For an AM4 gaming PC, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D is the first upgrade to compare; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is an alternative if its current price and availability make sense. If your main work is rendering, encoding, or another well-threaded task, compare the Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X instead. Before buying, confirm support for your exact motherboard and BIOS, check your cooler, and compare the total cost with changing platforms.
Which AM4 CPU should you choose?
| Priority | CPUs to compare | Why they may fit |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Ryzen 7 5700X3D; Ryzen 7 5800X3D | These X3D processors are the main gaming-focused AM4 upgrade candidates. Results vary by game and system. |
| Rendering, encoding, or other well-threaded work | Ryzen 9 5900X; Ryzen 9 5950X | The higher core counts may suit workloads that make effective use of additional CPU cores. Check benchmarks for your application. |
There is no universal winner for every Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 owner. Your current CPU, target games or applications, graphics card, resolution, cooling, motherboard revision, BIOS, and local prices can change which upgrade makes sense. PC Gamer’s 2026 guide names the 5700X3D as an AM4 upgrade pick, while Tom’s Hardware’s review finds it more compelling for gaming than productivity; neither makes every system’s result predictable. PC Gamer’s 2026 gaming CPU guide and Tom’s Hardware’s 5700X3D review provide context, but use benchmarks that resemble your own workload rather than assuming a particular uplift.
Gaming upgrades: 5700X3D or 5800X3D
Ryzen 7 5700X3D
The Ryzen 7 5700X3D is a strong starting point for an AM4 gaming upgrade. It has 8 cores and 16 threads, with review-era specifications of 3.0 GHz base clock, up to 4.1 GHz boost, 100 MB combined L2/L3 cache, and 105 W TDP. PC Gamer’s 2026 guide identifies it as its AM4 upgrade pick and describes performance as close to the 5800X3D, with lower clocks. Tom’s Hardware also frames it as a gaming-oriented upgrade and notes the productivity trade-off. These are not statements about current stock or price; check both before deciding.
Ryzen 7 5800X3D
The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is another gaming-focused AM4 option. AMD lists it as an 8-core, 16-thread Zen 3 processor with up to 4.5 GHz boost, 96 MB L3 cache, and 105 W default TDP; AMD gives its launch date as April 20, 2022. Its value over the 5700X3D depends on current pricing and availability, which the cited sources do not establish. AMD lists X570, X470, B550, B450, and A520 among supporting chipsets, but chipset compatibility alone does not establish support for your particular board and BIOS. See AMD’s 5800X3D specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
AMD’s March 15, 2022 announcement said the 5800X3D delivered “15% more gaming performance versus processors without stacked cache technology.” That is AMD’s stated comparison, not a universal independent benchmark. AMD’s announcement also quoted then-senior vice president and Client business unit general manager Saeid Moshkelani: “With today’s announcement AMD is offering users the power of choice by bringing leadership gaming performance to all levels of system builds.”
For productivity, compare Ryzen 9 options
If your main applications benefit from more CPU cores, compare the 12-core Ryzen 9 5900X and 16-core Ryzen 9 5950X with the X3D gaming chips. More cores do not automatically mean better gaming performance, nor do they guarantee an improvement in every creative application. Look for benchmarks of the specific software and tasks you use; the available review evidence supports the general gaming-versus-productivity distinction, not a verdict for every application.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check motherboard support and BIOS before buying
- Identify your board. Record the exact motherboard model and, where applicable, its revision. “AM4” by itself is not enough to confirm CPU support.
- Find the board maker’s CPU support page. Locate your exact model and the entry for the intended processor, then note the minimum BIOS version. ASRock’s AM4 CPU support list illustrates the kind of vendor-specific information to check; it is not a compatibility list for other manufacturers.
- Update the BIOS if required. If your board needs a newer BIOS, follow the manufacturer’s update procedure before removing the current CPU. Do not assume the system will boot with an unsupported BIOS.
- Review cooling. AMD says the 5800X3D does not include a thermal solution and recommends liquid cooling for optimal performance. That recommendation does not mean every owner must buy a new cooler: suitability depends on the processor, cooler, case, and airflow.
- After installation, check operation. Verify stability and monitor temperatures with ordinary system monitoring tools.
Compare the full cost, not just the processor
A CPU-only AM4 upgrade may let you keep your current motherboard and memory, while a platform change may add motherboard and memory costs. Whether staying on AM4 costs less depends on current local prices and which parts you already own. Compare the complete cost of each route, including any cooler you need, rather than relying on a general claim that one platform is always cheaper.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
