AMD Ryzen 5 9500F: New Budget AM5 CPU Drops the Graphics, Keeps the Performance

It looks like the earlier rumors about new AMD budget CPUs are materializing. A six-core Ryzen 5 9500F has been spotted and tested in the Geekbench 6 benchmark.

The results show the new chip is practically just as fast as the previously announced Ryzen 5 9600. In the single-core test, the 9500F scored 3,122 points — just 1.5% shy of the 9600's 3,166 points. Interestingly, in the multi-core test, the new model actually pulled slightly ahead, scoring 14,369 points versus the 9600's 14,257. The difference is minimal and likely falls within a margin of error or could be down to the cooling solution.

The processors' specifications are also very similar. Both chips use the Zen 5 architecture, feature 6 cores, 12 threads, and 32 MB of L3 cache. Their base clock is the same at 3.8 GHz, but the key difference lies in the boost clock: the Ryzen 5 9600 reaches up to 5.2 GHz, while the 9500F, according to this test, appears to be capped at 5.0 GHz.

The main feature of the new chip is the lack of an integrated graphics core, which is signaled by the 'F' in its name. This means a discrete graphics card will be mandatory for any system using this CPU. This is a familiar approach from previous generations and allows AMD to offer a more attractive price point for those who were planning to use a dedicated GPU anyway.

Official pricing and availability details are still under wraps. However, judging by its positioning and similarity to its predecessor, the Ryzen 5 7500F (which launched at $179), we can expect this new model to become one of the most affordable ways to get onto the Zen 5 AM5 platform. This makes it a compelling option for building budget-friendly gaming and work PCs.