At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
Story Highlight
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy was released on Game Pass last week.
The trilogy has seen phenomenal results since its player count increased by nearly 3000%.
The trilogy also became the 11th most-played Xbox title after launching on the subscription.
Xbox has finally started releasing Activision’s catalog on Game Pass, starting with Diablo 4 and the recently released Modern Warfare 3. The gaming giant also released Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy on Game Pass last week.
Thanks to this service, the platformer is going through a major resurgence, with player counts now skyrocketing much higher than before.
Why it matters: The Activision Blizzard merger was completed last year. However, Microsoft has just begun putting the publisher’s biggest games on the subscription, leading to strong results for fan favorites.
The Crash Bandicoot Trilogy Was Finally Released On Game Pass Last Week
According to data from True Achievements, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy has seen a massive 2,808% increase in players following its launch on Game Pass last week.
The game has entered the top 40 most-played Xbox titles, sitting in 11th position. It has already beaten the likes of Destiny 2, Diablo 4, Apex Legends, and many others to secure the spot.
As per the report, the trilogy wasn’t even among the top 200 games before its launch on the subscription service; therefore, it has climbed by around 190 positions to become the 11th most-played title on Xbox.
Xbox Is Expected To Make More Crash Entries In The Future
It should also be noted that we have seen many titles going through similar popularity surges in the past. However, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy’s results are phenomenal, indicating a continued interest in this IP.
Overall, it’s great to see that Xbox is finally releasing Activision titles on the Game Pass. The results speak for themselves, so the publisher will likely introduce more of its catalog on the service as time goes by.
As for Crash Bandicoot, it was recently reported that a new entry, which was in development for a while, was cancelled after being worked on for three years. However, the current response may encourage Xbox to pursue a new entry sooner rather than later.
At Tech4Gamers I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy
Today I have the Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000 32GB CL30 kit for review. This is the AMD EXPO variant, and I will be testing it with our AMD test bench to see what kind of performance it will have. We have already tested another Corsair Vengeance DDR5 White kit. It had CL36-6000MHz specs and was Intel XMP only. You can check its review here.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Mussab Ali is our PC expert who has a decade-long experience in building, testing, and troubleshooting PCs.
70+ RAM tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
200+ hours spent testing different RAM kits for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
Key Takeaways
The Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM 32 GB 2×16 6000 MHz CL30: is the best of both worlds, performance and aesthetics, ideal for RGB lovers.
You should buy the Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM 32 GB 2×16 6000 MHz CL30 if you want a pure price-to-performance product, that doesn’t break your bank.
You shouldn’t buy the Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM 32 GB 2×16 6000 MHz: CL30 if you’re looking for a more Premium RAM kit for your PC.
We are testing the 6000 MHz kit with our AMD test bench. This kit has 10ns latency. You can calculate your RAM’s latency in nanoseconds using our RAM Latency Calculator.
Packaging And Unboxing
Corsair has been branding its products with the yellow color over the years. Any yellow packaging that you see when buying a PC product will, most of the time, point to a Corsair product. The same is the case with this memory kit.
Packaging Box (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The packaging comes with a yellow color with Corsai’s Logo on the top left, and the RAM is drawn in the center.
Design
Both Kits
Corsair Vengeance RGB 6,000MT/s Design. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
With the Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM, Corsair is targeting the price to performance customers who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their RAM but want a high-performing product that comes with decent aesthetic value.
They are available in capacities as follows:
2x16GB
2x32GB
2x24GB
2x32GB
4x16GB
4x24GB
The memory kits come with a grey memory sink while the PCB comes in black. To finish things off there is an RGB diffuser on the top which you can configure to show off vibrant RGB effects.
Back Design & Label (Image By Tech4Gamers)
I am sharing the Front and back pictures of the RAM Kit. You can see the back label as well which shows the part number, serial number, tested speeds, and version 5.43.13 identifying Hynix ICs. The front side contains the CORSAIR Logo while the back side comes labeled with DDR5, showcasing its support for the platform.
Test Build
CORSAIR iCUE software was installed to control the lighting of this kit. I am not going into the details of iCUE since we have already given extensive coverage in our previous reviews. Here are a few pictures:
RGB Showcase
1 of 4
RGB Lighting (Image By Tech4Gamers)
RGB Lighting (Image By Tech4Gamers)
RGB Lighting (Image By Tech4Gamers)
RGB Lighting (Image By Tech4Gamers)
We are using the mentioned configuration for RAM testing:
You can see the CPU-Z Screenshot below. The data that we can see is that the kits appear to be in a dual-channel configuration. CPU-Z confirms that the memory kit is operating at 6000 MHz, at 30-36-36-76 timings.
