Top 7 Best AM2 Processor For Gaming Review

Well, the thought of having the best AM2 processor for gaming is very tempting to drive someone up the wall. As much as it excites you, let’s not forget that it’s going to be one of the most significant investments for your whole gaming setup.

So, what’s necessary is to stop obsessing over petty things and focus on what matters in the long run. And to save you from the trouble, our team has compiled a review on 7 best am2 CPU for gaming with a carefully curated buying guide at the end. Hopefully, this will help you determine the ideal CPU socket whether you upgrade your previous one or customize your new CPU.

 

 

Comparison Chart of Top 7 AM2 Processor for Gaming

Top 7 Best AM2 Processor for Gaming! Our Top Pick

Here we have reviewed 7 finest AM2 processors from one of the most prominent CPU brands, AMD. Each of them caters to numerous purposes and possesses their distinct specialties too.

And just so you know, this review is backed by 24 hours of extensive research based on the customer’s feedback, key features, pros & cons, and overall performance in different aspects. So, without any further ado, let’s wade through them one by one.

1. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12-core, 24-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor

At the top of our list, we have AMD Ryzen 9 5900X as it outshines the rest of the Ryzen 500 series. It is one of the most innovative and highly performative processors for gaming.

Let us tell you what sets it apart from others.

If you are a pro gamer and tech enthusiast, then you would know about the beef between Intel and AMD. It has been proven multiple times that AMD processors are the best in the game when it comes to multi-threaded operation.

Be it for professional purposes or creative apps. But people were seen as more inclined towards Intel processors due to their top-notch performance in PC games.

The catch for you is that the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X harbors all the necessary attributes for intense and extensive gaming sessions. This processor can find all the qualities you need for playing high-end games like valorant, league of legends, apex, call of duty, etc.  It has trumped over Intel and bagged the spotlight.

Let’s talk about the specifications now. It comes with a 12 core, 24 thread processor, including a 4.8GHz boost clock.

If you have used the Ryzen 9 3900x processor, then you would know that it has the same 105W TDP. Moreover, you don’t have to invest in a new chipset if you are just looking for an update to your older Ryzen processor.

It has 70 Mb cache memory for increased and effective data retrieval and up to 4.8GHz of clock speed for rapid retrieval and interpretation of instructions from the CPU unit.

Last but not the least, let’s not forget about the temperature build-up — because we came across newbies asking this question as to why their processors produce so much heat and why it gets uncomfortably high at times.

The answer is that the AMD 9 5900X processor is built to amplify the overall performance, which means if you are pushing the processor too hard, the temperature will develop unusually.

So, you have to cut some slack off the processor to give it a breather and keep it at a comfortable temperature. This gaming processor is the best bet for you for games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey that require maximum performance and multi-core workload.

Pros

• Legendary performance
• Best single-core warrior
• Doesn’t require a new motherboard
• Engineered to withstand increased multi-core performance
• Ideal for a plethora of next-generation PC games

Cons

• Expensive
• Doesn’t come with a cooler

Verdict

Although this processor comes at a high price point, we still want you to give it a shot. Why? You don’t need a new motherboard! This is going to be one of the biggest investments of the year, but trust us when we say this, it is worth every penny.

The best part, it pays back with leverage. This beast offers you the biggest gen-on-gen jump in terms of single-core operations. And that’s what makes it stand out amongst the crowd.

2. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-Core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor

As our second pick, we have the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor that happens to be the best AM2+ processor for gaming. 

The 8 core processor combines with 16 processing threads for your mainstream desktop. No wonder it guarantees top-notch performance for high FPS gaming rigs. Thanks to its 100+ FPA performance in the most popular games played in America and other first-world countries. 

As for the clock speed, it delivers 4.7 GHz of maximum boost, which works just fine for any heavy-duty PC game. 

For the most part, this processor verifies the dominance of the mainstream desktop processor market. It effectively surpasses Intel core processors celebrated for having the upper hand in high clock speeds in PC games. 

Now, AMD holds the reins and ensures you an unparalleled experience like never. With 36MB of cache memory, you can salvage maximum instruction and data for future reuse. 

Furthermore, if you want to facilitate the strongest performance from your processor with a powerful graphics card, then its gotta be the best processor for gaming. 

Not just it, for immersing yourself into some creative work that requires single-core operation with an effective boost, then having an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor would be the best course of action.

Pros

• Extra-ordinary single-core performance
• Specially crafted for PC gaming purposes
• Notable IPC improvement
• No new motherboard required
• Ensures high-resolution video for a quality stream

Cons

• No cooler included
• Doesn’t work well with creative apps

Verdict

As long as all you are doing on your PC is playing games with your bot army rather than dabbling in creative applications, this is possibly the best CPU processor. 

However, if you are on a budget, then this is definitely not something you should vouch for. Except for this, you are all set to go, given the excellent progress it has been making over the last generation. 

3. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor

First thing first, this one is one of the most affordable processors from the Ryzen 5000 series launched to date. 

