Here are some other benchmarks that use Vega 56 as GPU. As you can see, the performance difference is much larger than that of the 1660 Ti. Increasing the resolution reduces the performance difference.
- Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600x | Top 5 Picks & Guide
- Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600x in 2022 – Summary
- 1. MSI B450 Tomahawk Motherboard
- Best Gaming Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600x
- Cost-Effective Cores (and Cooling)
- Similar Products
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800X
- Intel Core i7-8700K
- Intel Core i7-7700K
- That Was Then, This Is Wow
- AMD’s Ryzen 2000 Competition: Intel’s Coffee Lake
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600X verdict
- Experience AMD CPU Potential
- Stylish AMD CPU Cooler
- Architecture
- EVGA SuperNOVA G3
- Final Thoughts
Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600x | Top 5 Picks & Guide
The AMD Ryzen 5 2600x is one of the most recommended mid-range gaming processors. For under 200 bucks, you’ll find the best motherboard for the Ryzen 5 2600x with bizarre performance and exceptional overclocking capabilities.
The Ryzen 5 2600x is a great competitor to the Intel i5 9600K, but the Ryzen 5 series combined with the GPU provides great performance and is well worth the price. Most mid-range gamers use Ryzen because it comes pre-unlocked and can be overclocked with a cheap motherboard. The motherboard recommended is at least the B450 or X470 chipset option to enjoy the performance of this CPU.
When you have hundreds of motherboards on the front, it will be hard to pick the best one, especially if you’re not a technologist. We’ve selected the best motherboards for the Ryzen 5 2600x to get the most out of your gaming PC.
Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600x in 2022 – Summary
Award | Model | Price |
---|---|---|
The best gaming motherboard for the Ryzen 5 2600x | ![]() |
1. MSI B450 Tomahawk Motherboard
Best Gaming Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600x
SPECIFICATIONS
Socket: AMD AM4 | Chipset: AMD B450 | Form factor: ATX | Voltage regulator: 14 + 2 | PCIe x16: 2 | USB ports: 13 | 1 year warranty
REASONS TO BUY
+ There are six fan slots.
+ VRM that works decently.
+ Features USB 3.1, USB Type-C and M.2 32 Gb / s.
+ A price point that is affordable.
REASONS TO AVOID
– There is a single M.2 slot.
The MSI Tomahawk is one of the best gaming motherboards for the Ryzen 5 2600x, bringing users exceptional overclocking performance and a great feature set. These B450 motherboards are specially designed for gamers on a budget. You can even upgrade to Ryzen 3000 series processors without changing your motherboard if you have that motherboard, but you may need a BIOS update. When you compare it without B450 motherboards, it’s much better to consider it as a Zen processor.
As for the design, the MSI Tomahawk has an attractive appearance. It follows the color scheme of its predecessor and has a black base with a few gray accents. In addition, VRM heatsinks and light bronze chipsets give it an elegant look. RGB lights are missing in the main sections of the board, but there are plenty to the right of them that can be customized using any RGB lighting software.
RGB lighting header can power 12V strip lighting. It also comes with an RGB light controller which unfortunately is not independently controlled but can produce different effects. The company focused on aesthetics, but also worked on power and features, and Tomahawk motherboards are highly regarded for their excellent VRM and cooling systems.
In addition to four RAM slots, the MSI Tomahawk supports a total of 128GB of memory, which is more than adequate for a mid-range gaming setup. There is an M.2 slot and six SATA slots for storage expansion, but the heat spreader is missing from the M.2. The only PCI-e 3.0 x16 slot is protected by Steel Slot armor to reduce the risk of damage from heavy graphics cards. While the rest of the PCI-e slots are PCI-e 2.0 compatible, you can install other expansion cards as well.
When it comes to rear I / O connectivity ports, we have two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (Type A and Type C), several USB 3.1 Type A ports, and a USB 2.0 port. In addition to USB, there is a DVI-D port and an HDMI 1.4 port, one PS / 2 combo port and a Realtek RTL8111H Ethernet controller. There is also a BIOS Flashback button that allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU, memory or video card.
