AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
AMD Ryzen 5 1500X: Review and Relevance in 2025
Why this processor can still be a cost-effective choice for budget PCs?
1. Key Features: Architecture and Performance
Zen Architecture: The Start of a Revolution
The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, released in 2017, was one of the first representatives of the Ryzen line using Zen architecture. Despite its age, it remains relevant for basic tasks in 2025, thanks to its 4 cores and 8 threads. The 14 nm manufacturing process characteristic of the first generation of Ryzen provides a balance between performance and power consumption (TDP 65 W).
Key Features:
- Multi-threading: 8 threads allow for comfortable multitasking.
- 16 MB L3 Cache: Improves responsiveness in cache-dependent applications (e.g., data archiving).
- Unlocked Multiplier: Allows overclocking (up to 3.9–4.0 GHz on air cooling).
Performance in 2025
According to Geekbench 6 tests (Single-Core: 1105, Multi-Core: 3658), the Ryzen 5 1500X lags behind modern budget CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5500 (Single-Core: ~1700), but is still sufficient for:
- Office tasks (Excel, browsing with 10+ tabs).
- Light 1080p video editing (e.g., in DaVinci Resolve).
- Gaming at medium settings (CS2, GTA V, Fortnite).
2. Compatible Motherboards
AM4 Socket: Versatility with Limitations
The Ryzen 5 1500X uses the AM4 socket, allowing it to be installed on motherboards with A320, B350, X370 chipsets, as well as newer B450/X470 (after a BIOS update). However, in 2025, new AM4 boards are rarely released — available models include:
- ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 ($65–75): A budget option with NVMe support.
- Gigabyte X470 AORUS Ultra Gaming (used from $50): For enthusiasts wanting to overclock the CPU.
Important:
- BIOS updates may require installing an older processor (e.g., Athlon 200GE).
- PCIe 3.0 limits the speed of modern graphics cards (e.g., RTX 4060 can lose up to 5% performance).
3. Supported Memory
DDR4: Focus on Frequency and Timings
The Ryzen 5 1500X works only with DDR4. Recommended parameters:
- Frequency: 2666–3200 MHz (higher may lead to instability without manual adjustments).
- Timings: CL16 or lower (e.g., Kingston Fury Renegade 3200 MHz CL16).
Example Configuration:
2×8 GB DDR4 3000 MHz yields a 10–15% performance boost in games compared to single-channel mode.
4. Power Supply: Minimum Requirements
Power Calculation
With a TDP of 65 W and compatibility with graphics cards like the GTX 1660 Super or RX 6600, a power supply of 450–550 W is sufficient. Examples:
- Be Quiet! System Power 10 450W ($55): Ideal for non-overclocked systems.
- Corsair CX550M ($70): Semi-modular option with extra capacity for upgrades.
Advice: Avoid cheap no-name power supplies — unstable voltage can damage components.
5. Pros and Cons of Ryzen 5 1500X in 2025
Pros:
- Price: A new processor costs $80–100 (e.g., on Amazon or Newegg).
- Energy Efficiency: Perfect for compact PCs (e.g., in a Fractal Design Node 304 case).
- Windows 11 Support: After installing a TPM 2.0 module.
Cons:
- Weak Single-thread Performance: Lags behind even budget Intel Core i3-12100F (Single-Core: 1800+).
- Lack of PCIe 4.0/5.0: Slower SSDs and graphics cards.
6. Use Cases
Gaming
- 1080p/Medium: 60+ FPS in Dota 2, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends (with a GTX 1660 Ti).
- Strict limitations: In Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield, performance may drop to 30 FPS even on Low settings.
Work Tasks
- Freelancing: Using Photoshop, Figma, Visual Studio Code.
- Servers: Home NAS based on TrueNAS (due to low TDP).
Multimedia
- Streaming at 720p (OBS Studio with GPU encoding).
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Core i5-7400 (2017)
- Intel Pros: Better single-thread performance (Geekbench 6 Single-Core: ~1200).
- Cons: Only 4 threads, no overclocking.
Ryzen 5 5500 (2022)
- Pros: +40% performance, PCIe 4.0, priced at $130.
- Cons: Requires a motherboard with BIOS for Zen 3.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- Cooler: The stock Wraith Spire handles the 65 W TDP, but for overclocking, a DeepCool GAMMAXX 400 V2 ($25) is better.
- Storage: Choose an NVMe SSD (e.g., Kingston NV2 500 GB) — they run on PCIe 3.0 but are still faster than SATA.
- Graphics Card: Don’t overspend on a GPU costing more than $250 (e.g., RX 6600) — the processor will become a bottleneck.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the Ryzen 5 1500X Suitable For?
This processor is worth considering for:
- Budget Users: Building a PC for study or office tasks for $300–400.
- Retro Gaming Enthusiasts: Running games from the 2010s at high frame rates.
- Old System Owners: Upgrading an FX-series PC without replacing the motherboard (if compatible with AM4).
Alternative: If your budget allows $150–200, it’s better to get a Ryzen 5 5500 or Intel Core i3-13100F — they will provide more future-proof capabilities.
In 2025, the Ryzen 5 1500X may not be cutting-edge technology, but it is a rational choice for those who value the balance between price and basic functionality.