Maximum PC - USA (2019-10)

maximumpc.com OCT 2019 MAXIMUMPC 51

0.5GHz

1.0GHz

1.5GHz

2.0GHz

2.5GHz

3.0GHz

3.5GHz

4.0GHz

4.5GHz

THE NEW SERIES of Ryzen CPUs has hit the ground
running. After a few teething issues with existing systems
and programs (looking at you, Destiny 2), these CPUs are
ready to roll. Improving on the second generation across
the board, the new 3000-series processors come with
their own coolers, while maintaining a price point that
keeps them competitive with Intel’s offerings. Thanks to

PCIe 4.0 support, these CPUs can form the basis for the

fastest, smoothest systems around. AMD isn’t leaving

those on a tighter budget behind, either. With prices

ranging from $100 to $500, there are options for anyone

putting together a new build. You might notice that the

high-end Ryzen 9 3900X is absent from this lineup—that’s

because we’ve already reviewed it, and it was great.

4

AMD RYZEN 5

3600X

A straight upgrade to the

Ryzen 5 3600, the X variant is

capable of reaching slightly

higher clock speeds than it’s

little brother, but otherwise

doesn’t change much. It does,

however, come with a larger

cooler, ready to deal with

the additional heat produced

by overclocking. A

good choice for

enthusiasts on

a budget.

5

AMD RYZEN 7

3700X

Now we’re getting to the

really good stuff. The price

jumps up pretty sharply

once you hit the Ryzen 7

processors, but they’re still

good value: Eight cores, 16

threads, and the sweet RGB

effects of the Wraith Prism

cooler mean that this is a

quality processor, and

one we think we’ll

be seeing a lot of

in system builds.

6

AMD RYZEN 7

3800X

The 3800X is another

straightforward upgrade;

this time, it’s building on the

3700X. While overclocking on

this processor isn’t easy, it’s

hardly necessary, thanks to a

mighty 3.9GHz base clock. The

thermal design power leaps

up from 65W to 105W with

this one, though, so you

need to be prepared to

take the hit on your

overall system cooling.