The number of threads is equally important. Threads are not physical like cores, they are rather virtual. They are an important component and allow the processor to multitask efficiently. Both processors have 12 threads.
Cost-Effective Cores (and Cooling)
AMD continues to sell the Ryzen 5 1600X, a variant of this first-generation chip, albeit at a slight discount. By choosing the enhanced Zen + Ryzen 5 2600X, you get better memory compatibility and slightly higher clock rates. As with the Ryzen 7 2700X, this CPU’s retail box includes a perfectly matched general-purpose CPU cooler. While the Wraith Spire does handle a bit of overclocking, be warned against overclocking the Ryzen 5 2600X with it. The cooler has a heat dissipation power of 95 watts, and this processor generates the same at the factory settings.
Similar Products
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
AMD Ryzen 7 1800X
Intel Core i7-8700K
Intel Core i7-7700K
As with these first-gen chips, buyers opting for the Ryzen 5 2600X will need to have a separate graphics card as there is no part of this CPU that handles 2D and 3D video playback and rendering tasks like on Intel’s mainstream platform. If built-in graphics are important to you, AMD has its Ryzen 5 2400G ($ 169) and Ryzen 3 2200G ($ 99) with Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics. AMD’s versatile AM4 chipset works with the full line of Ryzen chips (except, of course, the giant CPU AMD Ryzen Threadripper), but be aware that not all AM4 motherboards have all the important HDMI, DVI, VGA, or DisplayPort video features – port outputs to support these APUs, as AMD traditionally specifies its on-chip graphics accelerated processors.
For those planning on installing an aftermarket CPU cooler, the Ryzen 5 2600X has an unlocked multiplier that makes overclocking a breeze. Overclockers will also appreciate the fact that this CPU’s heat spreader is soldered to ensure optimal heat transfer between the die surface and the cooler.
That Was Then, This Is Wow
The Zen + architecture of AMD or Pinnacle Ridge was built using Global Foundry’s new 12nm FinFET manufacturing process. The main advantages of this process over the old 14nm Low Power Plus (LPP) FinFET process include up to 15 percent better transistor performance, up to 16 percent lower DRAM latency for L1 and L3 caches, up to 34 percent lower DRAM latency for L2 cache, and Up to 3% increase in the number of instructions per clock (IPC). Not bad.
This time, several functions will also get a fresh coat of paint. Precision Boost is an algorithm that compares a system’s cooling performance to the current load to determine how much space can be increased. Thanks to the 2000 series chips, the Precision Boost 2 now has the ability to gradually lower the boost clock as more cores are engaged, down to a full six. Those using a high-quality CPU cooler, such as a closed-loop liquid cooler or a tower-style air cooler, can take advantage of the Extended Frequency Range 2 (XFR 2) to achieve even higher average clock frequencies under load.
With these new processors, AMD has made the chipset shine, although any 1st or 2nd generation Ryzen chips will perform well whether you install them on an X370 or X470 motherboard. If you decide to go with one of the new 400 series motherboards, you’ll get access to AMD’s StoreMI storage acceleration technology.
As I mentioned above, we’re going for the Wraith Cooler, which allows us to overclock a bit. However, if you prefer to go further, you’ll want a higher-end CPU cooler like the Hyper 212 Evo and Noctua NH-D15 – my two fans of choice.
AMD’s Ryzen 2000 Competition: Intel’s Coffee Lake
As part of today’s launch, AMD has undertaken a detailed benchmarking of its new chips. From the data provided, it was clear that these new processors are aimed directly at Intel’s latest mainstream processors: Coffee Lake. This is in contrast to the Ryzen 1000 series that was launched last year when the eight-core Ryzen 7 1800X was compared to the Broadwell-E 8-core: Intel has, in the meantime, upgraded its mainstream line of processors to six-core with high frequency.