CPU-Z (Image By Tech4Gamers)
CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5-6000 CL30 EXPO Test Results
Just like all the RAMs we test, we will also run synthetic and gaming benchmarks on this Memory kits, you can find the results below however, the other 5 kits that we have are:
I will be comparing the Corsair Vengeance against these kits.
Let’s start with the AIDA64 Results. In all the benchmarks the Corsair Vengeance kit performed decently, coming ahead in the write benchmark and scoring second place while lagging in others, such as the latency benchmark. However, the scores are quite close, making it a true bang-for-buck performer.
AIDA64 Results
1 of 4
AIDA64 Copy Benchmark (Image By Tech4Gamers)
AIDA64 Latency Benchmark (Image By Tech4Gamers)
AIDA64 Read Benchmark (Image By Tech4Gamers)
AIDA64 Write Benchmark (Image By Tech4Gamers)
In the Cinebench R23 CPU benchmark, it outshone the competition, only to be beaten by its more Premium Corsair brothers. Quite impressive in our books, as this showcases its capability to perform in any given scenario.
Cinebench R23 (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Gaming Benchmarks
Next up are the gaming benchmarks. We ran this RAM on three titles; Black Myth Wukong, Apex Legends, and Cyberpunk 2077. You can find the results below:
Gaming Benchmarks (Image by Tech4Gamers))
1 of 3
Apex Legends Benchmarks (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Black Myth WuKong Benchmarks (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Cyberpunk 2077 Benchmarks (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The Corsair Vengeance performed as per expectations and gave high Frame Rates in all titles. This means that its a high performer and you won’t be facing any sort of bottlenecks in games.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅You are looking for a price-to-performance RAM: If you’re in the market for a pure Price-to-performance Memory kit that also comes with great RGB effects then this RAM is for you!
✅You are an RGB lover: If you like your memory kits to come with RGB and add to the aesthetic appeal of your build, then don’t hesitate and buy this RAM without hesitation!
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You want to overclock: While you can manually overclock this kit, the 1.40V @ 6000MHz means the room for overclocking isn’t much.
My Thoughts
After testing the Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000 32GB CL30, I have concluded that it’s a pure price-to-performance RAM, and it doesn’t compromise on the aesthetic side of things either. With this RAM, you get the best of both worlds, performance and aesthetics. Also, comparatively, it doesn’t cost as much as the more premium-priced memory kits on the market.
As a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I bring the latest findings from the tech industry to our readers. Specializing in processors, graphics cards, and more, I strive to deliver detailed insights that keep our audience well-informed and engaged. Periodically, I also delve into the vibrant world of gaming to share captivating stories.
Story Highlight
AMD is launching a cheaper Ryzen 5 5500X3D with 3D V-Cache, aimed at budget gaming systems.
The CPU will feature six cores and 96MB of L3 cache, with lower speeds and cost compared to the Ryzen 5 5600X3D.
The new processor aims to offer gamers a cost-effective 3D V-Cache option.
AMD seems to be working on launching a new, cheaper version of its Ryzen 5-based processor with 3D V-Cache technology, according to Komachi_Ensaka on X.
The Ryzen 5 5500X3D was recently revealed via an August 6th EEC filing. The chip was also previously rumored to be part of AMD’s plans to expand the AM4 platform through new 3D V-Cache chips.
Why it matters: This chip could prove to be valuable as an entry-level addition to the list of 3D V-Cache processors from AMD.
AMD Could Launch The Ryzen 5 5500X3D Very Soon. | Image via Twitter
The new CPU is a less expensive variant of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D, which was previously available in limited quantities through Microcenter.
The Ryzen 5 5500X3D variant will come equipped with six Zen 3 CPU cores. It is also expected to be less expensive and have slower clock speeds than the Ryzen 5 5600X3D compared to when it was first released.
This new model should come with 96MB of L3 cache, just as AMD’s other Zen 3 V-Cache upgraded processors. Many gaming workloads greatly benefit from the additional cache capacity. Because of this, AMD’s Ryzen 5 5500X3D could become the gaming CPU of choice for low-cost systems.
That said, a competitive price is necessary for the new CPU. The Ryzen 7 5700X3D currently retails in the US for $210. To provide players with good value, the 5500X3D must be priced substantially lower and be easily accessible at stores.
Nonetheless, it is encouraging to see AMD still caring about the longevity of its old platform. Hopefully, the company will follow the same trend when it comes to launching a new variant long after AM5’s prime.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch in 2025.
Ubisoft reportedly has plans to bring several of its demanding Assassin’s Creed titles to the console.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is being prepared for the launch window, and other titles will follow later.
