AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 5 5600X are two pretty similar CPUs offered by AMD. Buyers are always confused between these both because the specifications will look almost identical both. However, these both come from different generations.
Along with the features, the prices of both are also similar. You can quickly get them for around 200$. Another thing to mention here is that both of these CPUs are unlocked for overclocking.
The Ryzen 5 3600 is a little older CPU and is based on the Zen 2 architecture. Whereas the Ryzen 5 5600X is the latest CPU which is based on Zen 3 architecture. So, in terms of features and technology enhancements, the 5600X is definitely going to be better.
However, we are going to reveal everything later in this article including the key specifications and benchmark scores. So, whether you are about to pick any of these CPUs for gaming or productivity, you will be able to make a decision by the end of this article.
Theoretical Specifications (Comparison)
Let’s compare the main specifications of these two CPUs. Obviously, you will get to see them on the official pages of these products. But, I am making it easier for you to see all the data here in the table below.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 3600 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Generation | Zen 2 (3rd Generation) | Zen 3 (4th Generation) |
| Cores/Threads | 6/12 | 6/12 |
| Base Clock/Boost Clock | 3.6/4.2 GHz | 3.7/4.6 GHz |
| Cache (L1/L2/L3) | 384KB/3MB/32MB | -/3MB/32MB |
| Overclocking | Available | Available |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Memory Support | DDR4 (up to 3200 MHz) | DDR4 (up to 3200 MHz) |
| Cooling Solution | Wraith Stealth | Wraith Stealth |
| Integrated Graphics Card | No | No |
You can clearly see that there is literally a single difference in the specifications of both these CPUs. That difference is just of those bases and boost clock speed. This difference is actually very minimal. But, we are going to move further and jump to the benchmarks.
Synthetic Benchmark Scores (Comparison)
These benchmark scores are based on the results available on CPUBenchmark website. The higher the score, the better the performance.
| Parameter | Ryzen 5 3600 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Mark Score | 17821 | 22087 |
| Single-Core Score | 1205 | 1615 |
| Multi-Core Score (Geekbench) | 6665 | 8156 |
| Single-Thread Rating | 2576 | 3377 |
Now, the difference is clear. When it comes to the benchmark scores, the Ryzen 5 5600X is coming up with a big lead in front of 3600. So, whether they are single-core or multi-core benchmark scores, the 5600X is always going to beat the 3600.
Cinebench Scores Comparison
To give you the context, Cinebench is CPU benchmarking software. It is used to calculate any CPU’s single-core and multi-core performance. These are three different versions of Cinebench i.e. R15, R20, and R23. R23 is the latest version with much more effective operation than the older version (R15 and R20)
- Multi-Core-Score. This score simply tells you the CPU’s performance in multitasking. Rendering, encoding, and most of the productivity software will make use of multi-cores.
- Single-Core Score. As the name suggests, this score determines the performance capability of a single CPU. This score is good to determine your CPU’s effectiveness in gaming and the overall snappiness in any operation.
| Cinebench Benchmark | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 (Single Core) | 1245 | 1593 |
| Cinebench R23 (Multi Core) | 9073 | 11201 |
| Cinebench R20 (Single Core) | 474 | 599 |
| Cinebench R20 (Multi Core) | 3539 | 4569 |
| Cinebench R15 (Single Core) | 197 | 257 |
| Cinebench R15 (Multi Core) | 1581 | 1963 |
Which one is good for gaming? Ryzen 5 3600 or 5600X
Well, the Ryzen 5 5600X is going to offer you the best results among the both even when it comes to gaming. I have found a great gaming benchmark video comparing these both in different games.
In this video, you can clearly see that the Ryzen 5 5600X is beating the 3600 with amazing FPS. So, it is definitely a good pick for gaming as well.
Gaming Benchmark Scores
These CPUs are tested with both base and overclocked speeds. Ryzen 5 5600x has reached a decent 4.7 GHz overclocking speed, while the Ryzen 5 3600 could manage only 4.2 GHz. What we can conclude is that the 5600x is at least 500MHz faster than the 3600.
Though the Ryzen 5 3600 can go up to 4.4GHz when pushed to maximum, still it comes short when compared to the other Ryzen. As both of these run on the same AM4 socket, both processors were tested under the same system conditions.
For gaming benchmarks, refer to the illustration below that compares the FPS on 1080p, 1440p & 4K resolutions.
If we refer to the chart above, we can see that out of the 3 games tested, it is clear that Ryzen 5 5600x is a better performer than Ryzen 5 3600 by a landslide. By the statistics, the absolute numbers would be that the 5600x is 3.24 % faster on 4k resolution, 14.54% faster on 1440p resolution, and 23.97% faster on 1080p resolution than Ryzen 5 3600. So, if gaming is your foremost consideration, just go for the Ryzen 5 5600x.
Software Benchmarks
Clinebench R20: Starting off the Ryzen 5 3600 vs Ryzen 5 5600x application benchmark by testing these processors on the Clinebench R20. In the case of multicore performance, overlocking speed of Ryzen 5 5600x is about 4730, and Ryzen 5 3600 is around 3805. Now, speaking of single-core performance, the speed of 5 5600x is 608 and 5 3600 is 485. So, it’s clearly evident that 5 5600x beats 5 3600 in both multicore and single-core performance in overlocked speed.
V-Ray Benchmark: On heavy loads, this is also a very reliable tool for testing processors. Ryzen 5 5600x was 22% faster than the Ryzen 5 3600 on stock & 26% faster on overlocked speed. Other than that, the differences between both processors in day-to-day performance, were not much different from others.
Adobe Photoshop: This application has been tested with the Puget System Benchmark Tool. The overlocked speed in Ryzen 5 5600x is 1180 and that of Ryzen 5 3600 is 910. The reason behind that is Zen 3’s higher single-core capabilities than the previous generation Zen 2 architecture. The Ryzen 5 5600x reaches on an average 30% faster processing time over the Ryzen 5 3600 in both stock & overlocked speed.
Which one is good for productivity? Ryzen 5 5600X or Ryzen 5 3600
Again, because the 5600X is having the latest architecture and a higher base as well as boost clock speed, it is better for productivity as well.
Although, these both are coming with the same 6 cores and 12 threads, the 5600X is capable of using its hardware in a better manner because of high frequency and latest technology. So, the 5600X is definitely going to serve you better if you are going to use it for any kind of productivity task.
Price
If you check on NewEgg or Amazon, the 3600 and 5600X are available at around the simillar price tag. These prices keeps changing but no huge difference is there.
Conclusion
I hope you will be having a clear idea of which CPU is the best between these both. But, I will like to share my opinion with you.
Since, the price of Ryzen 5 5600X has reduced and both of them are available at the same price point, you are better going with the 5600X instead of 3600. In fact, you are getting around 20% more performance as compared to the 3600. What else would you need?
I don’t see any point to in buying 3600.
But, in some countries, the 5600X is still available at a little expensive price tag. In that case, you can go for 3600 if you are on a very tight budget.
Let me know what you think about it!
I am Anshul Rana, an experienced author specializing in PC gear reviews and Windows 10 software tutorials. With a strong passion for technology and an in-depth understanding of the PC industry, I provide insightful and detailed analyses of computer peripherals, gaming gear, and software solutions. My writing style is concise yet informative, making complex topics accessible to both beginners and advanced users. Through my reviews and tutorials, I aim to offer valuable guidance, helping readers make informed decisions to enhance their PC experience and explore the vast possibilities of Windows 10 software.
