Ryzen 5 2500U
CPU·Budget

Ryzen 5 2500U

AMD

PassMark

6,494

MSRP

$349

26 October 2017 (8 years ago)
15 Watt
Raven Ridge (2017−2019)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Ryzen 5 2500U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 26 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Raven Ridge (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,494 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 2500U

#271
Core i5-1145GRE
MSRP: $362|Avg: N/A
122%
#272
Core i7-10710U
MSRP: $415|Avg: N/A
120%
#273
Core 2 Duo E8335
MSRP: $200|Avg: $50
118%
#274
Z-01
MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
116%
#275
Core i7-1160G7
MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A
110%
#276
Pentium Gold 4417U
MSRP: $161|Avg: N/A
108%
#277
Core i5-6440HQ
MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A
108%
#278
Celeron Dual-Core T1600
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
107%
#279
Core i7-7820EQ
MSRP: $378|Avg: $378
106%
#280
Core i7-7820HK
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
105%
#281
Core i5-8305G
MSRP: $350|Avg: $350
104%
#282
Core i7-8705G
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
103%
#283
Core i7-5850EQ
MSRP: $435|Avg: $370
102%
#284
Pentium Dual Core T2410
MSRP: $100|Avg: $100
102%
#285
Core i7-8809G
MSRP: $450|Avg: $450
101%
#286
Ryzen 5 2500U
MSRP: $349|Avg: N/A
100%
#287
Core i7-6820HK
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
100%
#288
Core i5-8365UE
MSRP: $297|Avg: $297
98%
#289
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
93%
#290
Celeron T3000
MSRP: $150|Avg: $54
90%
#291
Pentium U5600
MSRP: $100|Avg: $50
90%
#292
Core i7-4810MQ
MSRP: $378|Avg: $378
86%
#293
Celeron 4305UE
MSRP: $107|Avg: $107
85%
#294
Core i7-10510U
MSRP: $409|Avg: N/A
84%
#295
Athlon PRO 3045B
MSRP: $426|Avg: $180
83%
#296
Core i7-4710MQ
MSRP: $378|Avg: $378
82%
#297
Core i7-4800MQ
MSRP: $380|Avg: $378
82%
#298
Celeron T3100
MSRP: $62|Avg: $62
82%
#299
Core 2 Duo E8435
MSRP: $150|Avg: $74
80%
#300
Athlon II Neo K125
MSRP: $100|Avg: $100
80%
#301
Celeron 4305U
MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A
78%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Ryzen 5 2500U specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 2500U is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Raven Ridge (2017−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 96 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,494, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 818, while multi-core reaches 2,310.

SpecificationRyzen 5 2500U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designRaven Ridge (2017−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache96 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor210 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities4,950 million
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score6,494
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming818
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance2,310
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 2500U fits into the FP5 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2400 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon Vega 8 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationRyzen 5 2500U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyAMD Ryzen 5
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFP5
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion12
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4-2400
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR4-2400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorRadeon Vega 8
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUFP5
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🔧

Advanced Features

The Ryzen 5 2500U is primarily designed for Mainstream Laptop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationRyzen 5 2500U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryMainstream Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyAMD-V
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Ryzen 5 2500U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Laptop Cooling.

SpecificationRyzen 5 2500U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload15 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNone
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLaptop Cooling
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $349, the Ryzen 5 2500U delivers 19 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1654 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationRyzen 5 2500U
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$349
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1654
Release DateLaunch date26 October 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)GlobalFoundries

Similar Performance

Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.

Our Recommendation for Ryzen 5 2500U

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Ryzen 5 2500U

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other CPUs