The Nintendo Switch has undoubtedly become one of the greatest consoles of all time. However, its portable nature has brought certain limitations, especially in terms of performance when compared to traditional home consoles.
With the upcoming launch of the Switch 2, portable gaming should move closer to delivering home console-like performance. This could pave the way for more demanding games to be released on the hardware.
According to the latest rumors, Ubisoft also has plans to port Assassin’s Creed Shadows to the console.
Why it matters: Ubisoft has historically shown a lot of interest in Nintendo’s platform. It already offers most of its biggest titles on the hybrid console, and it seems the studio will continue to invest in the platform.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is Made For The PS5 and Xbox Series S|X Consoles
Recently, Nintendo leaker Nash Weedle claimed that multiple Assassin’s Creed games would be ported to the Switch 2. He states that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is being prepared for the console’s launch.
The other Assassin’s Creed titles reportedly coming to the Switch 2 include Mirage, Valhalla, Odyssey, and Origins, with Odyssey and Origins potentially arriving as a bundled package.
If true, this move would be a significant initiative for Ubisoft, helping to broaden the audience further for their blockbuster franchise on Nintendo’s platform. The publisher previously ported older Assassin’s Creed titles to the original Nintendo Switch.
If the new ports are successful, the company might consider bringing more of its popular demanding franchises, such as Far Cry and Watch Dogs, to the Switch 2. This development could also encourage other third-party studios to explore the platform.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Will Be The First Entry To Feature Ray Tracing
Even Nintendo itself might take an interest in more demanding titles now that the Switch 2 is expected to have fewer constraints. It would be fascinating to see Nintendo experimenting with graphically intensive games, potentially expanding the horizons of what the platform can offer.
The Switch 2 reportedly has a launch window of March 2025, which seems plausible given the current rumors and leaks.
According to leakers, the console is expected to offer performance comparable to the PS4 Pro. Nintendo has also stated that it plans to reveal the Switch 2 before March 2025.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
Ghost of Tsushima became a fan-favorite among Japanese audiences soon after its release.
Ubisoft intends to become another Western developer that appeals to Japanese gamers.
It states that Assassin’s Creed Shadows was created with careful research to ensure Japanese history was respected.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is one of the few games set in Japan by a Western developer. Following the launch of Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch proved that enough care and research could allow Western studios to transcend cultural boundaries, and Ubisoft has taken note.
The publisher aims to approach Assassin’s Creed Shadows with a similar mindset, hoping to establish a major Japanese fanbase through this release.
Why it matters: Ubisoft has previously done a good job at representing various cultures and historical backgrounds. The studio’s latest undertaking presents the biggest challenge yet.
Ghost of Tsushima Immediately Became A Huge Hit
Assassin’s Creed Shadows head producer Karl Onnee recently spoke about Ubisoft’s global appeal. During the interview, he confirmed that Ubisoft intends to emulate the success of Ghost of Tsushima.
Since we are making a game in Japan, we do hope to appeal to more Japanese players.
-Karl Onnee
This was one of Ghost of Tsushima’s biggest strengths. Despite initial doubts, Sucker Punch managed to impress both fans and veteran Japanese game developers.
Ubisoft promises to offer an authentic Japanese experience to ensure a similar level of success. The producer stated that Japanese players will recognize their country when playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The studio has approached development with a humble mindset to treat Japanese culture with the respect it deserves.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is Coming In Just A Few Months
However, the publisher’s decisions have been subject to criticism. Many believe Ubisoft could have done a better job portraying Japanese history. The choice of Yasuke as a main character has also led to controversy.
Still, the publisher is clearly aiming high for this title. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be the studio’s biggest release this year. While success may already be a given for Ubisoft, it remains to be seen how the Japanese fandom will react to this entry.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Naughty Dog went through a lot of trouble during the development of The Last of Us Multiplayer.
The project was eventually cancelled, but a report reveals that many people were unhappy with this decision.
The project was reportedly in development for four years and was a main project despite earlier claims by Sony.
Naughty Dog faced many challenges with The Last of Us Multiplayer, and ultimately, it had to cancel development. Many saw the cancellation as a blessing in disguise for the developer, but it seems not everyone agreed with the decision.
An insider has revealed that the team had already worked for 4 years before the project was cancelled. This confirms that it was more than a side project.
Why it matters: Game development takes a long time today, so four years of work down the drain would hurt the morale of any developer.
During the Friends Per Second podcast, Jason Schreier, one of the most reputable and reliable industry insiders, revealed more information about the cancelled project. He confirmed that its development was quite resource-intensive.
