AMD Ryzen 5 8500G AM5 CPU Review: Powerful Performance for Everyday Tasks
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G AM5 CPU Review: Powerful Performance for Everyday Tasks
The AMD Ryzen 5 8500G is a compelling offering for anyone looking for a powerful processor with integrated graphics. This AM5 CPU boasts 6 cores and 12 threads, making it capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. I’ve been testing the 8500G for a few weeks now and I’m impressed with its performance and versatility. This review will delve into the specifics of its features, performance, and overall value proposition.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The AMD Ryzen 5 8500G stands out as a processor specifically designed to cater to a broad spectrum of users. It is a CPU built with both performance and value in mind, offering a balance of power and efficiency. What makes the 8500G truly special is its integrated Radeon 740M graphics, which opens up possibilities for those who are looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to dedicated graphics cards, especially for everyday tasks and lighter gaming.
Key Features
The 8500G is packed with features that contribute to its impressive performance and flexibility. Some of the key highlights include:
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads: This configuration provides the processing power needed for efficient multitasking, gaming, and content creation.
- Up to 5 GHz Max Boost Clock: This high clock speed enables the CPU to deliver rapid processing speeds, resulting in snappy performance.
- Integrated Radeon 740M Graphics: The integrated graphics offer a substantial boost for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and multimedia activities.
- AMD EXPO Memory Overclocking Technology: This feature helps to enhance memory performance for smoother and faster operation.
- AMD Ryzen Master Support: This tool allows for advanced customization and overclocking capabilities, giving you more control over your CPU’s performance.
Performance
I’ve been testing the 8500G in a variety of scenarios, from daily productivity tasks to casual gaming. The 6 cores and 12 threads provide ample processing power for everyday workloads. I’ve been able to seamlessly run multiple programs simultaneously without any lag or stuttering. The 8500G handles demanding applications like video editing and photo manipulation with ease, thanks to its high clock speed and efficient core architecture.
Gaming performance, while not top-of-the-line, is perfectly acceptable for most casual titles. I was able to play popular games like League of Legends, Valorant, and CS:GO at respectable frame rates on medium settings. The integrated Radeon 740M graphics deliver solid performance for older games and less demanding titles, making it a budget-friendly alternative to dedicated GPUs.
The 8500G also delivers exceptional power efficiency. It utilizes AMD’s Configurable TDP technology, allowing you to adjust the power consumption to balance performance and energy usage based on your needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming.
- Integrated Radeon 740M graphics provide a solid performance boost for multimedia and light gaming.
- High clock speeds and multithreading capabilities contribute to efficient multitasking.
- Power efficient design with AMD’s Configurable TDP technology.
- AMD Ryzen Master support for customization and overclocking.
Cons:
- Not suitable for high-end gaming or professional-level creative workloads.
- The integrated graphics might not deliver optimal performance for demanding AAA games.
- May require a more powerful motherboard to fully utilize its potential.
Final Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 8500G is a well-rounded processor that delivers excellent value and performance. Its 6 cores and 12 threads provide ample processing power for everyday tasks, while the integrated Radeon 740M graphics add a considerable boost for multimedia and casual gaming. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly CPU for everyday use, content creation, or light gaming, the 8500G is an excellent choice.
However, if you’re a hardcore gamer or need the best possible performance for demanding professional workloads, you may want to consider a more powerful CPU with dedicated graphics. The 8500G is a solid and versatile choice, making it an excellent option for users who need a powerful and efficient CPU without breaking the bank.
Specifications
Name | Value |
---|---|
Name | AMD Ryzen™ 5 8500G |
Family | Ryzen |
Series | Ryzen 8000 Series |
Form Factor | Desktops |
AMD PRO Technologies | No |
Consumer Use | Yes |
Regional Availability | Global |
Former Codename | Phoenix |
Architecture | 2x Zen 4, 4x Zen 4c |
# of CPU Cores | 6 |
Multithreading (SMT) | Yes |
# of Threads | 12 |
Max. Boost Clock | Up to 5 GHz |
Max Zen C Clock | Up to 3.7 GHz |
Base Clock | 3.5 GHz |
Zen4 Base Clock | 4.1 GHz |
Zen C Base Clock | 3.2 GHz |
L2 Cache | 6 MB |
L3 Cache | 16 MB |
Default TDP | 65W |
AMD Configurable TDP (cTDP) | 45-65W |
Processor Technology for CPU Cores | TSMC 4nm FinFET |
CPU Compute Die (CCD) Size | 137mm² |
Package Die Count | 1 |
AMD EXPO™ Memory Overclocking Technology | Yes |
Precision Boost Overdrive | Yes |
Curve Optimizer Voltage Offsets | Yes |
AMD Ryzen™ Master Support | Yes |
CPU Socket | AM5 |
CPU Boost Technology | Precision Boost 2 |
Instruction Set | x86-64 |
Supported Extensions | AES, AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, AVX512, FMA3, MMX-plus, SHA, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, SSE4A, SSSE3, x86-64 |
Max. Operating Temperature (Tjmax) | 95°C |
Launch Date | 1/31/2024 |
OS Support | Windows 11 – 64-Bit Edition, Windows 10 – 64-Bit Edition, RHEL x86 64-Bit, Ubuntu x86 64-Bit |
Native USB 4 (40Gbps) Ports | 2 |
Native USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Ports | 2 |
Native USB 2.0 (480Mbps) Ports | 1 |
PCI Express® Version | PCIe® 4.0 |
Native PCIe® Lanes (Total/Usable) | 14, 10 |
NVMe Support | Boot, RAID0, RAID1 |
System Memory Type | DDR5 |
Memory Channels | 2 |
Max. Memory | 256 GB |
System Memory Subtype | UDIMM |
Max Memory Speed | 2x1R DDR5-5200, 2x2R DDR5-5200, 4x1R DDR5-3600, 4x2R DDR5-3600 |
Graphics Model | AMD Radeon™ 740M |
Graphics Core Count | 4 |
Graphics Frequency | 2800 MHz |
DirectX® Version | 12 |
DisplayPort™ Version | 2.1 |
DisplayPort Extensions | Adaptive-Sync, HDR Metadata, UHBR10 |
DisplayPort Max Refresh Rates (SDR) | 7680×4320 @ 60Hz, 3840×2160 @ 240Hz, 3440×1440 @ 360Hz, 2560×1440 @ 480Hz, 1920×1080 @ 600Hz |
DisplayPort Max Refresh Rates (HDR) | 7680×4320 @ 60Hz, 3840×2160 @ 240Hz, 3440×1440 @ 360Hz, 2560×1440 @ 480Hz, 1920×1080 @ 600Hz |
HDMI® Version | 2.1 |
HDCP Version Supported | 2.3 |
USB Type-C® DisplayPort™ Alternate Mode | Yes |
Multi-Monitor Support | Yes |
Max Displays | 4 |
AMD FreeSync™ | Yes |
Wireless Display | Miracast |
Max Video Encode Bandwidth (SDR) | 1080p630 8bpc H.264, 1440p373 8bpc H.264, 2160p175 8bpc H.264, 1080p630 8bpc H.265, 1440p373 8bpc H.265, 2160p175 8bpc H.265, 4320p43 8bpc H.265, 1080p864 8/10bpc AV1, 1440p513 8/10bpc AV1, 2160p240 8/10bpc AV1, 4320p60 8/10bpc AV1 |
AMD SmartAccess Memory | Available |