AMD has introduced three new processors that revive its older Zen 2 and Zen+ architectures. The new chips, part of the Ryzen 5000 series, are aimed at budget-conscious consumers and include the Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 5 5500, and Ryzen 3 5100. These processors are based on the Zen 3 architecture, not Zen 2 or Zen+, according to AMD's official specifications.
The Ryzen 5 5600 features 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 3.5 GHz and a boost clock of 4.4 GHz. The Ryzen 5 5500 also has 6 cores and 12 threads, but with lower clock speeds of 3.6 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost. The Ryzen 3 5100 offers 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock of 4.2 GHz. All three processors support DDR4-3200 memory and have a TDP of 65W.
These new processors are designed to offer affordable options for gamers and general users, with prices starting at $99 for the Ryzen 3 5100. The Ryzen 5 5500 is priced at $159, while the Ryzen 5 5600 costs $199. AMD has confirmed that these chips are compatible with existing AM4 motherboards, making them an easy upgrade for many users.
AMD's decision to release these processors comes as the company continues to focus on the budget segment, where it faces competition from Intel's low-cost offerings. The new Ryzen 5000 series processors are expected to be available from June 2026.
