The Ryzen 5 4500: AMD's Budget 6 Core CPU Worth Buying?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Initial Reception of Ryzen 5 4500
3. Current Available Deals
4. Price Comparison with Used CPUs
5. Compatibility with Entry-Level GPUs
6. Considerations for Budget Motherboards
7. Performance in Gaming Benchmarks
8. Performance in Application Benchmarks
9. Comparison with Intel's Core i3-10100F
10. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Introduction

In this article, we will be discussing the Ryzen 5 4500 CPU and its suitability as an upgrade option for budget gaming rigs. Despite receiving mixed reviews at launch, the Ryzen 5 4500 has become attractively priced in various territories, making it an appealing option for those looking to breathe new life into their aging systems. We will explore its performance in gaming and application benchmarks, compare it with alternative CPUs, and provide recommendations based on the cost and availability of this chip in different regions.

Initial Reception of Ryzen 5 4500

When the Ryzen 5 4500 was initially released, it did not receive enthusiastic reviews. Many users opted for the more reliable and recommendable option of the Second-HAND Ryzen 5 3600. However, with the current price drop, the Ryzen 5 4500 has become an affordable option, especially considering the bundled offer of the Uncharted Legacy of Thieves collection in some regions. Despite the negative press, user reviews have been generally positive, which piqued our interest in testing and evaluating this CPU.

Current Available Deals

In both the UK and the US, the Ryzen 5 4500 is now available at a budget price of around 80 pounds, with similar deals seen in other territories as well. This makes it the most cost-effective six-core CPU in the market currently. While the lack of PCIe 4.0 support may hinder its compatibility with entry-level graphics cards like the 6400 or 6500 XT, it's important to note that budget motherboards may not offer 4.0 support either. Therefore, this concern should not discourage potential buyers from considering the Ryzen 5 4500 as an upgrade option.

Price Comparison with Used CPUs

Surprisingly, the Ryzen 5 4500 is cheaper when purchased new than used Ryzen 5 3600 CPUs occupying a similar price point. This makes it a compelling choice for users seeking to upgrade their aging systems, whether it be an aging Sandy Bridge build or a tired AM3+ FX rig. The overall cost of either CPU, along with the required motherboards, may vary depending on your location. However, the affordable prices of AM4 boards in the used market make them a practical choice when paired with the Ryzen 5 4500.

Compatibility with Entry-Level GPUs

While the Ryzen 5 4500 may not be the ideal option for users planning to use an entry-level 6400 or 6500 XT graphics card due to their own bandwidth limitations, it is important to consider the compatibility of the motherboard as well. Cheap motherboards may not offer PCIe 4.0 support, further diminishing the relevance of avoiding those aforementioned GPUs for this CPU. Therefore, users should assess their specific requirements and available hardware before making a decision.

Considerations for Budget Motherboards

When opting for a budget motherboard, it is crucial to assess its compatibility and suitability for the Ryzen 5 4500. While these motherboards may not offer the latest features and technologies, they can still serve the purpose of supporting the CPU and providing necessary functionality. Users should consider factors such as available expansion slots, RAM compatibility, and necessary connectors before finalizing their choice.

Performance in Gaming Benchmarks

To provide a comprehensive analysis, we tested the Ryzen 5 4500 with two different graphics cards: the popular and older GTX 1060, as well as the more modern and higher-end RTX 3060 TI. By evaluating the performance at different price points, we aim to help users determine the expected results when using the Ryzen 5 4500 with these GPUs. While the 1060 represents a more budget-focused setup, it is often paired with older processors, resulting in performance limitations. However, the Ryzen 5 4500 proved to be a suitable upgrade, eliminating CPU bottlenecks and providing solid performance.

Performance in Application Benchmarks

Apart from gaming benchmarks, it is essential to evaluate the performance of the Ryzen 5 4500 in application-based tests. With its six cores and twelve Threads, this CPU showcases superior performance in various application benchmarks compared to quad-core options like Intel's Core i3-10100F. The extra cores and threads create a noticeable difference, making the Ryzen 5 4500 a compelling choice for users seeking improved performance in applications that can effectively utilize multiple cores.

Comparison with Intel's Core i3-10100F

While discussing budget CPUs, it is crucial to highlight the competition between AMD's Ryzen 5 4500 and Intel's Core i3-10100F. Both options offer cost-effective solutions for budget gaming rigs. However, the Ryzen 5 4500 provides a clear advantage in terms of core count and multi-threaded performance. With its generous core count, the Ryzen 5 4500 consistently outperforms the Core i3-10100F in application benchmarks while maintaining competitive gaming performance.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In conclusion, the Ryzen 5 4500 is a unique CPU that deserves consideration as an upgrade option for budget gaming PCs. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, the current price drop has made it an affordable choice, especially when paired with budget motherboards. The Ryzen 5 4500 offers a significant performance boost over older processors, eliminating bottlenecks and delivering improved gaming and application performance. However, its limited PCIe 4.0 support and potential GPU compatibility issues should be considered before making a purchase decision. Overall, the Ryzen 5 4500 presents an attractive opportunity for users looking to upgrade their aging gaming rigs on a budget.

Highlights

• The Ryzen 5 4500 is currently available at an affordable price, making it an attractive option for budget gaming rigs.
• User reviews speak highly of the Ryzen 5 4500, despite its initial reception.
• Comparing prices, the Ryzen 5 4500 is cheaper than used Ryzen 5 3600 CPUs occupying a similar price point.
• Compatibility with entry-level GPUs should be considered, especially when paired with budget motherboards.
• In gaming benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 4500 proves to be a suitable upgrade, eliminating CPU bottlenecks.
• Application benchmarks highlight the superior multi-threaded performance of the Ryzen 5 4500 compared to quad-core alternatives.
• The Ryzen 5 4500 outperforms Intel's Core i3-10100F in both gaming and application benchmarks.
• The Ryzen 5 4500 offers an affordable and effective upgrade option for aging gaming PCs on a budget.

FAQ

Q: Can the Ryzen 5 4500 be used with entry-level graphics cards like the 6400 or 6500 XT? A: While compatibility may be limited due to the lack of PCIe 4.0 support, it is important to consider the compatibility of the motherboard as well. Cheap motherboards may not offer PCIe 4.0 support either, rendering the GPU choice less relevant.

Q: How does the Ryzen 5 4500 compare to Intel's Core i3-10100F in gaming benchmarks? A: The Ryzen 5 4500 showcases competitive gaming performance compared to Intel's Core i3-10100F. Despite its quad-core configuration, the Ryzen 5 4500's generous core count allows it to trade blows with the Core i3-10100F and outperform it in application benchmarks.

Q: Is it worth upgrading to the Ryzen 5 4500 for an aging gaming PC on a budget? A: Yes, the Ryzen 5 4500 presents an attractive opportunity to breathe new life into aging gaming rigs. Considering its affordable price and performance improvements over older processors, it is a recommended upgrade option.

Resources:

• AMD Ryzen 5 4500
• Intel Core i3-10100F