Settling the Debate Between Two Legendary CPUs
As both a tech enthusiast and gaming aficionado, few questions get debated as hotly as AMD‘s Ryzen 5 3600 versus the newer 5600x. These two 6-core processors seem mighty similar on paper – so what exactly makes one better than the other?
That‘s what we‘ll uncover today. I‘ve been building systems for over a decade, so you can trust me to slice through marketing fluff and surface-level specs. My goal is to empower you to choose the right CPU for YOUR priorities – whether that‘s getting max frames for competitive esports, future-proofing your setup, or simply stretching your dollar furthest.
We‘ll compare everything from architectural improvements to performance benchmarks, pricing, and ideal use cases. Got an Nvidia RTX graphics card ready to pair with one of these CPUs? Even better. Let‘s dig in.
Zen 3 vs Zen 2: How 5600x Achieves Faster Speeds
At a baseline level, both the Ryzen 5 3600 and 5600x sport 6 cores and 12 threads. But while the 3600 debuted on AMD’s Zen 2 architecture in mid-2019, the 5600x arrived in late 2020 with the upgraded Zen 3 design. And that architectural shift is pivotal.
By reorganizing core complexes and significantly growing L3 cache sizes, Zen 3 enhances how efficiently each core leverages available memory resources. Translation? Higher IPC and clocks speeds, especially in latency-sensitive gaming workloads.
While the 3600 still impresses at its price point, there’s no denying the 5600x wins on pure speed. Let’s see how their specs compare:
| Spec | Ryzen 5 3600 | Ryzen 5 5600x |
| Architecture | Zen 2 | Zen 3 |
| Launch Date | July 2019 | Nov 2020 |
| Cores/Threads | 6/12 | 6/12 |
| Base / Boost Clock | 3.6 / 4.2 GHz | 3.7 / 4.6 GHz |
| Cache | 32MB | 32MB |
| TDP | 65W | 65W |
| Nanometers | 7nm | 7nm |
We‘re still in 6-core territory, but the architectural redesign allows the 5600x to clock considerably higher both in base and boost frequencies. Translating to real-world usage, credible benchmarks put the 5600x‘s single-thread output around 19% quicker.
Gaming Frames and Overall Performance
Gamers care about frames per second – so let‘s see how these two stack up. Compiling data from various technical outlets, here were average FPS scores across top titles at 1080p:
| Game | Ryzen 5 3600 | Ryzen 5 5600x |
| Fortnite (Epic Settings) | 96 fps | 101 fps |
| GTA V (Very High) | 99 fps | 110 fps |
| COD Warzone (Max) | 92 fps | 98 fps |
| Assassins Creed Valhalla | 67 fps | 75 fps |
The 5600x clearly has an edge, achieving between 5-15% faster average frame rates depending on the title. The architectural design improvements in Zen 3 directly benefit game performance. But lest you think the 3600 lags far behind, it still delivers entirely playable experiences with some graphics setting tweaks.
Expanding our aperture beyond games, the 5600x also achieved a 10% faster score in Pugetbench for Premiere Pro. So content creators can expect snappier render times too.
In multi-core metrics like Cinebench R23 the playing field evens out more with the 3600 scoring 9395 points versus the 5600x’s 11491. But for primarily gaming-focused users, the 5600x’s lighter and faster Zen 3 cores help it pull ahead where it matters most.
Pricing and Budget Considerations
Here’s a quick pricing comparison between the 3600 and 5600x:
| CPU | MSRP | Current Sale Price |
| Ryzen 5 3600 | $199 | $139 |
| Ryzen 5600x | $299 | $189 |
With the 3600 released earlier and now discounted, it delivers incredible value at just $139. Sure, the 5600x wins on performance, but is paying an extra $50 worth 10-15 more frames?
For budget gamers still rocking GPUs like the GTX 1060 or RX 580, likely not. The 3600 avoids leaving too much unused performance on the table.
But mid-range system builders pairing these CPUs with an RTX 3060 or RX 6600 XT would benefit more from the 5600x. Their graphics cards can flex higher frame rates, so the extra CPU overhead prepares them better for demanding future titles.
If money is no object, snagging the 5600x also makes your processor more "future proof" in the sense that background processes will hit your headroom less severely.
Ideal Use Cases Compared
Based on the analysis so far, here are my recommendations on which CPU fits you best:
Ryzen 5 3600 – Best Budget All-Rounder
The 3600, especially at its discounted price point, offers tremendous value and saves you money to allot elsewhere in your build. It‘s the play if you:
- Play at 1440p or 4K where your GPU limits performance more anyway
- Own a lower/mid tier GPU like the GTX 1660 Super
- Play mostly esports titles where super high frame rates matter less
- Need to save money for other components in your system
Ryzen 5600x – Best Future Proofing
The architectural improvements make the 5600x undoubtedly "snappier", and worth the modest price premium if you:
- Play newer AAA titles demanding high single thread speed
- Own a faster GPU where CPU overhead matters more
- Do video editing, 3D modeling, code compiling etc alongside gaming
- Want peace of mind to handle background tasks and future games optimizing 6-core CPUs
There‘s no unambiguous "right choice" between the 3600 and 5600x for all gamers. Both remain top-flight options. But by better understanding your priorities around budget, GPU pairing, and workload types, picking the ideal part becomes much clearer.
Additional Components Impact Performance Too
While we’ve focused on comparing the CPUs themselves, don’t forget a few other components impact system responsiveness too:
Cooling Solutions
Since both processors sport a 65W TDP, aftermarket cooling helps sustain higher boost clocks. The 5600x includes the capable Wraith Stealth air cooler, but an AIO liquid solution or beefy Noctua air cooler enables better thermals.
Overclockers in particular should upgrade cooling to push past the official max boost specs. The 3600 has more conservative headroom, but the 5600x can often run stably up towards 4.8GHz+ with proper voltage and cooling.
Motherboard Considerations
AMD‘s precision boost algorithms key off motherboard-quality too. Aim for B550, X570 or even the latest A520 boards to provide reliable power delivery for peak single-core speeds. The 5600x also fully supports PCIe 4.0 connectivity, so pairing with a higher-end chipset makes sense.
While B450 boards technically support Zen 3 after BIOS updates, their aging VRM designs can’t fully sustain the high clocks. Stick to B550 or X570 for optimal 5600x experiences.
Memory Configuration
Both Zen 2 and 3 architecture benefit tremendously from fast DDR4 memory, targeting at least DDR4-3600 CL16 kits. This maintains the crucial 1:1 ratio with the processor’s internal Infinity Fabric.
The 5600x with Zen 3 further improves memory controllers too. You can comfortably run tuning profiles up to DDR4-4000 to feed data to those speedy cores quicker.
The Verdict? 5600x Edges Ahead for Most
In the Ryzen 5 3600 versus 5600x showdown, AMD‘s newer Zen 3 processor takes a narrow win for gamers focused on strong single thread performance. The 19% generational IPC jump is no marketing gimmick – credible benchmarks back up the 5600x‘s advantage for pushing high frames in demanding titles.
And while the Ryzen 5 3600 remains a legendary budget part, most mid-range system builders today will benefit more from the 5600x‘s added muscle and future-proofing at moderate price premiums. Just be sure to pair it with a respectable B550 motherboard and speedy DDR4 RAM.
For thrifty shoppers still, snagging the 3600 under $150 makes for incredible value, especially if higher resolutions or older GPUs limit your frames anyway. Its reputable history will give you confidence on the savings too.
So there‘s my comprehensive take comparing these two AMD icons! Let me know which CPU you ended up going with in your system down below. I‘m always happy to help think through configuration questions too. Game on!
