AMD Ryzen Embedded 5950E

AMD Ryzen Embedded 5950E

AMD Ryzen Embedded 5950E: Power and Efficiency for Professionals

Considering a processor for demanding tasks: from rendering to servers


1. Key Specifications: Architecture, Process Technology, and Key Features

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 5950E is built on the Zen 3 architecture (codename Vermeer) and manufactured using a 7nm process technology. This 16-core chip supports 32 threads thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) technology. The L3 cache size is 64 MB, which accelerates data processing in multi-threaded scenarios.

Key Features:

- Precision Boost 2 and XFR (Extended Frequency Range): automatically increase frequency based on workload and temperature.

- Energy Efficiency: TDP of 105W provides a balance between power and thermal output.

- PCIe 4.0 Support: 24 lanes for fast connection of NVMe drives and graphics cards.

Practical Example: In Cinebench R23 tests, the processor scores around 28,000 points in multi-threaded mode, which is close to the results of the Ryzen 9 5950X but optimized for prolonged loads.


2. Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets

The processor uses the AM4 socket, making it compatible with motherboards on the X570, B550, and A520 chipsets.

Recommendations:

- For Overclocking: choose motherboards with the X570 chipset (e.g., ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero) — they have enhanced power delivery (VRM) and support PCIe 4.0.

- Budget Option: motherboards on B550 (MSI B550 Tomahawk) — suitable for most users.

- Important: Update the BIOS before installing the processor. Some older motherboards require an update to work with Vermeer.


3. Supported Memory: DDR4 with Optimization

The Ryzen 5950E works with DDR4, supporting frequencies up to 3200 MHz (officially). However, many motherboards allow overclocking memory up to 3600–4000 MHz in XMP mode.

Tips:

- Use a dual-channel configuration (2 or 4 modules) for maximum bandwidth.

- Optimal size: 32 GB (2×16 GB) for rendering or 64 GB for virtualization.

Example: The G.Skill Trident Z Neo 3600 MHz (CL16) kit demonstrates stable performance with this processor.


4. Power Supply: Power Calculation

With a TDP of 105W, the minimum PSU power is 500W, but considering the graphics card and peripherals:

- With RTX 3070: 650W (e.g., Corsair RM650x).

- With RTX 3080/4090: 750–850W (Seasonic Prime GX-750).

Important: Choose power supplies with 80 Plus Gold/Platinum certification and separate power cables for CPU and GPU.


5. Pros and Cons of AMD Ryzen Embedded 5950E

Pros:

- High multi-threaded performance.

- Energy efficiency for 16 cores.

- Long-term support (relevant for Embedded solutions).

Cons:

- No integrated graphics — a discrete graphics card is required.

- Limited overclocking: the multiplier is locked (unlike Ryzen 9 5950X).


6. Use Cases

- Work Tasks: rendering in Blender, code compilation, Big Data processing.

- Servers and Virtualization: running many VMs simultaneously.

- Gaming: with a powerful GPU (e.g., RX 7900 XT), the processor will not become a bottleneck even at 4K.

- Multimedia: video encoding in HandBrake or DaVinci Resolve.

Real Example: A video editing studio uses the 5950E for rendering 8K video, reducing processing time by 30% compared to Ryzen 7 5800X.


7. Comparison with Competitors

- Intel Core i9-10900K (10 cores, 20 threads): Lags in multi-threaded tasks but excels in some gaming scenarios.

- Ryzen 9 5950X: Similar performance but has an unlocked multiplier and a TDP of 105W.

- Intel Xeon W-2275 (14 cores): More expensive and less efficient in power consumption.

Conclusion: The 5950E is optimal for those needing stability and longevity without overclocking.


8. Assembly Tips

- Cooling: A cooler like the Noctua NH-D15 or AIO liquid cooler NZXT Kraken X63.

- Case: With good ventilation (e.g., Fractal Design Meshify C).

- Storage: NVMe SSD (Samsung 980 Pro) for fast OS and application loading.

- Backup Power: UPS for protection from power surges (important for servers).


9. Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the Ryzen Embedded 5950E?

This processor is designed for:

- Professionals: designers, programmers, engineers.

- Enthusiasts: who appreciate a balance between power and energy efficiency.

- Corporate Users: building workstations or servers with a long lifecycle.

Why it? 16 cores and 32 threads at a relatively moderate price (compared to Threadripper) make it an ideal tool for complex tasks. However, if you need integrated graphics or overclocking, consider the Ryzen 9 5950X or Intel Core i9-13900K.


Conclusion: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 5950E is a choice for reliability and performance. It’s not for everyone, but where stability and multi-threaded power are required, it has no equal.

Basic

Label Name
AMD
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
April 2023
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
Ryzen Embedded 5950E
Code Name
Vermeer
Generation
Ryzen Embedded (Zen 3 (Vermeer))

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
16
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
32
Basic Frequency
3.05 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
up to 3.4 GHz
L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
512 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
64 MB (shared)
Multiplier Unlocked
No
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
AMD Socket AM4
Multiplier
30.5x
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
7 nm
TDP
105 W
Max. Operating Temperature
?
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.
105°C
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 4, 24 Lanes (CPU only)
Transistors
8,300 million

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
Yes

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
N/A