 iGPU built right into the chip.. That means you get 8 cores and 16 concurrent processing threads alongside graphics that customers note deliver “richer, better-contrasted image than GTX 10-series” cards. It boosts up to 4.6 GHz and packs 20 MB of L3 cache. This makes it an 8-core rival to the 5800X3D, but the 5700G costs less and works without a GPU.
Think of it as insurance. If your dedicated GPU dies, the 5700G keeps your whole PC running for gaming and daily tasks. One reviewer described how an “outstanding iGPU saved build when discrete GPU failed.” The trade-off is that the 5700G only supports PCIe 3.0, not PCIe 4.0 — so if you install a super-fast Gen 4 NVMe drive, it will run at Gen 3 speeds. Its 20 MB cache is smaller than the 5800X3D’s 100 MB total cache, so pure CPU performance falls a bit behind the 5700X despite having the same core count.
Reviewers point out it runs well in small form factor builds, idling around 30-40°C and hitting 70°C under load with a good cooler. One reviewer paired it with 32GB of DDR4-4000 CL18 memory and called it a “huge upgrade from 2400G.”
APU Advantages
- Vega 8 graphics let you game at 1080p without any GPU
- 8 cores and 16 threads for strong multitasking
- Excellent for compact and GPU-less builds
Performance Trade-Offs
- PCIe 3.0 only — no PCIe 4.0 support for fastest SSDs
- 20 MB cache is less than the 5800X3D’s 100 MB total cache
- Integrated graphics uses system RAM for video memory
Best for: Builders who want a powerful chip that also works as a standalone gaming machine without a GPU, or anyone who wants a safety net if their graphics card fails.
pass on it if: You already own a strong dedicated GPU and want pure CPU performance — the 5700X gives you more raw speed for your money.
4. AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600G 6-Core 12-Thread Desktop Processor with Radeon™ Graphics
The budget-friendly APU that plays modern games at 1080p without a GPU.
The 5600G is the balance for a first PC or a compact HTPC on a budget.. It has 6 cores and 12 concurrent threads versus 4 cores and 8 threads on the Ryzen 3 4100, paired with Radeon Graphics (Vega 7) that let you play popular titles at 1080p without a dedicated graphics card. It boosts up to 4.6 GHz and has 19 MB of total cache. That Vega 7 graphics chip is one compute unit less than the Vega 8 in the 5700G, but it still handles light gaming well.
Shoppers say real-world gaming results: “ESO 1080p low/med 45-70 FPS, Diablo II 1080p low 40-60, Outer Worlds 720p 50, Fallout 4 1080p med 50-60.” That is impressive for a chip that does not ask you to buy a GPU. The stock cooler keeps it around 70°C under load, and one reviewer noted it runs smoothly with 15 Chrome tabs open while streaming.
The catch is that its integrated graphics needs fast RAM to perform well — reviewers recommend a minimum of 3600 MHz DDR4. It also uses PCIe 3.0, not Gen 4, so pairing it with the newest SSDs will limit their speed.
Perfect starter CPU: If you are building a budget gaming rig and the GPU market is too expensive, the 5600G gets you into 1080p gaming right away. You can always add a dedicated graphics card later for a big FPS boost.
Grab this for: A first budget gaming build, a SFF media center, or any system where you want to skip buying a graphics card today but keep the option open for tomorrow.
Not for: Heavy video editing or rendering — you will feel the 6 cores vs. the 8 in the 5700G.
5. AMD Ryzen 7 5700 8 Cores / 16 Thread 65W TDP Socket AM4
Eight cores that run cool and quiet, bundled with a Wraith Stealth cooler.
The Ryzen 7 5700 is the under-the-radar eight-core chip.. It matches the 5700G with 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 4.6 GHz boost clock, but its standout is the 65W TDP (thermal design power) — the same low power envelope as many 6-core chips, meaning it stays cool and quiet without demanding heavy cooling. It also comes bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler, saving you money. Its 20 MB of cache is higher than the 4 MB on the Ryzen 3 3200G.
The downside is visibility. This chip has fewer verified customer reviews, so real-world feedback is thinner. One buyer mentioned the chip “looked used” with a trace amount of thermal compound, though it worked fine. It includes the cooler, unlike the 5700X, making it a more complete out-of-box upgrade.
If you want 8-core performance for multitasking, light productivity, and modern games — but do not want to worry about buying a separate cooler or dealing with a noisy fan — this is your chip.
Plug-and-play 8 cores: The included Wraith Stealth cooler and 65W TDP mean you can drop this into most existing AM4 builds without worrying about heat or fan noise. Just update your BIOS.
Ideal for: A quiet office PC or a subtle upgrade from an older 6-core chip where you want the extra threads without the fuss.
Pass on this if: You plan to overclock aggressively — clock-for-clock, the 5700X may give you more headroom.
