GuidesComparisonsRyzen 5 3600 Vs Ryzen 5 5600X: We Tested Both

Ryzen 5 3600 Vs Ryzen 5 5600X: We Tested Both

We compare the Ryzen 5 5600x and Ryzen 5 3600 in both Gaming Benchmarks and Productivity Benchmarks to figure out which one is better in 2024.

Expert Verified By

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Rated: 7/10

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Rated: 8/10


Pros And Cons

CPUProsCons
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X✅Significantly higher performance
✅Higher base frequency
❌Higher platform and processor price
AMD Ryzen 5 3600✅Low power consumption
✅Very low price
❌Noticeably lower performance at 1080p

Key Takeaways
  • Our gaming tests showed the newer processor to be as being around 24% faster than the 3600, which is a difference that can be noticed by most casual gamers.
  • Despite having higher performance, the 5600X proved to be less power-hungry in our stress tests.
  • As of early March 2024, the 5600X is only around $50 more expensive than the 3600.
  • For most people, the 5600X gives enough extra performance to justify its higher price tag.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Manaf is our comparison expert who has been comparing graphics cards, and processors.
  • 500+ components tested and compared by our team of comparison experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 1000+ hours spent testing different components for our comparisons.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we compare PC hardware).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every comparison undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each comparison is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.


Comparison Table

Technical SpecsRyzen 5 3600Ryzen 5 5600X
SocketAMD Socket AM4AMD Socket AM4
CodenameMatisseVermeer
Process Size7 nm7 nm
Transistors3,800 million4,150 million
Frequency3.6 GHz3.7 GHz
Turbo Clockup to 4.2 GHzup to 4.6 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Memory SupportDDR4-3200 MHzDDR4-3200 MHz
Number of Cores66
Number of Threads1212
TDP65 W65 W
Best CPU CoolerBest CPU Coolers For Ryzen 5 3600xBest CPU Coolers For Ryzen 5 5600X

Architectural Differences

  1. Clock Speed: Ryzen 5 3600 has a base clock of 3.6GHz with a boost of up to 4.2GHz, whereas Ryzen 5 5600X has a higher base clock of 3.7GHz with a boost of up to 4.6GHz.
  2. L3 Cache: Both processors feature a shared 32MB L3 cache.
  3. Memory Support: Ryzen 5 3600 supports DDR4-3200 memory, while Ryzen 5 5600X exclusively supports DDR4-3200 memory.
  4. Integrated Graphics: Both processors lack integrated graphics processing units, requiring a discrete graphics card for graphical output.

Gaming Benchmarks – 1080p 

Below, you’ll find the Ryzen 5 3600 vs 5600x benchmarks in different games and applications. No doubt, testing processors on various games and applications is one of the best ways to find out which one outperforms the other. For testing the Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 5 5600x, the following equipment was used by Tech4Gamers.

Testing Rig

If you wish to look at the processor outside the context of this comparison, read our review of the AMD Ryzen 5 3600.

Shadow Of The Tomb Raider

Shadow Of The Tomb Raider
Shadow Of The Tomb Raider @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • While testing Shadow of The Tomb Raider, the Ryzen 5 5600X demonstrated an average of 161 FPS, surpassing the Ryzen 5 3600’s average of 133 FPS.
  • Additionally, the 1% lows of the Ryzen 5 5600X were notably higher at 112 FPS compared to the Ryzen 5 3600’s 101 FPS, indicating smoother performance overall.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • While testing Microsoft Flight Simulator, the Ryzen 5 5600X showcased an average of 62 FPS, outperforming the Ryzen 5 3600’s average of 49 FPS.
  • Moreover, the 1% lows of the Ryzen 5 5600X stood at 52 FPS, surpassing the Ryzen 5 3600’s 41 FPS, indicating smoother performance during demanding moments of gameplay.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • While testing Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the Ryzen 5 5600X exhibited an average of 102 FPS, slightly outperforming the Ryzen 5 3600, which managed 99 FPS on average.
  • As for the 1% lows, the Ryzen 5 5600X maintained a higher minimum framerate of 73 FPS compared to the Ryzen 5 3600’s 70 FPS, ensuring smoother gameplay during demanding moments.

Death Stranding

Death Stranding
Death Stranding @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • In our test of Death Stranding, the Ryzen 5 5600X showcased a remarkable average of 220 FPS, surpassing the Ryzen 5 3600’s 154 FPS.
  • The Ryzen 5 5600X maintained higher 1% lows at 154 FPS compared to the Ryzen 5 3600’s 118 FPS in our Death Stranding test, ensuring smoother and more consistent gameplay. 