Naughty Dog factions was in development for something like 4 years, with a team in the hundreds. There were some heads rolling at Sony as a result of that one.
-Jason Schreier
It seems like a massive team at Naughty Dog was working on the multiplayer project. Also, it seems to have been in the works since before The Last of Us Part 2 launched.
This comes as a shock since it was previously said that The Last of Us Multiplayer was a side project. So, it was believed that this project’s cancellation wasn’t a huge loss. However, the new information changes the narrative a lot.
According to Schreier, it is an extensive proposition for something that was considered a miss. He said that the cancellation of this project was not a “bloodless endeavour,” as there were some heads rolling at Sony.
The Last of Us Multiplayer Was Quite Ambitious
It’s understandable that developers who worked hard on the project were upset by Sony’s decision. Unfortunately, Sony is unlikely to revive the project again, though it could be repurposed into a multiplayer mode for The Last of Us Part 3.
Fans were excited about the standalone multiplayer release for a long time, and it seems like Naughty Dog was giving it special treatment too. However, due to many layoffs and some internal decisions, the project never came to fruition.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
Red Dead Redemption for PC has seemingly been confirmed by PlayStation.
The official PlayStation Store page for the game now features a PC description.
The PC version will include all the upgrades from the 2023 console release, along with additional PC-specific enhancements.
The original Red Dead Redemption became a hot topic of discussion again after Rockstar decided to release a remaster out of the blue. Several months later, the game became the center of attention amid rumors of a PC release.
Following the rumors, an Epic Games Store leak from a while ago further strengthened the belief that Red Dead Redemption was being ported to PC. Now, it appears we have received confirmation directly from PlayStation.
Why it matters: While the game was already playable on PC through emulation, fans longed for a native port incorporating keyboard and mouse support for responsive and precise control.
Red Dead Redemption PC Description via PlayStation
The PlayStation Store page for Red Dead Redemption was recently updated, and the ‘Game and Legal Info’ section at the bottom of the page includes a description of the PC version of the game.
The description reveals that Red Dead Redemption for PC will include all the upgrades from the 2023 console version, along with additional enhancements, such as support for increased resolutions, higher frame rates, multiple displays, and more.
While it seems likely that this was a mistake on PlayStation’s part, it’s surprising to see a PC description for the game on the PlayStation Store. This unexpected occurrence has led to speculation that PlayStation might be preparing to launch their own PC platform, though this remains purely speculative.
Considering Red Dead Redemption 2 is now in the top 10 best-selling games of all time, the series’ popularity has grown exponentially since the second entry debuted on PC. Therefore, Rockstar should find a much bigger audience on this platform.
The native PC release should also become the definitive way to experience John Marston’s tale, which was introduced in 2010.
Red Dead Redemption Is Now Available Across All Modern Platforms
With the game potentially joining PC soon, Rockstar would have made it available on all modern systems. The port should also be fairly light on PC, making it available to a large number of users from the beginning.
The wait for the PC port seems nearly over after 14 long years. Like past releases, Rockstar’s decision to skip a PC launch last year was likely a strategic attempt to motivate double dips from the vast majority of users.
While it remains to be seen how well this decision will work out, there’s no denying the demand for this specific PC port.
As a Hardware Expert at Tech4Gamers, I blend my Computer Science expertise with a love for technology. Through comprehensive reviews and comparisons, I guide our audience in making informed tech decisions.
Dr. Usman Saleem
At Tech4Gamers, I’m the PC Hardware Specialist, primarily contributing to the “Best-Ofs” section. I provide thoughtful buying advice based on thorough testing and personal expertise. I also review hardware products and games to keep things fresh.
AMD’s new mid-range CPU, the Ryzen 5 9600X, is here. Code-named Granite Ridge, the 9600X launched along with the Ryzen 7 9700X, which serves as the new mid-to-high range option. The two CPUs have received modest price cuts compared to their predecessors, with the chip in focus today coming in at $279 compared to $299 of the 7600X at launch.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, RAM, and motherboards for a spin.
50+ CPUs tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
800+ hours spent testing different processors for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
[toc]
These CPUs, based on the new Zen 5 architecture, have various underlying changes compared to Zen 4, which we’ll get into shortly. For now, let’s start with the key specifications:
Key Takeaways
The Ryzen 5 9600X is ideal for you if you’re seeking AVX-512 support, the best single-core performance, and excellent power and thermal efficiency.
Look elsewhere if you need better value for gaming (13600K and 7600X, for example), your workloads are primarily multi-core dependent, or if you expect a stock cooler with this CPU.
