AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
Rated: 7/10
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Rated: 8.5/10
Pros And Cons
| CPU | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 9 3900X | ✅ Large L3 Cache ✅ Lighter Cooling Requirements | ❌ High Power Draw ❌ No Integrated Graphics |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | ✅ High gaming perfromance ✅ High Power Efficiency | ❌ Weaker 1% Low Results ❌ Limited overclocking |
- The Ryzen 5 5600X offered 6.3% greater overall gaming framerates than the Ryzen 9 3900X in our gaming benchmarks.
- Despite the lower TDP, the Ryzen 5 5600X is 2.4% more power efficient than the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X. Additionally, the Ryzen 5 5600X is 7.5% more thermally efficient.
- According to the current prices, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is $290 more expensive than the Ryzen 5 5600X. This makes the Ryzen 5 5600X the clear choice for budget PC gamers.
- We recommend the Ryzen 5 5600X as it delivers better performance in good thermal and power consumption and lower price than its rival processor.
Comparison Table
| Feature | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 3 | Zen 2 |
| Codename | Vermeer | Matisse |
| CPU Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Unlocked for Overclocking | Yes | Yes |
| Max. Operating Temperature | 95°C | 95°C |
| Thermal Solution (PIB) | Wraith Stealth | Wraith Prism with RGB LED |
| L2 Cache | 3MB | 32MB |
| PCIe Express Version | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR4 |
| Memory speed | Up to 3200 MHz | Up to 3200 MHz |
| Transistors | 4.25 billion | 3.9 billion |
| Motherboard Compatibility | Best Motherboards for Ryzen 5 5600X | Best Motherboards for Ryzen 9 3900X |
Architectural Differences
- Core Count: The Ryzen 5 5600X has 6 cores, while the Ryzen 9 3900X has 12 cores, which adds up to 24 threads, i.e. 12 more than the thread count on the Ryzen 9 3900X.
- Clock Speeds: The Ryzen 5 5600X has a base clock of 3.7GHz and a boost capability of up to 4.6GHz. On the contrary, the base clock of the Ryzen 9 3900X is around 3.8GHz, with a boost of up to 4.6GHz.
- TDP: The base TDP of the Ryzen 5 5600X is around 65 watts, whereas the Ryzen 9 3900X has a much higher TDP of 105 watts.
- L3 Cache: The L3 cache of the Ryzen 9 is substantially larger at 64 MB, whereas the Ryzen 5 has an L3 cache of only 6 MB, which is 14 times smaller than that of the Ryzen 9 3900X.
- Process Node: Both the Ryzen 5 5600X and the Ryzen 9 3900X are based upon the same 7nm processing nodes, despite being far apart in generations.
To compare the features and performance of the Ryzen 9 3900X and the Ryzen 5 5600X in demanding computer applications and games, let us start with the Ryzen 9 3900X vs the Ryzen 5 5600X. Both processors belong to the AMD Ryzen series but there is a vast gap between the two processors’ generations. Let’s see if the gap is justified.
Ryzen 9 3900X Vs Ryzen 5 5600X – Gaming Benchmarks
Let us start discussing the results of the gaming benchmarks involved in testing the CPU strengths.
Gaming Rig
- Operating System: Windows 11 | 64 Bit
- MOBO: GIGABYTE X570 Aorus Pro Wifi
- GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 3090
- RAM: Patriot Viper LED DDR4-3600 16GB RAM
- SSD: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus G 2TB
- Power Supply: ENERMAX REVOLUTION D.F. X 1050W
- CPU Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360mm
Control
- We tested Control on both the processors at first, where the Ryzen 9 3900X delivered a ~5% smaller average frame rate of 142 FPS, while the Ryzen 5 5600X was up to 149 FPS.
- The performance of Ryzen 9 3900X maintained 131 Low 1% FPS, and the Low 1% frame rate of Ryzen 5 5600X was 134 FPS.
Days Gone
- Moving onto Days Gone, we noticed that the average frame rate for the Ryzen 9 3900X was 155 FPS, while the Ryzen 5 5600X could reach a 5.8% greater framerate of 164 FPS.
- During Days Gone, the Low 1% frame rate of Ryzen 5 5600X was 141 FPS, while Ryzen 9 3900X retained 139 Low 1% FPS.
