AMD Ryzen 5 1600X 6 Core / 12 Thread CPU Review With ASRock X370 Killer SLI AM4 Motherboard

AMD AM4 Socket - Ryzen, Raven Ridge and Bristol Ridge CPU Support

AMD has replaced their older AM3 and AM3+ sockets with the new AM4 socket. This socket supports AMD Ryzen CPUs, Bristol Ridge APUs and the upcoming Raven Ridge APUs too.

The AM4 socket is featured on the AMD 300 series boards and will extend support to the Raven Ridge processors. The AM4 socket has a total of 1331 contact points for interfacing with Ryzen processors. There was a need to develop a new socket for Ryzen processors since the latter come with support for DDR4 memory and PCIe Gen 3.0 interface directly from the Ryzen chip. Following are all of the Ryzen processors that will be available for the AM4 platform:

AMD Ryzen Processor Lineup:

AMD Ryzen CPU Model	Cores/Threads	Base Frequency Range	L3 Cache	TDP	Prices
Ryzen 7 1800X	8/16	3.6 / 4.0 GHz	16 MB	95W	$499 US
Ryzen 7 1700X	8/16	3.4 / 3.8 GHz	16 MB	95W	$399 US
Ryzen 7 1700	8/16	3.0 / 3.7 GHz	16 MB	65W	$329 US
Ryzen 5 1600X	6/12	3.6 / 4.0 GHz	16 MB	95W	$249 US
Ryzen 5 1600	6/12	3.2 / 3.6 GHz	16 MB	95W	$219 US
Ryzen 5 1500X	4/8	3.5 / 3.7 GHz	8 MB	65W	$189 US
Ryzen 5 1400	4/8	3.2 / 3.4 GHz	8 MB	65W	$169 US
Ryzen 5 1300	4/8	3.0 / 3.3 GHz	8 MB	65W	$149 US
Ryzen 3 1200X	4/4	3.4 / 3.8 GHz	8 MB	65W	$149 US
Ryzen 3 1100	4/4	3.2 / 3.5 GHz	8 MB	65W	$129 US

Cooler Compatibility With the AM4 Socket

Since we are looking at a slightly bigger socket that measures 90mm x 54mm, the previous cooler mounting brackets from AM3+ will be non-compatible with AM4. This would require new brackets. Manufacturers in the cooling industry are now offering proper mounting brackets for Ryzen CPUs. Desktop builders who currently have an older AM3+ cooler can also grab the mounting kit for free.

While cooler manufacturers are offering their side of support, AMD has developed a family of new Wraith coolers that are available with the Ryzen processors. AMD has three new coolers that are optimized for a range of 95W and 65W Ryzen processors. These include the Wraith Max (95W), Wraith Spire (65W), Wraith Stealth (65W) coolers. All coolers operate with less noise while delivering good cooling potential. The fans also come with RGB lighting which looks gorgeous for a reference design cooler.

2 of 9

You can find additional information about our hardware review process and ethics policy here.

9.2

WCCFTECH RATING

AMD has built a disruptive platform with Ryzen and AM4 with the new Ryzen 5 1600X plus ASRock X370 Killer SLI AC showcasing a powerful bond in multi-tasking applications and competitive gaming potential.

Pros

• Very Competitive Pricing (Both CPU and Board)
• Very Good Multi-tasking Performance (CPU)
• 14nm Process Allows For Cool and Efficient Operation (CPU)
• Platform Cost Low Compared To Intel's Offerings
• 6 Core, 12 Threads In The Price Bracket of Non-Threaded Intel Quad Cores (CPU)
• ASRock Packs Lots of great features on the board
• Wireless (AC) connectivity under $150 US
• X370 Chipset With Nice VRM Design For Overclocking Ryzen CPUs
• Dual M.2 Slots For Multiple NVMe SSD Support
• Up To 64 GB DDR4 Memory Support
• CrossFire and SLI Capable Motherboard

Cons

• Gaming Performance Not On Par With Competition
• Limited Overclocking Potential on Ryzen Processors
• AM4 Motherboards Not Compatible With High Speed DDR4 DIMMs (yet)
• Not many applications optimized for Ryzen Processors
• No integrated graphics across all Ryzen Processors

Buy for from Amazon The links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Wccftech.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.