All-in-all, the Ryzen 5 9600X is class-leading in single-core performance, and while multi-core performance is good, it trails similarly priced Intel CPUs and the Ryzen 7 7700X. Its gaming performance shows little-to-no performance improvement over the previous gen, but thermal and power efficiency are great.
See how the Ryzen 5 9600X compares to similarly-priced chips.
The Ryzen 5 9600X has one core compute die (CCD) with two cores disabled, just like its predecessor.
New Processing Node: With Zen 5, AMD has moved to TSMC’s 4nm FinFET node, meaning 8.31b transistors compared to 6.57b of its predecessor, the Ryzen 5 7600X. The I/O die uses the same 6nm node from TSMC.
Front-End: AMD has made improvements to the branch prediction, including reduced latency. This means the pipeline will more accurately predict the right path to take and do it faster, so instructions will be executed quickly. Particularly, we have much larger L1 and L2 BTB, a larger return address stack (52 vs 32 entries), and 3 prediction windows/cycle compared to Zen 4’s 2.
Dispatch And Execute: The 8-wide dispatch, compared to the 6-wide of Zen 4, will allow a higher amount of instructions coming from the front end to be executed. With 6 ALUs (including 3 multipliers), we have a more unified ALU scheduler, where micro-operations remain until they are ready to be executed.
Floating Point Units: AMD has opted for a full 512-bit data path for AVX-512 instructions instead of double-pumping a 256-bit pipeline as in Zen 4. The pipeline shows no frequency impact for using AVX-512 instructions, and the efficiency has improved.
Load-Store Unit: Enhancements include a bump in the L1 data cache to 48 KB 12-way from 32 KB 8-way, and despite this growth, it supports 4 loads/2 stores per cycle, compared to 3 loads/1 store of Zen 4!
There’s More In Store!
Here are some other major changes to the platform:
Reduced Power Targets And Clock Speeds
Notably, all the Ryzen 9000 we know of so far (except the 9950X) have lower power targets than their predecessors. The 9600X, in particular, is now rated at 65W compared to its predecessor’s 7600X’s 105 watts. What’s more, we have a significant reduction in base clock speeds, with the 9600X down to 3.9 GHz. It seems almost like a rebranding from AMD, as these specifications are more in line with the non-X Ryzen 5 7600 from Zen 4, but that’s where we are at the moment.
AMD also claimed a 15% “thermal resistance improvement” over Zen 4, saying that you can expect your CPU to run 7°C at the same TDP compared to a last-generation chip. We’ll test this later on.
New Motherboards (Soon?)
We’ve got new motherboards! Well, not yet, and despite the release of two Ryzen 9000 chips, AMD has not confirmed a date for the release of these motherboards.
AMD’s 800 series chipset (Image Credits: AMD)
Notably and confusingly, we have a new B840 chipset, which is essentially a rebranded A620 (note that there’s no CPU overclocking support). There is no B850 Extreme this time around, either. The competition column, I presume, refers to price segments compared to the mentioned chipsets, in which case, it’s hard to understand why both B850 and B840 would compete with Intel’s B760 (whose motherboards typically range from $100-$200).
As for the major changes, USB4 is mandatory for both X870 and X870E, and X870 now retains PCIe x16 for the GPU slot. However, with fewer downstream Gen 4 general purpose lanes, it resembles more closely to B650E. B850 supports Gen 5 for NVMe, similar to B650, but this can be reconfigured for the GPU x16 slot instead, too.
Memory Overclocking And Curve Shaper
The new chipsets will feature the latest AGESA firmware, allowing support for up to DDR5-8000 and on-the-fly memory overclocking. There will also be support for JEDEC DDR5-5600 memory.
Also, coming from the Ryzen 9000 series, a feature that I’m really excited to see is the Curve Shaper. It’s similar to the Curve Optimizer but gives you more control because you have 15 different frequency-temperature bands to add or remove. Users can further reduce voltage for stable bands and increase voltage for unstable ones, improving overall efficiency.
The curve shaper can be applied to all cores or individual cores, too, just like for curve optimizer.
Design and Unboxing
The Ryzen 5 9600X shares the same design up front that was introduced with the Ryzen 7000 series.
Ryzen 5 9600X Box. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Ryzen 5 9600X. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
We have the SKU model and some information related to the chip printed below it.
Test Bench
On to testing now, my favorite part! Here’s my test bench for that:
Storage for Games: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 4TB Gen4x4 NVMe SSD
Power Supply: Fractal Design ION+ 2P 860W Platinum
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro Build 22H2, Build 22621
Ryzen 5 9600X CPU-Z
Above is the CPU-Z screenshot for our chip.