As a result, AMD suggests comparing the Ryzen 7 2700X with the Core i7-8700K and the Ryzen 5 2600X with the Core i5-8500K. This is significant – now both major x86 players in the CPU market are looking to face each other in a one-on-one fight. It has not really happened for many generations. However, some data will still be valid if launched last year:
- Intel is expected to have an edge on frequency and IPC
- AMD’s counter aims to get closer to frequency and offer more cores for the same price
It’s easy for AMD to swing the multi-threaded crown with internal testing, however single-thread performance is still a bit behind. A number of new features in the Ryzen 2000 series are there to help with this: slightly higher IPC, higher frequencies, higher TDP, and a better dynamic frequency boosting model. We will discuss them in the next few pages.
Comparison: Ryzen 7 2700X vs Core i7-8700K | ||
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X |
Characteristics | Intel Core i7-8700K |
8/16 | Cores / threads | 6/12 |
3.7 / 4.3 GHz | Base / Turbo | 3.7 / 4.7 |
16 (Free) + 4 (NVMe) | PCIe 3.0 lines | 16 (free) |
512 KB / core | L2 cache | 256 KB / core |
16 MB | L3 cache | 12 MB |
105 W | TDP | 95 W |
pLN 329 | Price list) | pLN 349 |
The frequencies and number of cores are one part of the equation, although the way AMD and Intel have different cache models will also play a significant role. One of the things we will see in this analysis is the comparative cache metrics as well as the fine-tuning made by AMD to close the vulnerability. In terms of price, AMD has put the Ryzen 7 2700X below the i7-8700K and also included a spare Wraith Prism RGB cooler that easily replaces any cooler for $ 30-40, saving the user some money.
Comparison: Ryzen 5 2600X vs Core i5-8600K | ||
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
Characteristics | Intel Core i5-8600K |
6/12 | Cores / threads | 6/6 |
3.6 / 4.2 GHz | Base / Turbo | 3.6 / 4.3 |
16 (Free) + 4 (NVMe) | PCIe 3.0 lines | 16 (free) |
512 KB / core | L2 cache | 256 KB / core |
16 MB | L3 cache | 9 MB |
95 W | TDP | 95 W |
229 | Price list) | 239 |
The Ryzen 5 2600X is a well-deserved sequel to one of our favorite gaming chips from the last twelve months, the Ryzen 5 1600X. These AMD Ryzen 2 processors provide us with the 2nd Gen Pinnacle Ridge processor architecture and bring Intel a bad case of indigestion. How are you, Coffee Lake .. want some Gaviscon?
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X verdict
The original Ryzen 5 1600X was a great chip, with really impressive multi-threaded performance, which allowed us to look beyond its mild gaming flaws. AMD solved these minor problems with the Ryzen 5 2600X and produced a processor that is superior to its predecessor in all respects.
It also shows that the first generation chips were not a flash in the pan. AMD listened to feedback and was able to upgrade its chips in a relatively short amount of time – and that gives us a lot of hope for future AMD Zen 2 processors.
The Ryzen 5 2600X may not be as much a milestone as the 1600X, and it’s still a few frames per second out of competing Intel chips in terms of gaming performance, but the overall package you get with second-gen Ryzen processors is second to none.
The platform’s longevity, aggressive price point, massive multi-threaded performance, and competitive gaming rates make the Ryzen 5 2600K one of the absolute best gaming processors you can buy today. That said, if you’re happy with some DIY light overclocking, you can get the same level of performance from the cheaper Ryzen 5 2600 with a little bit of tweaking.
The only thing that stops me is the gaming performance of the cheaper Intel Core i5 8400. It’s a faster, clean gaming processor, and while it was between the 2700X and 8700K, the cheaper Intel chip is this time around. So, in simple terms of gaming performance, the 8400 is a better value processor, but that’s just a minor issue considering everything the Ryzen 5 2600X aims at in terms of computing performance and platform longevity.
I don’t suggest for a moment that this updated Ryzen offers any tangible reason to upgrade from the 1600X to the Ryzen 5 2600X, but it’s still a fantastic all-round layout. And if you’re looking for a new CPU to build your gaming platform, there’s hardly any reason to choose Intel over AMD any longer.
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There are many options when it comes to choosing a CPU. While it can be difficult to narrow down your search, there are two major companies you should consider – Intel and AMD.
