As a game enthusiast trying to decide which of the Ryzen 5 3600 and 5600x processors is best for gaming and productive use, our best guess is that since you are knowledgeable about choosing the best CPU products (Ryzen) for gaming purposes, you should be helped in choosing the best for high-performance, durability, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and, of course, a complete package for its worth. If you have bought Ryzen 5 3600 and confused about which GPU to buy for it. Don’t worry we have created a list of the best GPUs for Ryzen 5 3600 that give a remarkable performance with this processor.
These two goods, however, differ in terms of quality, purpose, and specifications. However, by examining their features, which we’ll outline for you in this article, you’ll be able to choose which one to purchase based on your preferences and avoid taking out a second mortgage. Let’s begin right away!
Ryzen 5 3600 vs 5600x: Side-by-Side Comparison
Ryzen 5 3600 | Ryzen 5 5600x | |
---|---|---|
Initial Release | 7 July 2019 (about 3 years ago) | 5 November 2020 (about 2 years ago) |
Number of Cores | 6 Cores | 6 Cores |
L1 Cache | 384 Kilobytes | 64 Kilobytes/core |
Base Clock | 3.6GHz | 3.7GHz |
Max Boost Clock | Up to 4.2 GHz | Up to 4.6GHz |
Current Price | $159.99 | $198.99 |

a motherboard socketed AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor. The Ryzen 5 3600 is built with outdated technology.
What’s the Difference between Ryzen 5 3600 vs 5600x?
Speaking of upgrades, when a business chooses to update one of its products, it is expected that the newer version will offer better and more desirable features (why would I bother spending money on something that has no value at all?) which should satisfy users’ needs more effectively than the previous one would. This explains why there are obvious differences between the Ryzen 5 3600 and 5600x.
Release Date
Ryzen 5600x is a better version than Ryzen 5 3600 due to the release date. Ryzen 5600x was released on May 11, 2020, about a year and a half after Ryzen 5 3600, which was released on July 7, 2019. Those who jumped on the AM4 platform early should consider switching to the latter because it comes with a significant upgrade.
Speed
However, a user’s test results showed that the 5600 was roughly 12% faster than the 3600, which is a significant increase. However, there isn’t much of a difference between the two when it comes to gaming chores because even in this case, some games were GPU constrained and required lower quality settings.
After both CPUs were tested at their stock and overclocked speeds, several users claimed that the 5600x’s overclock speed was 4.7GHz and the 3600’s speed was 4.2GHz. This indicates that the 5600x outperforms the 3600 by at least 500MHz or 5GHz. Although users claim there are still processors available that can reach 4.4GHz, they will still fall short when compared to the 5600x, this does not completely limit Ryzen 5 3600.
Build
Ryzen 5 3600 and 5600x operate on different AMD architectures based on their architectural grade. The Ryzen 5 3600 uses the Zen 2 architecture, which is older, while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses the Zen 3 architecture, which was released a year later. Because of this, the 3600’s older architecture puts it at a disadvantage in terms of single-core performance.
Performance
Additionally, the L2 and L3 cache speeds on the 5600x and 3600 are the same at 3 MB and 32 Megabytes, respectively. Despite the fact that both CPUs have the same amount of cache, the ways in which they use that memory vary depending on the architecture. Additionally, because each core complex has access to more memory, the Zen 3 architecture performs better as a whole.
Both processors’ power usage and temperatures rise as a result. The 5600x Wraith Stealth CPU cooler performs exceptionally here, despite the fact that the difference isn’t significant. A good TDP cooler is needed to keep a demanding task, like high-end gaming, running at a turbo speed. As a result, the 3600 frequently lags when the CPU is overclocked or if there is a bottleneck.
Pricing
There is always a change in the price difference between an upgrade and the prior technology. The 5600x averages $198.99 whereas the Ryzen 5 3600 keeps a price of $150.99 across various retailers. The performance improvement that comes with the 5600x is clear evidence of this pricing difference. Nevertheless, they both offer good returns relative to the cost. If you’re a gamer, getting the 5600x’s enhanced features is worth the extra money.
