This was the ultimate niche CPU. At the time of its release, it had an optimal combination of multi-core performance without sacrificing as much single- and quad- as the higher-core CPUs, at an excellent price-point. It utilizes quad-channel RAM. If you were a content creator without external funding, had one machine in the budget, then this chip might even now in mid-2019 be what you're looking for.
The higher-end Threadrippers will throw more cores at you... for up to five times the price. If you've a home studio, running a DAW on the same PC you use for everything; or you do your own video editing; or you're an independent streamer; then those extra 12 or 18 cores aren't really going to help you that much anyway, for all that extra cash - AND those CPUs have lower performance in more common applications (single- low-thread apps). Not worth it. Intel isn't even on the table, of course.
If you're reading this in the future: these benchmarks have multiple categories for a reason. Read and think. Find the best combination for what you intend to do with it - not some arbitrary "the best" overall. There is no such thing, because you won't be using your computer for Overall, now will you? [Aug '19spacefiddle]
The Ryzen 5 1600 is one of four new Ryzen 5 processors released this month. Based on the AMD Zen architecture, which is comparable to Intel in terms of IPC, the Ryzen 5 1600 has six cores which is more than the vast majority of games are able to use (most games cannot use more than four cores). Ryzen 5 CPUs offer gamers better value for money than the eight core Ryzen 7 models released last month. With six cores the 1600 is approximately 75% better at multi-threaded tasks than Intel's quad core i5 flagship – the similarly priced i5-7600K, the 1600 however, has 25% lower single and 33% lower quad core scores. The 1600 has stock base/boost clock speeds of 3.2/3.6 GHz and its price tag of $219 includes a cooler. Assuming a modest overclock of 10% brings the 1600 within striking range of the 1600X which is the Ryzen 5 flagship. The 1600X sports stock base/boost clocks of 3.6/4.0 GHz but costs $30 more than the 1600 and ships without a cooler included in the box. The Ryzen 5 1600 is the best value for money six core CPU we have seen to date. [Apr '17CPUPro]
We calculate effective speed which measures real world performance for typical users. Effective speed is adjusted by current prices to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top CPUs. [CPUPro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.