AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Processor Review

Not that long ago we took a look at AMD’s new flagship mainstream processor the Ryzen 7 2700X, which is an 8-core, 16-thread part. Take a step down and about $100 off the price of the Ryzen 7 2700X and you have a 6-core, 12-thread Ryzen 5 2600X. This second generation Ryzen processor has a base clock of 3.6 GHz and boosts up to 4.2 GHz. All of that performance, and cores for only $225 at our favorite online retailer. On top of that since this is a second generation Ryzen part you have Precision Boost 2 and XFR2. Given its price and expected performance this could be the processor to get for new PC builders. Read on as we see what the Ryzen 5 2600X can do!

Special thanks to AMD for providing us with the Ryzen 5 2600X Processor to review.

Specifications
# of CPU Cores: 6
# of Threads: 12
Base Clock: 3.6GHz
Max Boost Clock: 4.2GHz
Total L1 Cache: 576KB
Total L2 Cache: 3MB
Total L3 Cache: 16MB
Unlocked: Yes
CMOS: 12nm FinFET
Package: AM4
PCI Express Version: PCIe 3.0 x16
Thermal Solution: Wraith Spire
Default TDP / TDP: 95W
Max Temps: 95°C

Packaging
AMD really has not changed the packaging for the second generation Ryzen processors from the first generation. On the front there is a large Ryzen logo and in the bottom right there is a “5” letting us know this is a Ryzen 5 series chip.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X

Opening the box up inside we find two boxes. One includes the chip and a Ryzen case badge and the other includes the Wraith Spire CPU cooler.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X

The Wraith Spire CPU cooler is not as great as the Wrath Prism RGB cooler that came with the Ryzen 7 2700X, but it should definitely get the job done. It is a pretty basic cooler made up if a heatsink stack with a solid copper core.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X

There is a small fan on the top of the cooler. The base of the cooler does come with thermal paste pre-applied, so be careful when you take it out of the package.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X AMD Ryzen 5 2600X

Here are a couple of shots of the chip before we installed it in our system.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X AMD Ryzen 5 2600X

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