AMD Ryzen 5 5600G: A Superb Value-Focused Option

As a six-core, 12-thread processor with great integrated graphics, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is the CPU that 2021 has been waiting for. A strong successor to older, budget-friendly, gaming-focused CPUs such as the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G, it puts up some of the fastest game frame rates to date from an integrated graphics processor (IGP). Cheaper than the IGP-less Ryzen 5 5600X ($299) and layered in with the highly capable Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics engine, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is a serious threat to Intel’s competing Intel Core i5-11600K on CPU grunt and really puts the hammer down once you factor in its gaming results and Radeon Software compatibility. Whether you’re an esports hopeful aiming to get a gaming PC built for cheap or just want a solid IGP-equipped processor to drive low-lift daily computing, the Ryzen 5 5600G is a stellar 7nm AMD desktop processor. With yet another Editors’ Choice award win, AMD’s going to need a bigger trophy case.

- CHRIS STOBING

MIDRANGE CHIPS JUST GOT MORE COMPETITIVE

The six-core, 12-thread AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is priced aggressively out of the gate against competing Intel options such as the Core i5-11600K ($262), and it even undercuts its comparative cousin in the original, nonIGP Ryzen 5000 Series stack, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X ($299). But note that at the time of that review, we dinged AMD for the $50 price creep we saw across many of its higher-end offerings, and the adjustment of the Ryzen 5 5600G back down to $259 (just $10 off from the $249 debut price point of the Ryzen 5 3600XT) feels less like a good deal than a necessary return to reality.

Toss in a seven-compute-unit Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics engine, though, and the pot only grows sweeter. As a midrange chip with six cores, the Ryzen 5 5600G is perfectly positioned as the go-to choice for someone who wants to build a gaming PC capable of keeping up at high refresh rates in low-impact multiplayer games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive or Valorant. The combination of six cores and the RX Vega 7 makes for some seriously potent integrated graphics gaming power.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600G

PROS

Strong gaming performance on integrated graphics. Priced aggressively in AMD’s own CPU stack. Regularly beats out competition from Intel. Wraith Stealth cooler included in the box. Compatible with Radeon Software suite.

CONS

Slightly slower integrated-graphics gaming performance than Ryzen 7 5700G. Limited motherboard compatibility at launch.

BOTTOM LINE

Looking to play PC games without a graphics card? AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600G CPU and its integrated graphics give cash-strapped gamers a superb, value-focused option that Intel can’t match.