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.