If you have used the 5 3600X before and want to upgrade to this one, then rejoice! You will get a little extra than what you obtained from the 5 3600X.

But bear in mind that it roughly costs 20% extra than the 5 3600X models, so it won’t be a plausible idea if you are on a budget. However, if you are new and want to build your gaming setup from scratch, this is the most reasonable to lay your hands on. 

This AM2 process arrives with a single CCD that incorporates 6 cores and 12 processing threads. It distributes up to 100 FPS performances in the most popular games played across the countries.

On top of that, you will get a limited cache of 32MB. We said limited but let’s not confuse it with “insufficient” because swear to God it’s not! In fact, it’s comparably more solid than the Intel processors. 

Besides, it’s fueled with a 3.7 GHz base clock, including a 4.6GHz boost clock. If you compare this one to the 8-core 5800x processor, then the difference is subtle. You will get quite similar clock frequencies as the 8-core 5800x processor. 

At this rate, it guarantees strong multi-core performance as well as single-core operations. And the best part? It’s packed with a quiet, powerful AMD wraith stealth cooler that keeps the temperature normal even during extreme gaming sessions. 

Pros

• High capacity 6 core processor for mainstream desktop
• Cooler included for resisting heat build-up
• Compatible with any AMD 500 series motherboards with a BIOS update
• 65W TDP for maximum power conserving 
• Affordable compared to other processors in its class

Cons

• Doesn’t come with graphics card
• Some software might not work

Verdict

Listen up, your gaming buddies might tell you that having a 6-core processor isn’t powerful enough for PC gaming. 

But little did they know that the number of cores don’t dictate the performance. What you require is a high level of CPU performance which this processor has in spades. 

So if you are new and want to try the most affordable processor from AMD Ryzen without investing in a new cooler, then this is surely a catch. 

4. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor

Here’s another pick for you if you are on a budget yet want to experience the God-like performance of AMD Ryzen. This one is the poster child of AMD’S Ryzen 3^rd gen processors.

Fortunately, it was sent back to the lab for some refurbishment and the new 7nm manufacturing process surely cast some magic spells on it. This renders much better performance than it was used to at low power consumption. 

If you compare it to its predecessor, then you will notice the improvement. Indeed, it doesn’t stand a chance to outsmart Ryzen 9 3900x in terms of multi-threaded workloads, but it offers raw performance at a low price point. 

With a total of 36MB of “game-cache”, you can enhance the overall gaming experience mostly if you are old-school and still addicted to e-sports games. The 8-cores and 16 threads, along with the reinforced boost click of 4.4GHz serve the raw performance you were craving all your life. 

Might not be the strongest, but once you try it practically, you will get the hang of it. You are going to get a lot more than what you deserve in such a price range.

On the other hand, you are getting 65W TDP with a decently low-profile caliber for maximum power delivery. 

A processor like the Intel core i9-9900K that costs a lot preserves optimal power and a maximum TDP of 95W considerably falls short when compared to this 7 3700X 8-Core am2 CPU. Apart from these, you are also getting a wraith spire cooler that keeps the process under 80 degrees Celsius. 

Pros

• Steal for the money
• Cooler included
• Impressive multi-core performance
• Colored controlled LED support suffices the aesthetics 
• Ideal for the desktop PC gaming segment

Cons

• Falls behind in terms of single-core performance compared to Intel
• Cooler is not that robust

Verdict

This is undoubtedly the best bang for your buck. Everything is up to the mark with the overall multi-core performance, cache memory, 4.45Hz boost clock, and adaptiveness towards popular PC gaming. With the 8-cores and 16 threads, it hits the bullseye.

5. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor

Not sure if you remember the Ryzen 5 2600 processor that was released in 2018. That was in the spotlight for quite a long time; however, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-core process bags the spot and replaces it with better and dependable performance in the mid-range CPU market. 

Before we move further, let’s clear up some confusions you might have. 

The Ryzen 5 3600X and this one are not the same, in case you were wondering. The “X” version is a little faster than this one; thus, it sits just above the Ryzen 5 3600 6-core processor. As it saves some bucks, you can plan on getting a high-quality graphics card or additional RAM to divulge every ounce of value and performance.  

It features 6 cores and 12 processing threads equipped with a quiet AMD wraith stealth cooler with a maximum of 95 degrees Celsius. 

Besides, it has the epic ultra-fast delivery rate of 100+ FPS in the world’s most played games. The 4.2 GHz of maximum clock boost and 35 MB of game cache works perfectly for mainstream desktop gaming at this range. 

It’s worth mentioning that if you want to upgrade from a PC powered with a 100-series Ryzen processor, you won’t need to swap the motherboard. 

That said, it will come in handy to just install the new processor without making any big investment.

Pros

• Top-notch gaming performance
• Value for money
• Cooler included
• No new motherboard needed
• Works best when building a computer from scratch 

Cons

• Only six cores (not powerful enough for extreme workload)
• Cooler could be a little better

Verdict

If you are looking for a low price AM2 processor that shines in offering the best gaming performance with additional gears like a decent cooler, then it surely will do the job!

