Back when AMD launched their Ryzen 5 processors earlier this year it was the first time we saw a 6-core desktop processor in the mid-range mainstream line. At this time Intel was still on quad-core parts on their Core i7 and Core i5 SKUs. Of course just recently Intel launched their 8th Generation Core desktop processors, which do included both Core i5 and Core i7 6-core SKUs. So it seems the playing field has leveled a bit, with Intel basically being forced to add more cores to their desktop processors to catch up with AMD. So now as buying season is upon us we can give you a clear picture oh how all of the current processors stack up against each other as we just got a Ryzen 5 1600 in to review. This 6-core, 12-thread processor has a base clock of 3.2 GHz and boosts up to 3.6 GHz, it is fully unlocked as well. Let’s get this chip on our test bench and see what it can do!
Special thanks to AMD for providing us with the Ryzen 5 1600 Processor to review.
Specifications
# of CPU Cores: 6
# of Threads: 12
Base Clock Speed: 3.2GHz
Max Turbo Core Speed: 3.6GHz
Total L1 Cache: 576KB
Total L2 Cache: 3MB
Total L3 Cache: 16MB
Unlocked: Yes
CMOS: 14nm
Package: AM4
PCI Express Version: PCIe 3.0
Thermal Solution: Wraith Spire (No LED)
Default TDP / TDP: 65W
Max Temps: 95°C
Packaging & Overview
We received a retail sample of the Ryzen 5 1600 from AMD, so they is what you would get at the store or if you ordered from an online retailer. It comes in a nice retail box with the Ryzen logo on the front and a small “5” in the bottom corner to let us know that it is part of the Ryzen 5 series.
Opening the box up we have two boxes, one box has the Wraith Spire cooler and the other has our processor. There is also a certificate of authenticity in there was well.
Taking a look at the chip itself the integrated heatspreader covers most of the chip. On the front we have a large AMD Ryzen logo and towards the top there is a smaller Ryzen 5 1600 marking.
Flipping the chip over we have the pins, remember to not bend these when inserting the chip in the AM4 socket on your motherboard!
If you want to learn more about the Zen Architecture and the AM4 platform check out page 2 of our Ryzen 7 1700 review.