Testing Methodology
I ran each test using the default Auto and Stock settings.
Turned off any default performance boost options in the BIOS.
Loaded EXPO for every test and manually set the DRAM timings and voltage.
Left all other voltages on Auto.
Set the cooling solution’s pump and fans to run at full speed (100%) during testing.
I kept the graphics card in its stock settings.
Updated the motherboard’s BIOS to the latest version.
Used Nvidia driver 517.48.
Monitored all sensors with HWinfo64.
General Tests
Here’s how the CPU performed in our general benchmarks.
General benchmarks Ryzen 5 9600X
1 of 3
Unimpressive numbers from the Ryzen 5 9600X in both the compression and decompression tests powered by 7-Zip.
The 9600X performed well below expected in the AIDA64 Queen render test, which relies heavily on branch prediction capabilities. It seems an update is pending for full compatibility for the Ryzen 9000 chips.
Our 9600X did very well in the multi-threaded-focused wPrime calculation test.
Out of the 3 tests, the 9600X only did well in our wPrime 1024m test.
Render Tests
Let’s move on to our rendering benchmarks.
Rendering benchmarks Ryzen 5 9600X
1 of 5
In Cinebench R23, the Ryzen 5 9600X showed excellent single-core performance. The multi-core performance is good enough since it's only beaten by CPUs with higher core counts.
Great numbers here, in the Corona ray-tracing test, from the Ryzen 5 9600X, at 6.22m rays per second.
In FryRender, again, the numbers are decent enough but nothing special.
The Ryzen 5 9600X demonstrated top-class single-core performance in Geekbench 5, even outperforming the Ryzen 7 7700X. Yet again, though, multi-core performance is decent but not mind-blowing.
In the IndigoBench Supercar render, the 9600X shows good numbers, sitting between the 10700K and AMD's 7700X.
Summing up, the 9600X performed excellently in single-core benchmarks, but the multi-core performance is not as good.
Gaming Benchmarks
Finally, a look at the gaming benchmarks!
1080P gaming comparison (Image by Tech4Gamers)
The Ryzen 5 9600X showed great single-core performance numbers, but multi-core performance hasn’t shown a great difference over the last generation Ryzen 5 7600X. So, despite its single-core dominance, it failed to take a significant lead over the 7600X in every title I tested. The overall difference is less than 1%. This has to do with its power constraints consumption, too, surely.
Thermals and Power
Finally, here’s a look at the temperature and power consumption figures. As always, we used Cinebench R23’s multi-core test to generate the load.
Power consumption and thermals (Image by Tech4Gamers)
The Ryzen 5 9600X really shines here, and so does its big brother. It consumed only 87 watts on average under full utilization, putting it 36.7% ahead of its predecessor in terms of power consumption. At the same time, our Deepcool Mystique kept it under 62°C, miles more efficient than 7600X.
Thermal efficiency is amazing. Our 9600X ran a massive 21°C cooler (a 34.4% difference) than the 7700X, for example, which only beats its multi-core score by 21%.
The reduced power targets can be seen here, but it also tells you that there was enough room for AMD to keep the same 105W TDP rating of its predecessor and, at the same time, aim for the same (if not slightly higher) base clock speeds. That, combined with all the architectural leaps they have made with AM5, would have paid dividends in terms of performance.
Instead, where we are at the moment is great power efficiency and fair enough improvements in multi-core and single-core loads, but gaming performance has shown little to no improvement.
The Pricing Dilemma
Priced at $279, the Ryzen 5 9600X received a $20 lower price tag than its predecessor, but given that the 7600X now costs $198, it offers far better value, at least for gaming. The higher price tag doesn’t justify the power efficiency, which is what is limiting the processor anyway. Therefore, I can’t really say AMD has done us any favours by knocking $20 off the price tag.
Let’s also not forget: the Core i5-13600K is $50 cheaper than the 9600X and manages to outperform it in our 1080P gaming charts.
Should You Buy It?
The final question looms…
Buy It If:
✅You’re looking for excellent power and thermal efficiency: The Ryzen 5 9600X outperforms its predecessor while drawing less power and, thus, running far cooler.
✅You need the best single-core performance: For single-threaded workloads, the Ryzen 5 9600X is a powerhouse, beaten only by the 9700X in our testing.
✅AVX-512 support is important: With a full 512-bit data path, you have full AVX-512 support with the 9600X.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌Your sole workload is gaming: For gaming, CPUs like the Core i5-13600K and AMD’s own Ryzen 5 7600X offer better value, as there is almost no performance gain in 1080P (high preset) gaming with the 9600X over the last generation.