Experience AMD CPU Potential
ZEN + RYZEN GEN 2
AMD Ryzen 2nd generation 2000 series processors build on the phenomenal performance that the world has experienced thanks to the legendary 14nm “Zen” architecture, shifting to a smaller manufacturing process to provide more efficient chips, running faster and cooler, using the latest innovative technologies from AMD. This 12nm “Zen +” architecture at the heart of 2nd Generation Ryzen processors allows AMD to deliver some of the most powerful processors ever.
Stylish AMD CPU Cooler
AMD WRAITH COOLING FOR AM4 SOCKET
AMD has raised the stakes with the brand new line of AMD Wraith Coolers for Ryzen 2000 processors. This AMD 2600 processor comes free of charge with Wraith-Spire cooling, which offers near-silent acoustics combined with good thermal performance.
The ROG X470-F rear I / O panel offers multiple connectivity options. The Asus ROG X470-F has one HDMI 2.0 port, five USB 3.0 Type-A ports in blue, several USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports in red, and a USB 3.0 USB Type-C port. In terms of connectivity, it corresponds to both ordinary users and players.
Architecture
Both processors have an x86-64-bit hexa core. They use a 12nm process and a Zen + microarchitecture, which is a step up from AMD’s initial Zen architecture. This architecture was created in 2018, and since the launch of Zen 2 and Zen 3. That being said, these processors may not be the most forward-looking.
Both the 2600 and 2600x use the AM4 chipset. The great thing about this chipset is that it is backwards compatible with older motherboards. You won’t need to upgrade your motherboard while using this CPU. This chipset is perfect for the future.
These processors run on PCIe 3.0 x16. While this is currently appropriate, for the recent PCIe 4.0 x16 release, it is not known how long this PCIe will be secured in the future.
2600 uses the Wraith Stealth cooling system. It provides great thermal cooling and is quiet in operation. The 2600x uses the Wraith Spire Cooler, which is a Stealth upgrade. It has a particularly good thermal performance.
neither processor includes integrated graphics, and you must purchase a graphics processor for this purpose. However, both are unlocked for overclocking capabilities.
Both processors have the same amount of cache:
L1 cache – 576 KB
L2 cache – 3 MB
L3 cache – 16 MB
The cache is reasonable and can work well for games without feeling clunky or having buffering issues.
Overall, the architecture of each CPU is very similar. The main difference is that the 2600x has a better cooling system which will benefit you if you want to overclock.
The Ryzen 5 2600X offers a hell of a lot of computing power for just $ 230. The six multi-threaded cores provide the same level of computing power as the top-of-the-range Intel Coffee Lake Core i7 8700K, and the increased clock speed means there’s only a few frames per second behind the Core i7 in benchmarks.
EVGA SuperNOVA G3
I am a fan of purchasing a power supply that is very efficient, good quality, but not overly expensive. I think the EVGA SuperNova G3 belongs to this category. It will keep your hardware safe and maybe even survive multiple builds.
This is usually the price that justifies spending a bit more on quality. For around $ 70, I’m willing to go for something that gives me a better value and costs about twice the price of EVGA’s regular Bronze Certified option.
In terms of functions, it is quiet, completely modular, gives nice looking braided cables and looks great in any case. As for size, it is slightly smaller than the G2.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it’s a great looking PC that has 6 cores and 12 threads, and has good overall gaming performance for around 400,000. If you’re building something similar, you might opt for a higher graphics card. The Ryzen 5 3600X is sure to handle it.
Speaking of the Ryzen 5 3600X, if you choose to overclock you can save some money and get very similar performance with the Ryzen 5 3600.
Whether you choose to stream, edit photos, or just use it as a gaming PC, it’s a well-balanced design that gives you plenty of power for the money you spend. It’s good that GPU prices are going down. This is the main reason for the reasonable price of such a powerful structure.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the build. Do you have anything you would change? Be sure to let our reader know.
This article is accurate and to the best of the author’s knowledge. The content is provided for informational or entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for personal or professional advice on business, financial, legal or technical matters.