6. AMD Ryzen 3 4100 4-Core, 8-Thread open up Desktop Processor
The cheapest entry ticket to the AM4 platform with 8 threads.
The Ryzen 3 4100 is the classic budget entry point.. It has 4 cores and 8 processing threads (the 3200G only has 4 threads), and it boosts up to 4.0 GHz. It comes bundled with the Wraith Stealth cooler, so you do not need to buy extra parts. Its 6 MB of L3 cache is smaller than the 20 MB on the 5700G, but enough for light gaming and daily computing.
Buyers report that after a BIOS update, the CPU provided “significant speed improvement for running VMs and Discord bots with minimal lag” and recommend it “for budget builds or upgrades.” Another reviewer notes that at its discounted price it is good value, but “at regular price, better options exist (e.g., Ryzen 3600/5500).” It also “runs warmer than higher-end 65W CPUs” like the Ryzen 5500. At 15.2 ounces versus the 1.6-ounce 5700X, it is heavier because of the included cooler.
For a cheap PC that handles office work, web browsing, and runs older games, this chip gets the job done. But if you can stretch your budget, the 6-core options are a massive step up.
Low-Cost Strengths
- 4 cores and 8 threads are enough for everyday computing and light gaming
- Wraith Stealth cooler is included
- open up for overclocking on B550/X570 boards
What You Give Up
- Only 4 cores — modern games and heavy multitasking will feel slow
- Runs warmer than 65W 6-core chips
- Needs a discrete graphics card for any gaming
Best for: A super-budget office PC, a HomeLab server, or upgrading an ancient office pre-built just enough to be usable.
Avoid if: You want to play modern games or run demanding software — the extra cost of a 5600G will feel worth it every day.
7. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G 4-core open up desktop processor with Radeon Graphics
An all-in-one chip that boots a PC in 10-12 seconds without a GPU.
The 3200G combines 4 processing cores with Radeon Vega 8 graphics, meaning your PC will show a picture the second you plug a monitor into the motherboard — no graphics card required. It runs at a 4.0 GHz max boost, though it has only 4 concurrent threads (half of the 4100’s thread count).
One builder used it in a “compact build for dental practice” with a Gigabyte B450 I AORUS PRO WIFI and a Sabrent 256GB NVMe drive, achieving a 10-12 second boot time. The system idled at 28°C CPU and hit 40-50°C under load, running silently. Another buyer uses it in a Plex media server for video streaming. It can handle “Plex media server. Handles video streaming, photo viewing, music streaming with low utilization.”
The catch is its age and 4 MB of cache compared to 20 MB on the 5700G. It is a Zen+ architecture chip (not Zen 3), so its per-core speed is lower. It is fine for 1080p video and older games, but it will struggle with modern multitasking or any demanding title.
Last-resort budget APU: Only buy this if your budget is extremely tight and you need an instant display output. The 5600G is faster and has double the threads — but costs more.
Works for: A silent Plex server, a retro gaming machine, or a simple office computer where budget is the absolute priority.
Do not buy if: You want to play modern games or run Windows 11 with multiple apps open — the 4 threads will bottleneck you daily.
Understanding the Specs
Cache Memory
Cache is the CPU’s ultra-fast short-term memory. The processor checks the cache before going to the slower system RAM. A bigger cache (measured in MB) means more data is instantly available to the cores. This is why the 5800X3D with its 100 MB total cache delivers higher gaming frame rates — it stores more game data right next to the cores. The 20 MB cache on the 5700G and 5700 is still good, while the 4 MB on the 3200G is noticeably small and will cause more waiting on slow RAM.
Cores vs. Threads
A core is a physical processing unit. A thread is a virtual channel that lets a core handle two streams of data at once (called Simultaneous Multi-Threading, or SMT). The Ryzen 3 4100 has 4 cores and 8 threads, so each core can split its work. The Ryzen 3 3200G has 4 cores but only 4 threads — no SMT — which means it handles multitasking worse. More cores help with heavy tasks like video editing. More threads help with running many apps at the same time.
FAQ
Will the Ryzen 7 5800X3D work on my B450 motherboard?
What is the difference between the Ryzen 7 5700G and the Ryzen 7 5700X?
Does the Ryzen 5 5600G include a cooler?
Can I use the Ryzen 3 3200G for gaming without a graphics card?
Which CPU is best for a Plex media server on AM4?
Is the Ryzen 7 5700X compatible with DDR4 RAM?
Do I need a BIOS update for a Ryzen 7 5700 on an older AM4 board?
Which AM4 CPU consumes the least power?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the cpu for am4 winner is the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D because its 100 MB total cache delivers class-leading gaming performance that extends the life of your AM4 motherboard for years. If you want the best price-to-performance without integrated graphics, grab the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X. And for a complete system that works without a separate graphics card, the standout is the AMD Ryzen 7 5700G.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.