Metro Exodus
- In GPU-intensive Metro Exodus, the Ryzen 5 5600X played ~8% better with an average of 149FPS than the Ryzen 9 3900X attaining an average of 138FPS.
- During Metro Exodus, the Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 9 3900X delivered 129 and 115 frames per second, respectively, at the low 1% performance.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- In RDR 2 benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 5600X averaged 149 FPS, while the Ryzen 9 3900X produced 141 FPS on average, roughly 5.7% less.
- During gameplay, the low 1% frame rate delivered by the Ryzen 5 5600X was 127 FPS, and that by the Ryzen 9 3900X was 119 FPS.
Watch Dogs Legion
- As per our analysis in CPU-intensive Watch Dogs Legion, the Ryzen 5 5600X dominated with a 7.5% greater average of 117 FPS, while the Ryzen 9 3900X turned over an average of 109 FPS.
- In low 1% performance, the frame rates of Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 9 3900X were 93 FPS and 100 FPS, respectively.
Ryzen 9 3900X Vs Ryzen 5 5600X – Overall Gaming Analysis
| Processor | Average FPS | 1% Lows |
|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 9 3900X | 📈 137 | 📉 120.8 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | 📈 145.6 | 📉 124.8 |
| Winner: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | ||
In our gaming benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 5600X offered an average frame rate which was 6.3% greater than the Ryzen 9 3900’s performance. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X could not lead the FPS battle in any game. In 1% low tests, the battle was led by the Ryzen 5 as well, as it dominated with a 4 FPS lead over its competitor.
Power Consumption
| Games | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (W) | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X (W) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Power Consumption | 101.2 ⚡️ | 117.6 ⚡️ |
| Winner: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | ||
When the game tests were conducted, the Ryzen 5 5600X CPU consumed ~2.4% lower power than the Ryzen 9 3900X. The Ryzen 9 3900X, on the flip side, gained substantial amounts of power more than its competitor. Thus, the Ryzen 5 5600X is more power efficient and is a better choice for users on a tighter budget.
Thermal Efficiency
| Games | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (°C) | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Thermal Capacity | 60 🌡️ | 64.5 🌡️ |
| Winner: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | ||
During our gaming benchmarks, the average gaming temperature of the Ryzen 5 5600X stayed at 4.5°C more relaxed, it is 7.5% more thermally efficient than the Ryzen 9 3900X. This makes the Ryzen 5 more compelling for users aiming for a cooler CPU by default.
Price And Availability
| GPU | MSRP | Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | 💲300 | 💲152 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 3900X | 💲500 | 💲374 |
| Price Difference | 66.66% | 146% |
Compared to the Ryzen 9 3900X, the Ryzen 5 5600X is 146% less expensive according to current prices on Amazon. This difference is colossal and immediately tilts the scales towards the Ryzen 5 5600X as the Ryzen 5 5600X is still easily accessible. You can easily buy it from Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and other stores.
Conclusive Remarks – Which One We Recommend?
Ryzen 9 3900X: If you have to use a CPU for applications and software executions, the Ryzen 9 3900X would be a more suitable option because of its fantastic productivity performance. But, you would have to endure for its availability and huge price as compared to the Ryzen 5.
Ryzen 5 5600X: The Ryzen 5 5600X provides an encouraging 6.3% improvement over the Ryzen 9 3900X. The gaming power consumption of the Ryzen 9 3900X is 2.4% more than the Ryzen 5 5600X. The Ryzen 5 5600X also provides a thermal efficiency of 7.5% over the Ryzen 9 3900X in gaming.
We would recommend the Ryzen 5 5600X because this processor is on par with the Ryzen 9 3900X when it comes to gaming performance, that too at an astonishingly lower price and far better thermal and power ratings.
More from Ryzen 5 5600X:
- Ryzen 5 5600x vs Ryzen 7 3700x
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- Ryzen 5 3600 vs Ryzen 5 5600x
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[Comparisons Specialist]
I’m a passionate computer hardware expert specializing in CPUs and GPUs. With a lifelong curiosity for hardware and extensive hands-on experience, I provide valuable insights, practical advice, and in-depth analysis on these components. Engaging with the hardware community, I exchange knowledge and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
Get In Touch: uzair@tech4gamers.com
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