Battlefield V

Battlefield V
Battlefield V @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • In our test of Battlefield V, the Ryzen 5 5600X delivered an average of 199 FPS, slightly surpassing the Ryzen 5 3600’s 193 FPS. Overall, both CPUs offer comparable performance in terms of average FPS.
  • However, the 1% lows for the Ryzen 5 5600X stood at 124 FPS, showing a slight improvement over the Ryzen 5 3600’s 123 FPS.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • While testing Red Dead Redemption 2, the Ryzen 5 5600X showcased a superior average of 160 FPS compared to the Ryzen 5 3600’s 128 FPS, indicating better overall performance.
  • As for the 1% lows, the Ryzen 5 5600X maintained a higher minimum framerate of 109 FPS, outperforming the Ryzen 5 3600’s 97 FPS.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege 

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • While testing Rainbow Six Siege, the Ryzen 5 5600X demonstrated an impressive average of 501 FPS, surpassing the Ryzen 5 3600’s with 404 FPS, indicating superior overall performance.
  • Regarding the 1% lows, the Ryzen 5 5600X maintained a significantly higher minimum framerate of 342 FPS compared to the Ryzen 5 3600’s 238 FPS.

Far Cry New Dawn

Far Cry New Dawn
Far Cry New Dawn @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  • While testing Far Cry New Dawn, the Ryzen 5 5600X exhibited a superior average of 130 FPS, outpacing the Ryzen 5 3600’s 104 FPS, highlighting its enhanced overall performance.
  • As for the 1% lows, the Ryzen 5 5600X maintained a notably higher minimum framerate of 85 FPS compared to the Ryzen 5 3600’s 71 FPS.

Overall Gaming Performance

FeaturedRyzen 5 3600Ryzen 5 5600X
Average FPS158 📈191.87 📈
%1 lows107.3 📉131.37 📉
Winner: Ryzen 5 5600X

Out of all the 8 games tested, the benchmarks made it clear that the 5600X is better than 3600 by a landslide. It beat the 3600 in every single test we conducted here. By statistics, we can conclude that the 5600X was 23.97% faster than the 3600 on average FPS on 1080p resolution.


Total Power Draw

Power Draw
Power Draw @1080p (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The 5600x was 15% faster at stock but used less power than the Ryzen 5 3600 which is quite impressive. On the other hand, with overclocked settings, the 5600x was consuming more power but not a huge performance boost was obtained as it was only 18% faster than the 3600.


Price And Availability 

Graphics CardLaunch MSRPCurrent Price
Ryzen 5 3600💲199💲109
Ryzen 5 5600x💲299💲156
Difference50.25%43.12%

The going price of the Ryzen 5 5600X is around $156, whereas the Ryzen 5 3600 can be had for a much cheaper price of $109. As for availability, both of these processors enjoyed a global release, so they should be stocked up at retail stores.


What We Recommend

Ryzen 5 5600X: The Ryzen 5 5600X outperforms the 3600 in both multi-core and single-core tasks, with its superior overclocking capacity and significant performance gains across benchmarks. Its Zen 3 architecture drives this boost, making it the CPU we recommend although its higher price may deter some buyers.

Ryzen 5 3600: The Ryzen 5 3600 offers excellent value for its performance but falls short of the 5600X. It remains a budget-friendly choice, especially for gamers prioritizing affordability. Despite its lower performance, it still holds its own, particularly at higher resolutions.

The 3600 is praised for its great price-to-value ratio in the entire market and is regarded as one of the best-performing and budget-oriented higher-end CPUs. With that said, if you are an enthusiast-level gamer but your budget isn’t quite that large, you can stick with the 3600.


FAQs

Does the Ryzen 5 5600X have integrated graphics?

No, the Ryzen 5 5600x does not include an iGPU.

Are there any compatibility issues with Ryzen 5 3600 or Ryzen 5 5600X?

Both processors are compatible with motherboards that support the AMD Socket AM4 platform. However, users should ensure that their motherboard’s BIOS is updated to the latest version to fully support the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Can the Ryzen 5 5600X be overclocked?

Yes, the Ryzen 5 5600X can be overclocked. However, it’s essential to have a suitable cooling solution and to carefully adjust settings to ensure stability and avoid damage to the processor.


More From Ryzen 5 5600X

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