Ryzen 5 9600X Review: A Quick, Efficient Entry to AM5
7.5/10 — AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (2024)
Pros
- Efficient at 65W
- Easy to cool
- AM5 upgrade path
Cons
- Beaten by X3D chips for gaming
- Only six cores
The Ryzen 5 9600X launched on 8 August 2024 as a 6-core, 12-thread AM5 chip, with a 5.4GHz boost clock and a 65W TDP.
What works
It is efficient and easy to cool, with a low 65W TDP, and it gets you onto the AM5 platform with upgrade room later.
Where it falters
The X3D chips are much better for gaming, and cheaper chips have competed on value since launch.
Verdict
A decent, efficient chip, but the X3D models are the better gaming buys.