Now since it comes with only six cores you can expect tasks that requires extreme workload or prolonged run-time. other than that this one works just fine!

6. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G 4-Core Unlocked Desktop Processor

We are glad to get our hands on the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G 4-core processor. It’s one of the most cost-effective processors that comes with a built-in Vega 8 GPU. Our research says that the AMD claims to serve better on the table with their enrichment’s in this process compared to the 2200G series.

It features a quad-core processor, a base clock of 3.6GHz, and a boost clock of 4 GHz. Apart from the dependable and immaculate playtime on AAA games, it also guarantees 40 to 60 FPS at 720p resolution. 

This one is one of the very few creations ever made in the history of processors that arrives with integrated graphics processing.  

This AM2 processor facilitates high-definition visuals in the world’s most popular PC games. The 4-processing core with a 4.0 GHz max boost performs extraordinarily in your newly ‘budget PC setup’. 

It includes an AMD wraith stealth cooler and offers 6 MB of cache memory. Looking at the price range this is the best you can get.

Pros

• Affordable yet powerful
• Easy to install
• No additional graphics needed
• 1,250 MHz graphics frequency 
• Fast clock speed

Cons

• Not ideal for “heavy-duty” games
• Cooler isn’t up to the mark

Verdict

If you have a very limited budget yet can’t worry less about building a powerful gaming rig, then the Ryzen 3 3200G is surely the best bet for you. 

Looking at what it offers at such a low price point as the fast clock speed, cost-efficient graphics card, and fast chip, we are convinced that this is what you need for casual gaming and the like.

7. AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler

Lastly, we have the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor. AMD promises to deliver true machine intelligence and fast-tracked system performance right at your fingertips. 

There are thousands of positive reviews from gamers, creators, and professionals about this process and its wraith Stealth cooler. The cooler is indeed a bonus for the consumers. 

However, there are more to look at. It provides remarkable performance when it comes to productivity applications and casual PC games. Anyone dreaming of a new gaming rig in a compact case can definitely root for this.

The raw overclocking performance, 65W TDP, 6 cores with 12 processing thread and base 3.4 GHz frequency to precision boost 3.9 freq. all seems too good to be true for the best AM2+ processor in budget. Furthermore, you are getting 16MB of maximum cache memory.

Pros

• Bundled cooler improves the value proposition 
• Inexpensive processor with sufficient cache memory
• Effortless installation for all the newbies 
• Ensures raw performance in creative applications and gaming
• Optimal clock speed

Cons

• Falls short compared to the 7 2700 Ryzen processor
• Needs a higher-end thermal solution 

Verdict

As long as you are looking for a competitively priced processor that doesn’t bottleneck high-end graphics cards as well as ensures multi-threaded gaming performance, this one will suffice all the standards.

Effective Tips to Choose the Best AM2 Gaming Processor

Before you make a purchase, let’s have a look at some effective tips you need to consider while choosing the best AM2+ processor for an extraordinary gaming journey.

Number of Cores

For starters, you need to know what cores stand for. Basically, the CPU comprises numerous processors, known as cores, and they vary from 2 to 32 core count. The majority of them consist of 4 to 8 cores. You need to opt for at least 4 cores for having ample processing caliber to play most of the modern PC games.

Locked/Unlocked

If your CPU says it’s unlocked, that means you can overclock it to improve the frequency beyond the default settings. Here the frequency will dictate the speed delivery rate in conserving data or information. In sum, the increased frequency will eventually improve the speed of the CPU.

So if you are hoping for a CPU that works ideally for gaming applications, then go for the unlocked ones so that you overclock it when needed.

Threads

The best gaming processors often come with hyper or multi-threading. This usually indicates that they can control more than one process at a time. The rule of thumb is, the larger the thread count, the better it becomes. For multi-tasking and faster data processing — choosing the multi-threaded processors will be the right choice.

Brand

Lastly and most importantly, you should undoubtedly inspect the brand history. As you can see here, we have made a neck-to-neck comparison between Intel and AMD because these are one of the most compelling brands that rule the realm of gaming processors.

By comparing each product with the best ones, we tried to exhibit the overall competency and why you should invest your hard-earned money in these.

Similarly, if you want to look for other brands, make sure to analyze their history, performance, customers feedback, and responsiveness. If nothing, at least try to assess them in a price-to-performance parameter.

Final Words

So that was our extensive review on the best AM2 processor for gaming. Now before we go, there’s this one question we get a lot, as in — “can AM2 processors work in AM3 sockets” or not.

Well, please keep in mind that socket AM2+ processors can’t be used on socket AM3 motherboards.

Both are built differently, and forcing them to adapt to somewhere they don’t belong will be foolish. Also, make sure to read the manuals no matter which processor you are using. If you have any further queries feel free to leave your comment.