The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is still one of our favorite gaming CPUs and now sits firmly under $200
Updated: Jan 26, 2026 1:54 pm
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With prices now significantly lower than at launch, the Ryzen 5 9600X has settled into a much more appealing position for budget-minded gaming builds. The 9600X is a 6-core, 12-thread CPU designed to prioritise single-core performance and efficiency, but in the simplest of terms, it is ideal for gaming. During our testing of the 9600X, we found it to be the perfect route into the AM5 platform without overspending. While it’s not aiming to compete with high-end Ryzen 9 or X3D chips, it covers the essentials extremely well, especially for gaming-focused builds.
Prices and savings subject to change. Click through to get the current deal prices.
30% OFF
6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Why the Ryzen 5 9600X is still worth considering
Despite sitting at the more affordable end of AMD’s 9000-series stack, the 9600X delivers surprisingly strong gaming performance. In our testing, it consistently produced high frame rates across a wide range of modern titles, making it a reliable choice for high-refresh-rate gaming when paired with a capable GPU.
Its Zen 5 architecture focuses heavily on efficiency, which means lower power draw and manageable thermals compared to many competing mid-range CPUs. This makes it particularly well-suited to smaller builds or users who want solid performance without pushing power and cooling too hard.
In our full review, the Ryzen 5 9600X impressed in gaming workloads, posting excellent average frame rates in titles like CS2, Doom Eternal, and Days Gone. It also showed strong consistency in 1% and 99th percentile results, which translates to smoother gameplay during longer sessions.
Thermals were equally reasonable, with gaming temperatures staying comfortably below concerning levels, even under sustained load. Power consumption remained efficient for a modern desktop CPU, reinforcing its appeal as a balanced, everyday gaming chip rather than a power-hungry brute.
Is the Ryzen 5 9600X a good buy right now?
If you’re building a gaming-focused PC and don’t need heavy multi-core productivity performance, the Ryzen 5 9600X makes a lot of sense at its current pricing. It offers strong single-core performance, efficient power usage, and consistently good gaming results, all while keeping costs in check.
Prices and savings subject to change. Click through to get the current deal prices.
30% OFF
6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Another key advantage of the Ryzen 5 9600X is its place in the AM5 platform. It supports DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen 5, giving builders access to modern features and a clear upgrade path down the line. With compatibility across a wide range of AM5 motherboards, it’s easier to pair with more affordable boards without locking yourself out of future upgrades.
For budget-conscious gamers who want access to AMD’s latest platform without stretching to higher-end X3D or Ryzen 9 chips, this is one of the more sensible gaming CPUs to pick up right now.