Ryzen 5 3600 vs 5600x: Five Must-Know Facts
- In terms of originality, Ryzen 5600x is a superior model over Ryzen 5 3600.
- The L2 and L3 cache speeds for Ryzen 5600x and 3600 are 3MB and 32MB, respectively.
- Although Ryzen 5 5600x lacks integrated graphics, you can add it yourself.
- The AMD Ryzen 5 5600x is one of the quickest processors available for gamers.
- The Ryzen 5 3600 is by no means a subpar processor, despite using the older Zen 2 architecture. It is regarded as one of the best processors for gamers.

A high-end desktop computer’s interior, featuring an AMD RYZEN 5 5600x CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics card.
Ryzen 5 3600 vs 5600: Which One is Better for Gaming?
The majority of users’ main concern when choosing a processor is gaming. Even though we have been contrasting the Ryzen 3600 and 5600x processors, our discussion will center on how well they perform in games. Therefore, we have gathered the benchmarks from all over the internet to compare the processors using well-known games. In order to determine the average frame rates on each CPU, these games are played at their highest settings.
Ryzen 5 3600 | Ryzen 5 5600x | |
---|---|---|
Fortnite | 96+ FPS | 101+ FPS |
Valorant | 110+ FPS | 115+ FPS |
GTA V | 99+ FPS | 110+ FPS |
Overwatch | 110+ FPS | 134+ FPS |
Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey | 99+ FPS | 102+ FPS |
CSGO | 162+ FPS | 180+ FPS |
Apex Legends | 104+ FPS | 107+ FPS |
We can clearly see the performance disparity between the two processors from the table above. With significantly higher frame rates across the board, the 5600x clearly changes the game.
Which Should You Buy: Ryzen 5 3600 or 5600x?
After comparing the features of the 5600x to those of the Ryzen 5 3600, we can say that it would be beneficial for you to spend more money to acquire the 5600x. It’s definitely worth the extra money. We have learned from this comparison that the 3600 was significantly outperformed by the 5600x in terms of multi-core and single-core performance. The only issue is that, like all Ryzen desktop CPUs, the Ryzen 5600x processor lacks integrated graphics, so you’ll either need to purchase a new GPU or continue using your old one for the time being. In any case, this processor is great for gaming.
The Ryzen 5 3600 is also well-reviewed and regarded as a worthy budget-oriented CPU for high-end gaming, though, if you can’t afford the upgrade.
Ryzen 5 3600 vs 5600x: Full Comparison With Specs, Price, and More FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which one is better Ryzen 5 3600 vs 5600x?
If we look at the clock speed, the 3600 has a base clock and turbo clock of 3.6GHz and 4.2GHz, respectively, while the 5600x has a base clock and turbo clock of 3.7GHz and 4.7GHz, respectively. As a result, the 5600x is generally a little quicker than the 3600.
How much faster is 5600X than 3600?
Still, the 5600X outperforms the 3600 by 12%, which is a respectable performance difference.
Is it worth to buy Ryzen 5 5600X?
Compared to Ryzen 5 3600, Ryzen 5 5600X is without a doubt the better option. The features in the 5600x make it the most potent 6 cores and 12 threads gaming processor available.
What is Ryzen 5 5600X comparable to?
The Ryzen 5 5600X and Core i5-11600K both have six cores and twelve threads, and each of those cores has a comparable level of performance, according to research, but the 5600X wins out in this comparison because it comes with a cooler and native support for DDR4-3200 memory.
Is Ryzen 5 3600 future proof?
Not at all, no. Although it isn’t true that Ryzen 5 3600 is a bad processor, it is, in fact, a good processor. However, six cores is about the bare minimum for a system to be considered reasonably future-proof, and since games have started to get much better at utilizing high core count systems, you can find Ryzen 5600x worthy in this regard.