AMD has once again made a move in the entry-level processor market with the launch of two new models: the Ryzen 5 7500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F . Both chips feature six cores and twelve threads, but with different architectures, and expand the company's offerings at a time when RAM prices are skyrocketing. This strategy aims to provide affordable alternatives for those who want to upgrade their system without spending a fortune.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the specifications of these two processors, their official prices in euros , and how they differ from their predecessors. We'll also discuss their availability in European stores and why AMD has decided to revive older architectures amidst the component shortage. If you're thinking about upgrading your PC, these new Ryzen 5 processors might be just what you need.
Ryzen 5 7500: Zen 4 with integrated graphics
The Ryzen 5 7500 is essentially a sibling of the already familiar Ryzen 5 7500F. The only difference between the two is that the new model has the integrated GPU enabled, allowing it to be used without a dedicated graphics card. This is especially useful for building office mini-PCs , mini-PCs, or for troubleshooting discrete graphics card issues. It incorporates an RDNA 2 GPU with two cores clocked at 2,2 GHz , something that wasn't available in the 'F' version.
In terms of technical specifications, this is a six-core, twelve-thread chip based on the Zen 4 architecture, manufactured using a 5-nanometer process. Its base clock speed is 3,7 GHz, and it reaches 5 GHz in turbo mode. It features 32 MB of L3 cache and 6 MB of L2 cache, and its TDP is only 65 watts. Furthermore, it is compatible with DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 , making it a very well-rounded option for building a modern PC without going for a high-end model.
The official suggested retail price is $189, which, including VAT, is approximately €197,28. However, some European retailers are selling it for more than that, such as a German store listing it for €228. Even so, the price difference compared to the Ryzen 5 7500F is minimal , so if you find this version with integrated graphics at a similar price, it's worth considering.
Ryzen 5 5500F: Zen 3 for AM4 with PCIe 4.0
The Ryzen 5 5500F is an AM4 socket processor, meaning it can be installed on the best AMD Ryzen-compatible motherboards and uses DDR4 memory, which is a welcome relief given the soaring prices of DDR5. This chip is based on the Zen 3 architecture, specifically the Vermeer silicon, unlike the original Ryzen 5 5500 which used Cezanne. The main advantage is that it now offers PCIe 4.0 support , whereas the previous model only supported PCIe 3.0.
Technically, we're talking about a six-core, twelve-thread processor with a base clock of 3,0 GHz and a turbo boost of 4,4 GHz. The L3 cache is 16 MB, half that of the Ryzen 5 5600, so its gaming performance will be slightly lower, though sufficient for most tasks. Its TDP is 65 watts and it doesn't include an integrated GPU , so you'll need a dedicated graphics card for any kind of use.
The recommended price is $99, which translates to €103,34 including VAT. This is a very aggressive price for a six-core processor with this architecture, and we'll likely see offers below €100 in Spanish stores. It's expected to drop to around $89 in the future , according to some forecasts.
Availability and comparison with the previous generation
Both processors are now available in international stores and several European retailers. In Spain, they can be found at retailers like PcComponentes and Amazon, although sometimes at slightly higher prices than the suggested retail price. AMD's strategy of launching these lower-end models is a response to the RAM crisis , which has significantly increased the price of DDR5 memory, making systems with DDR4 still very attractive.
Compared to the previous generation, the Ryzen 5 5500F surpasses the Ryzen 5 5500 in turbo frequency (4,4 GHz vs. 4,2 GHz) and adds PCIe 4.0 support, although it maintains the same cache size. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 5 7500 is a more compelling option than the 7500F if you need integrated graphics, and its price is only slightly higher. In short, both CPUs are ideal for tight budgets without sacrificing decent performance.
With these two releases, AMD demonstrates that it still has a lot to offer in the entry-level segment. Both the Ryzen 5 7500 and the Ryzen 5 5500F are well-balanced, low-power processors with very competitive prices. If you're looking to upgrade an AM4 PC or build a new one with an AM5 socket, these are options to consider. However, you'll need to keep an eye on availability because they're expected to sell out fast.
