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 1600X is the flagship processor from AMD's latest generation of Ryzen 5 processors which feature the Zen architecture. Following on from last month's release of the Ryzen 7 series, the Ryzen 5 series is positioned as a less expensive mid-performance alternative to Intel's i5 mainstream offerings. Once again, AMD excels in multi-core technology. Like the Ryzen 5 1600, the 1600X features 6 cores and 12 threads, but has roughly 11% higher clock speeds (out of the box) for a 14% premium. Like all Ryzen CPUs the 1600X is unlocked. The 1600X is the only Ryzen 5 CPU with a TDP of 95W, the 1600, 1500X and 1400 all have 50% lower power consumption of 65W. Due to its high thread count, UserBenchmarks show that at stock clocks the 1600X outperforms the i7-7700k on multi-threaded tasks by 23%, but it lags behind by 23% for single and 14% for quad-core performance. The 1600X is priced keenly at $249 so a more appropriate CPU comparison is the i5-7600k where the 1600X wins on stock multi-core by a whopping 81%. The 1600X does represent great value for workstation users that also game but its $30 cheaper sibling, the 1600 (non x version), which includes a cooler and has great overclocking potential out of the box is arguably the the value king in this segment. [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.