AMD Ryzen 5 2500X socket: AM4
The AMD Ryzen 5 2500X uses the AM4 socket on 300, 400 and 500 series boards. It is a quad core eight thread Pinnacle Ridge chip without integrated graphics.
- Socket
- AM4
- Launched
- October 2018
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Default TDP
- 65 W
- Codename
- Pinnacle Ridge
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD Ryzen 5
- Clocks
- 3.6 / 4.0 GHz
AMD Ryzen 5 2500X specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Zen+ (Pinnacle Ridge) cores on 12 nm |
| Clocks | 3.6 GHz base, up to 4.0 GHz |
| Cache | 8 MB L3, 2 MB L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 12 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2933, two channels, up to 64 GB |
| PCI Express | 20 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | None, discrete GPU required |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| Package | Socket AM4 (PGA, 1331 contacts) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD Ryzen 5 2500X needs a motherboard with a AM4 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 400 series | X470, B450 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for AM4.
AM4 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 1,331 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 40 mm |
| Introduced | 2016 |
| Memory | DDR4 only |
| Cooler mounting holes | 54 × 90 mm |
What the Ryzen 5 2500X is
The Ryzen 5 2500X pairs four cores with multithreading for office gaming towers. It launched in October 2018 as an OEM part with a 3.6 GHz base and up to 4.0 GHz boost at 65 W. AMD positions it between quad core R3 and six core R5 retail parts.
Eight megabytes of L3 with 2 MB of L2 feed gaming threads with low latency. The high base clock sustains frame rates in CPU bound titles. Eight threads cover streaming helpers beside the game.
No integrated graphics is included. The process is 12 nm and the multiplier is unlocked. DDR4-2933 in two channels feeds the cores. Note that some lists show 16 MB L3 for this SKU, while CPU-Monkey with group data lists 8 MB, and this page uses 8 MB.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 2500X fits AM4 on 300, 400 and 500 series boards. OEM boards from late 2018 carry Pinnacle Ridge IDs. Retail boards may need a BIOS update for this OEM SKU.
DDR4-2933 in two channels up to 64 GB suits gaming with a discrete card. Dual channel mode lifts minimum frame rates. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide lists board generations.
Single socket towers are the target. Another AM4 Ryzen on the same board brings more cores when needed.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-2933 in two channels up to 64 GB pairs well with mid range graphics. Start with 16 GB for current titles. ECC works where boards wire it.
PCIe 3.0 with 20 lanes from the CPU holds a graphics card plus NVMe. Most gaming towers give the full graphics slot to the GPU. Chipset lanes handle the rest of storage.
AM4 cooling from the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide covers 65 W quietly. Towers help hold 4.0 GHz during longer play sessions.
Upgrade paths
On the same socket, the AMD Ryzen 3 2300X drops multithreading for four threads at the same 65 W. Six core Ryzen 5 2600 parts add threads where listed. Both share AM4 after a BIOS check.
Ryzen 5 2400G adds Vega graphics for builds without discrete cards. It trades CPU cache for display output.
Past AM4 budget gaming moves to newer Ryzen generations. The 2500X covers OEM quad core towers where discrete graphics must stay.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD Ryzen 5 2500X use?
It uses AM4 on 300, 400 and 500 series boards.
How many cores does the 2500X have?
Four cores with multithreading give eight threads. Base is 3.6 GHz with boost to 4.0 GHz.
Does the 2500X include integrated graphics?
No. A discrete GPU is required.
What memory does the 2500X support?
DDR4-2933 in two channels up to 64 GB.
When did the 2500X launch?
October 2018 as an OEM Pinnacle Ridge part.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .