Priced at an affordable $230, AMD's Ryzen 5 2600X is targeted at a larger market than the Ryzen 7 2700X. The processor still comes with 6 cores and 12 threads, matching the best Intel has to offer.

Solid performance improvements; Scales well with multi-threaded apps; More cores and threads than competing Intel parts; Unlocked CPU multiplier; Supports existing AM4 motherboards; CPU cooler included; Soldered IHS

Single-threaded performance still lower than Intel's; Limited overclocking potential; Memory still a bit more problematic than on Intel; Lacks integrated graphics

The Ryzen 5 2600X offers a nice little extra bump in performance when compared to the 1600X. It's not massive and as extensive as what the 2700X is to the 1700X, but it is a step forward with what pretty much is a bit of a die-shrink and tweaking.

The Ryzen 5 2600X embarrasses its Intel rivals with dramatically higher multi-core performance, better single-core power and gaming performance, but sacrifices some of its original affordability in the process.

Faster single-core performance; Improved gaming frame rates; X470 chipset features

Runs hot; Significant power consumption; A little too expensive for budget builds

With intel behind on high-core-count consumer products for so long, this seems like a no-brainer if you want to stay below the coffee lake price point. Runs like a beast even without overclocking it. Should you overclock it, the platform offers plenty of silicon headroom in my experience.

With the Ryzen 5 2600X ($229), AMD offers a mild performance step down from its flagship mainstream Ryzen 7 2700X ($329) processor, but at a rather significant 30 percent cut in price. The trade-off is that you're down to six cores and 12 threads versus the pricier chip's eight cores and 16 threads. You also sacrifice 100MHz on the base clock (3.6GHz) and maximum boost clock (4.2GHz). On a positive note, however, this processor sheds 10 watts from the TDP, so it'll consume less power both at idle and when you're pushing it hard. On the whole, this is a superb-value package for budget-minded power seekers such as gamers, streamers, and content creators who just want to run at stock speeds. If you simply want to slap on a stock cooler, install a video card, and get your DIY rig running and crunching, this CPU is one of the best midrange options out there. Cost-Effective Cores (and Cooling) AMD is continuing to sell the Ryzen 5 1600X, the first-generation variant of this chip, tho...

For PC builders or upgraders seeking a moderate-price CPU for multitasking, playing games, and running common consumer applications, AMD's Ryzen 5 2600X offers superb bang for the buck.

Plenty of cores and threads for modern multi-threaded apps; Handles multi-tasking like a champ; Inexpensive alternative to AMD's flagship Ryzen 7 processors; Unlocked multiplier will make overclockers happy

Single-threaded workload performance lags a little behind Intel's similar-class processors; No integrated GPU

Take a step down and about $100 off the price of the Ryzen 7 2700X and you have a 6-core, 12-thread Ryzen 5 2600X. This second generation Ryzen processor has a base clock of 3.6 GHz and boosts up to 4.2 GHz.

– 6core; 12thread part; totally unlocked; – Comes with included cooler; – X470 and B450 boards are solid; – Solid value

– Runs a little hot (in our testing

Advantages: - Max speed for processor is 4.20GHz - The temperatures are under 40*C with the Corsair 280mm AIO - Easy to install to the socket. - Overclockable. - Good scores at Cinebench [over 1200+ up to 1400] - Best for multitasking. Disadvantages: - Do not use the stock cooler!!

Great product, very good overclocker. Able to hit 5.1ghz single core easily with a couple of voltage adjustments and working it up slowly.

heart heart i simple love this product. plays game really well and renders my applications for mobile phone development

I game at 1440p at 60hz. This processor has no problems keeping up in any game I throw at it. Coming from a 6600k overclocked to 4.8 this still runs everything just as well. This has eliminated getting 100 percent CPU usage like my 4 core did with some games.(GTA5,MONSTER HUNTER WORLD).