Ryzen 7 3800x vs Ryzen 5 5600x: We Tested Both

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Abde Manaf

At Tech4Gamers, I began as a comparison writer, analyzing GPU and CPU performance. Now, I focus on writing reviews and contributing to the best-ofs section, sharing personal insights after hands-on testing.

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Pros And Cons

Comparison Table

Architectural Difference

• Architecture: Ryzen 7 3800x employs the Zen 2 architecture, whereas Ryzen 5 5600x utilizes the newer Zen 3 architecture, offering improved performance and power efficiency.
• Cores and Threads: Ryzen 7 3800x boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, whereas Ryzen 5 5600x features 6 cores and 12 threads. Although the Ryzen 7 3800x has more cores and threads, the Ryzen 5 5600x benefits from its newer architecture.
• Boost Clock: Ryzen 5 5600x has a slightly higher boost clock of up to 4.6 GHz compared to Ryzen 7 3800x’s boost clock of up to 4.5 GHz, potentially offering better single-core performance.
• TDP: Ryzen 7 3800x has a higher TDP of 105 W compared to Ryzen 5 5600x’s TDP of 65 W, suggesting differences in power consumption and thermal management.

Computer enthusiasts seek the best hardware, and comparing the Ryzen 7 3800X and Ryzen 5 5600X is one way to achieve that. Let’s dive into their features and value propositions in this AMD Ryzen 7 3800X vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X comparison.

Gaming Performance Benchmarks

Now, let’s see how well both processors perform with 8 games on a 1080p resolution. We’ll look at things like how smoothly the games run, how hot the processors get, and how much power they use.

Testing Rig

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
• GPU: ZOTAC RTX 2070 Amp Extreme Edition
• Power Supply: ENERMAX REVOLUTION D.F. X 1050W
• Motherboard: Gigabyte X570 Aorus Pro Wifi
• CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
• Storage: CORSAIR MP700 PRO 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD
• RAM: Patriot Viper LED DDR4-3600 16GB RAM 

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

• While playing AC Valhalla, the Ryzen 5 5600X demonstrated superior performance, achieving an average FPS of 96, while the Ryzen 7 3800X yielded an FPS of 81.
• The 1% low FPS metric also favored the Ryzen 5 5600X, recording 64 FPS, compared to 55 FPS on the Ryzen 7 3800X.

Battlefield V

• In my session of Battlefield V, the Ryzen 7 3800X impressively reached 177 FPS, whereas the Ryzen 5 5600X outperformed with 183 FPS.
• In terms of 1% lows, the Ryzen 7 3800X maintained a solid performance at 124 FPS, whereas the Ryzen 5 5600X lagged slightly at 108 FPS.

Forza Horizon 4

• The Ryzen 5 5600X dominated with an impressive 175 FPS in Forza Horizon 4 at 1080p. While the Ryzen 7 3800X achieved 149 FPS.
• In terms of 1% lows, the Ryzen 5 5600X maintained a solid performance, recording 133 FPS, while the Ryzen 7 3800X achieved 115 FPS.

Cyberpunk 2077

• In the Cyberpunk 2077 gaming benchmark, the Ryzen 7 3800X averaged 75 FPS, while the Ryzen 5 5600X performed better with an average FPS of 112.
• The Ryzen 7 3800X saw a low 1% FPS drop to 9, while the Ryzen 5 5600X maintained a solid 78 FPS.

GTA V

• In GTA V, the Ryzen 5 5600X boasted an average FPS of 157, significantly outperforming the Ryzen 7 3800X, which managed only 105 FPS on average.
• The Ryzen 5 5600X showed strong consistency with a low 1% FPS of 115, while the Ryzen 7 3800X struggled at 82 FPS, indicating less stability.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• In the Red Dead Redemption 2 session, the Ryzen 7 3800X achieved an average FPS of 115, while the Ryzen 5 5600X surpassed it with 131 FPS on average.
• The Ryzen 7 3800X recorded a low 1% FPS of 83, while the Ryzen 5 5600X demonstrated better stability with a low 1% FPS of 78.

The Witcher 3

• In The Witcher 3, the Ryzen 5 5600X boasted an impressive average FPS of 160, overshadowing the Ryzen 7 3800X, which managed only 109 FPS on average.
• The Ryzen 5 5600X demonstrated solid performance, with a low 1% FPS of 93. While the Ryzen 7 3800X struggled significantly, with a low 1% FPS of just 20.

Rainbow Six Siege

• In my Rainbow Six Siege gaming session, the Ryzen 5 5600X achieved an astonishing average FPS of 510, surpassing the Ryzen 7 3800X’s average of 382.
• Both processors performed admirably, with the Ryzen 5 5600X maintaining a solid low 1% FPS of 376, while the Ryzen 7 3800X exhibited a low 1% FPS of 290.

Overall Gaming Performance

In our testing, the Ryzen 5 5600x outperforms the Ryzen 7 3800x with an average FPS of 181 compared to 136, and a Low 1% of 118 compared to 87, respectively, at 1080p resolution across 8 games. This showcases a significant 33% improvement in average FPS and nearly 36% improvement in Low 1% FPS over the 3800x.

Power Consumption

Thermal Efficiency

Pricing And Availability

You can get the AMD Ryzen 7 3800x for $269 from places like Newegg. But the Ryzen 5 5600x is only $165. That means the Ryzen 7 3800x costs 48% more than the Ryzen 5 5600x.

Final Verdict – What We Recommend?

AMD Ryzen 7 3800X: In our detailed analysis and gaming benchmarks, the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X’s gaming performance lags behind the AMD 5 5600X, showing an average FPS improvement of 33% at 1080p resolution. Being priced at $269, the Ryzen 7 3800X faces tough competition from its successor due to its higher cost and inferior gaming performance.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. Leveraging the newer Zen 3 architecture it delivers superior gaming performance while being more power-efficient. Priced attractively at $165, the Ryzen 5 5600X provides excellent value for money, outperforming the Ryzen 7 3800X in gaming benchmarks by a significant margin.

More From Ryzen 5 5600X

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Abde Manaf

[Comparisons Expert]

Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.

Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.

As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.

Get In Touch: manaf@tech4gamers.com