Ryzen 5 1600X: The AMD CPU to get?

[Mighty-Lu-Bu]

So as some of you know, in the next couple of weeks I am going to be building a Ryzen gaming rig (using some parts from my old rig). I was dead set on going with the Ryzen 7 1700, but I have been doing a lot of research and a lot of sites are claiming that with the Ryzen 5 1600X that they are getting better gaming performance that the Ryzen 7 1700. How is this possible?

Also, in UserBenchmark, it has the Ryzen 5 1600X beating the Ryzen 7 1700 not only in gaming performance, but also in overclocking: http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-Ryzen-7-1700-vs-AMD-Ryzen-5-1600X/3917vs3920

With all this in mind, is the Ryzen 5 1600X the better option?

 

[Toothless]

Clock speeds? Overclocking?

 

[Caring1]

Duh, 3.0GHz V's 3.6GHz no wonder the 1600X wins
If you aren't going to use the extra cores then go with the 1600X and it's faster clock speed.

 

[Mighty-Lu-Bu]

Duh, 3.0GHz V's 3.6GHz no wonder the 1600X wins
If you aren't going to use the extra cores then go with the 1600X and it's faster clock speed.

Well yeah, but I thought clock speeds didn't mean everything. I mean look at AMD's FX lineup... has technology just gotten that much better (serious question)?

 

[Kanan]

How is it possible... simple, by higher clocks. Why is the 1600X a better overclocker - it's binned for higher clocks from the start. But there are R7 1700 that could clock higher, sillicon lottery is relevant, especially for lower binned parts. That said, the best value for the bang is probably the 1600 non X, the 2nd best 1600X, the 3rd best, the 1700. The quad cores aren't bad either, but I wouldn't go for them.

edit:

Well yeah, but I thought clock speeds didn't mean everything. I mean look at AMD's FX lineup... has technology just gotten that much better (serious question)?

IPC of Ryzen is a lot higher than FX, that's why clock speeds matter more now.

 

[R-T-B]

I mean look at AMD's FX lineup... has technology just gotten that much better (serious question)?

In terms of performance per clock, yes. The FX series was way behind the times, more like a core 2 duo (yes, that old) in terms of how much it's Mhz actually meant. Ryzen is probably more in the territory of Haswell or similar when talking about what it's Mhz translate into.

 

[Mighty-Lu-Bu]

Well I had the budget for the 1700, so since I had the budget, might as well go with the 1600X right?

 

[Kanan]

Well I had the budget for the 1700, so since I had the budget, might as well go with the 1600X right?

Depends if you need 2 cores more or not and if you need a boxed cooler, those are not bad. 1600X/1700X/1800X = no boxed cooler.

 

[Cvrk]

Just OC the 1600. At least you get a cooler.

 

[Joss]

Well I had the budget for the 1700, so since I had the budget, might as well go with the 1600X right?

Yes, I'd go with the 1600x and run it at stock speeds, OCs are messy affairs.

 

[NdMk2o1o]

Yes, I'd go with the 1600x and run it at stock speeds, OCs are messy affairs.

You're on the wrong forum, to the op as mentioned if you need the 2 extra cores/4 threads then get the 1700 otherwise the non x 1600 seems to be the best option imo

 

[Mighty-Lu-Bu]

Depends if you need 2 cores more or not and if you need a boxed cooler, those are not bad. 1600X/1700X/1800X = no boxed cooler.

That cooler is garbage- besides I already have a Thermalright le Grand Macho RT. Also we are only talking about a $20 to $30 difference which isn't huge. No matter what I am going to overclock.

 

[Vayra86]

Realistically, a 24/7 OC on air is probably maxed at 4.0 Ghz on all cores, and that already takes some real effort.

4.1 or higher is rare. So consider if that is worth the extra pennies for you.

 

[phanbuey]

1700... everything is gonna go multicore anyways and you get a cooler.

 

[trparky]

Get the 1600x (since it's binned better) and get a better cooler, then try and push/OC it to 4.1 GHz.

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

Before the R5 came out i thought it The One because its L3 is not cut more is available per core and app ,it also has a higher tdp of 95 watts which i thought might allow a higher overclock.
These two points and the frequency allow this part to run at top clocks for longer too since it should throttle less due to power load , however.
Its clear that Ryzens limit on air is around 4ghz and most get near this easily and overclocking disables xfr anyway.
Go with the 1600 ,id still get the X personally but only because i waste loads of time benching as a pass time and believe my custom loop could possibly entertain a high oc but i dont think it overly worth the extra cash.
Oh and am3 + coolers only fit on the crosshair hero afaik.

 

[HD64G]

That cooler is garbage- besides I already have a Thermalright le Grand Macho RT. Also we are only talking about a $20 to $30 difference which isn't huge. No matter what I am going to overclock.