❌Multi-core performance is a priority: While the multi-core performance has improved over the last generation, the 9600X and its other AMD brothers still trail Intel significantly in this field.
❌You’re expecting an included stockcooler: Despite its 65-watt rating, there’s no stock cooler to be found inside the Ryzen 5 9600X box.
My Thoughts
AM5 looked exciting, but testing the Ryzen 5 9600X turned out to be an underwhelming experience. With a full-fledged Zen 5 architecture, cores running on TSMC’s 4nm FinFET node, and a 16% IPC improvement promise from AMD, it seemed like the Ryzen 9000 series would take the market by storm. However, I can’t find it in me to recommend the CPU unless your workloads are primarily single-threaded (which they are probably not).
The power efficiency and thermal performance of the CPU is great. Even though you don’t get a cooler with the package, a fairly inexpensive air cooler will do the job just fine, as the cooler consumed less than 90 watts under our load testing.
While there are decent gains in multi-core performance over the previous generation, the 9600X simply can’t compete with similarly-priced CPUs with higher core counts. Even Intel’s modestly priced 13600K is far better for multi-threaded workloads than our AM5 CPU. The same goes for the Ryzen 7 7700X, which is only about $15 costlier than the 9600X.
Gaming performance at 1080P high preset was a complete let-down, and without hesitation, I’ll recommend you to look for other options if you want a CPU for gaming. The 7600X is a good one as its far cheaper than the 9600X while performing nearly the same.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
New research finds that around half of UK gamers plan to buy a new console once GTA 6 arrives.
Most gamers don’t want to spend more than £500 on a console.
The PS5 is also said to be the most popular console in the region.
GTA 6 is practically guaranteed to be the biggest title to grace the PS5 and Xbox Series S|X consoles. Skipping PC at release, Rockstar Games’ latest blockbuster is set to arrive on PlayStation and Xbox’s console hardware next year.
However, these consoles still have some ground to make up. With a current user base of under 100 million gamers, the PS5 and Xbox Series S|X have not yet been able to convince everyone to upgrade.
This could change once GTA 6 arrives, with a report claiming that nearly half of the UK’s gamers are already prepared to jump to the new generation.
Why it matters: Console adoption has been quite slow this generation. This is primarily because of the extended support for the PS4 and Xbox One.
Games Ranked By Upgrade Preferences via Independent Advisor Broadband Deals
According to the latest report from Independent Advisor Broadband Deals, 43.2% of UK gamers expect to buy new hardware for GTA 6. Audiences also pointed to FIFA, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Assassin’s Creed as potential titles that would make them upgrade.
The data suggests that 43% of gamers are willing to spend as much as £500 on a console. This is quite convenient since the PS5 and Xbox Series X cost around the same amount. On the other hand, only 17% were willing to spend up to £600.
This will likely be the crowd that opts for higher-end hardware, like the upcoming PS5 Pro. The report also reveals that one in three gamers already own the PS5, and it comes out as the most popular current-gen console.
Overall, the results are not too shocking since GTA 6 is one of the few titles that can shift the tide for the industry. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick also acknowledged this demand recently, commenting that the console market will continue to grow.
During its latest earnings call, Take-Two doubled down on a Fall 2025 release window for GTA 6. The publisher is confident in meeting this target, and other developers worldwide are also optimistic about the overall impact a release of this magnitude will have on the industry.
If Rockstar Games can work its magic again, PlayStation and Xbox can certainly expect to see millions of new console buyers.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
Story Highlight
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the most controversial release of the year.
While Ubisoft recently stated that it prioritizes entertainment over anything else, it has now been claimed that the title is historically accurate.
The lead producer stated that the team is very proud and has spent a lot of time understanding Japanese culture.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has become the most controversial release of the year. While the franchise has always been praised for its portrayal of history, this has become the main reason for the negativity around the latest entry.
Not too long ago, Ubisoft attempted to clarify the controversy, stating that the team does not prioritize complete historical accuracy. However, it seems the developer is still pushing the narrative that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is historically accurate.
Why it matters: Ubisoft seems to be issuing one contradictory statement after another, creating confusion among the masses.
Yasuke Is Portrayed As A Great Samurai In The Game
During a recent interview with Games Industry, lead producer Karl Onnee Tal discussed various aspects of the game, including Ubisoft’s focus on portraying an authentic take on Japan.
The lead producer stated that the studio spent a great deal of time making Assassin’s Creed Shadows as authentic as possible. He stated that this process cannot be rushed and requires careful planning.
He described how a Japanese house from feudal Japan differs from a French medieval house or an English one. Therefore, the team had to learn everything before embarking on Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ development.
We are trying to create a game that is as authentic as possible. It’s something we take pride in.
-Karl Onnee
While the studio’s efforts are commendable, these statements can be seen as mixed messaging. It’s clear that historical accuracy was not Ubisoft’s biggest priority, yet it continues to advertise this aspect.
This is also far from the first time the developer has used such statements.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is Releasing Later This Year
Because of such claims, many remain skeptical about Ubisoft’s approach to Japan. However, the publisher is still expecting a huge release.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen if this entry will live up to the high bar set by its predecessors.
Ubisoft clearly has high expectations for its venture into Japanese territory. It’s a shame, then, that most of the attention seems to have been taken up by the recent controversy around historical accuracy.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is based on an upgraded engine.
It offers dynamic weather, improved lighting, and impressive shadows for an overhauled visual experience.
Ubisoft says that the game pushes current-generation console technology to its limits.
Ubisoft’s work on Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been described as highly ambitious. Thanks to revamped animations, impressive visuals, seasonal cycles, and more, the game is shaping up to be this IP’s most significant entry in many years.
However, Ubisoft is taking extra care to ensure each small aspect is given plenty of care this time around. According to the publisher, this entry will push the current-generation consoles to their limits.
Why it matters: This is the first Assassin’s Creed title that won’t be held back by the PS4 and Xbox One consoles, marking a major step forward for Ubisoft.
Speaking to GamesIndustry, Ubisoft recently discussed the development cycle of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This entry has received the most development time in the series, leading to promise for a polished and high-quality experience.
The studio has used this time to ensure expectations are met. It says that one reason why the team waited so long to visit Japan was to ensure the technology was there to do this era justice.
As described in the interview, the team wanted to nail the shadows and lighting. Moreover, dynamic weather, which is very resource-intensive, was always a huge focus.
We are pushing the limits of what we can do.
-Ubisoft
Thanks to the upgraded Anvil pipeline, Ubisoft’s developers can also collaborate more efficiently between different teams.
Yasuke Is One Of The Main Characters In Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Interestingly, the interview also discusses the goal of creating an authentic historical experience. This subject has led to various controversies recently, with Ubisoft even stating that Assassin’s Creed Shadows does not represent history.
Nonetheless, the team remains excited about this launch. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is finally arriving in November, offering two different playable characters, a return to the RPG format, and a lot more.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
Story Highlight
Because the film didn’t do well, Gearbox is now focusing on concentrating on future games.
The Gearbox CEO hinted at Borderlands 4 amid the movie’s disaster class.
Surprisingly, the movie’s failure led to a surge in the popularity of existing Borderlands games.
After the recent Borderlands film lost $100 million, fans are wondering what’s next for the franchise. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford is promising that the team is still dedicated to the franchise, and the Borderlands 4 reveal might be around the corner.
Why it matters: Randy Pitchford’s comments about the upcoming Borderlands entry should be a relief for fans who were let down by the movie.
Borderlands 4 was officially confirmed to be in development earlier this year.
The Borderlands film, despite a big budget, didn’t connect with audiences. It initially received a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes and was called “uninspired” and “a disaster” by critics.
As a result, the creators are shifting their focus back to the games that fans love. Even as the film flounders, the narrative for the Borderlands franchise continues to progress. Pitchford has alluded to the exciting prospects of Borderlands 4.
We’re working extra hard four you on what’s next.
-Randy Pitchford
This not-so-subtle play on words—using “four” instead of “for”—has led fans to speculate intensively about the upcoming title, Borderlands 4.
Before the film came out, Take-Two Interactive announced that a new Borderlands game was already in development. This news followed Take-Two’s $460 million acquisition of Gearbox, revealing their plans for future entries in the popular series.
The timing of this new tease is interesting because the Borderlands franchise could use a win right now. The last main release, Borderlands 3, came out in 2019, and while there have been successful spin-offs since, people are eager for a new release.
Pitchford’s hints suggest Gearbox is working on something big, and after the movie’s failure, there’s added pressure for the next game to succeed. The CEO is also “flattered” that fans still prefer the Borderlands video games over the cinematic interpretation.
Borderlands 3 player count after the movie’s launch via SteamDB
On the other hand, the Borderlands movie has actually boosted interest in the games. After the movie came out, Borderlands 3 saw a big jump in popularity, moving up the Steam best-sellers chart.
The game hit a peak of 12,379 concurrent players, the highest since February 2023.
As Gearbox looks ahead, it will be interesting to see how they handle the impact of the movie’s failure. The next Borderlands game will clearly be key to the franchise’s future.