If you are going to oc and already have a nice cooler, just get the R7 1700 and get it to 3.8-3.9 easily and have fun for the next 3 years at least. 1600X is for the ones that HEAVILY OC or don't oc at all and need the highest clocks out of the box.

 

[trparky]

1600X is for the ones that HEAVILY OC or don't oc at all and need the highest clocks out of the box.

Or don't have the cash to get the R7 and still want to get a decent chip.

 

[Frick]

I'd go for the 1600 and take my chances with overclocking.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Well yeah, but I thought clock speeds didn't mean everything.

Exactly! Clock speeds don't mean "everything". That does not mean they mean "nothing"!

That cooler is garbage

What is garbage is the blather that OEM coolers are garbage! Contrary to what many want you to believe, OEM coolers are very capable of keeping their CPUs adequately cooled in a properly cooled case - even with mild overclocking! And OEM coolers today are also much quieter than those of yesteryear too.

Remember, only the OEM coolers are warrantied to protect the CPUs they come with. No aftermarket cooler maker will replace your CPU should their coolers fail to do their job. Also remember that cooler does not automatically mean better. Keeping our CPUs adequately cooled, comfortably within the "normal operating range" IS absolutely essential. But colder than that does NOT improve performance, provide better stability, or longer life.

Sure, many aftermarket coolers do a better job, and/or a quieter job. But that does not mean OEM coolers are garbage or that they cannot do their assigned jobs adequately.

So if your CPU comes with an OEM cooler, and you are not doing extreme overclocking, give the OEM cooler a try. With a proper application of decent TIM (thermal interface material), you might be pleasantly surprised, and save yourself some money too.

 

[Frick]

The Wraith is a decent cooler actually.

 

[Mighty-Lu-Bu]

Exactly! Clock speeds don't mean "everything". That does not mean they mean "nothing"!
What is garbage is the blather that OEM coolers are garbage! Contrary to what many want you to believe, OEM coolers are very capable of keeping their CPUs adequately cooled in a properly cooled case - even with mild overclocking! And OEM coolers today are also much quieter than those of yesteryear too.

Remember, only the OEM coolers are warrantied to protect the CPUs they come with. No aftermarket cooler maker will replace your CPU should their coolers fail to do their job. Also remember that cooler does not automatically mean better. Keeping our CPUs adequately cooled, comfortably within the "normal operating range" IS absolutely essential. But colder than that does NOT improve performance, provide better stability, or longer life.

Sure, many aftermarket coolers do a better job, and/or a quieter job. But that does not mean OEM coolers are garbage or that they cannot do their assigned jobs adequately.

So if your CPU comes with an OEM cooler, and you are not doing extreme overclocking, give the OEM cooler a try. With a proper application of decent TIM (thermal interface material), you might be pleasantly surprised, and save yourself some money too.

Why would I use that cooler when I already have a Thermalright le Grand Macho RT? On cooling performance, sound and price, this is the best CPU air cooler in the world right now. Also I keep seeing benchmarks of the 1600X beating the 1700. People are saying for gaming the 1600X the 1700 which if true, I may go that option.

 

[Final_Fighter]

My brother has the 1600x on a biostar b350gt3 and can get it to overclock to 4.0ghz @ 1.375v. going above 4.05ghz needs more than 1.40v in all honesty, i feel like he should have just went with the 1500x and overclocked it a little. works great but i believe the 1500x is the way to go. plus if amd comes out with ryzen+ next year and the performance jump is like 1st gen core i series to 2nd gen core i series than you might get another upgrade itch. ryzen is a new processor almost in the same way the first gen i series were. with more refinement it will be one hell of a proc.

here are some benchmarks: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_ryzen_5_1500x_and_1600x_review,23.html

edit: also 4 cores 8 threads are adequate for the next 3 years. look at 4k benchmarks comparing you current processor against newer ones. theirs hardly a difference.

 

[Bill_Bright]

While this Toms Hardware review focuses on the 1500, it has some interesting comments about all Ryzens. In general, for gamers, Ryzens may not be the best choice.

Why would I use that cooler when I already have a Thermalright le Grand Macho RT?

Did you read my post or just pick out what you wanted to hear (or not hear)?

I said, "So if your CPU comes with an OEM cooler, and you are not doing extreme overclocking, give the OEM cooler a try."

Since you already have that TT and (I assume) its size is not a problem for your case, then fine. Use the TT. My point was, OEM coolers are not garbage as many misinformed want us to believe.

 

[trparky]

In general, for gamers, Ryzens may not be the best choice.

And this is the part that I keep coming back to. I keep repeating that phrase in my mind and like some wall in my brain I keep running into it. It's the one damn thing that keeps me from buying it, the only damn thing. Everything else about the chip is great except for that one damn thing. If only I can find a mental sledge hammer to take that wall in my brain down.