Is Ryzen 5 7600 better than Ryzen 5 3600X?
Is Ryzen 5 7600 better than Ryzen 5 3600X? Let's find out
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AMD’s latest Ryzen 5 processor, the 7600 is an absolute treat for gamers. This budget-friendly processor packs a punch with its game-optimized specs and quickly established itself as the go-to choice for budget gamers since its release about a month ago.
Now read: Best CPU for gaming
That said, there are some other great options in the Ryzen 5 lineup too, with one being the 3600X. Let’s see how the two compare.
Ryzen 5 7600 vs. Ryzen 5 3600X – CPU secs
Let’s first have a look at the official specifications of both processors, so we know what we’re working with.
Ryzen 5 7600
- Architecture: Zen 4
- Core count: 6
- Thread count: 12
- Base speed: 3.8GHz
- Boost speed: 5.1GHz
- Cache: 32MB
- TDP: 65W
Learn more about the processor in our Ryzen 5 3600X review.
Ryzen 5 3600X
- Architecture: Zen 3
- Core count: 6
- Thread count: 12
- Base speed: 3.8GHz
- Boost speed: 4.4GHz
- Cache: 32MB
- TDP: 95W
How does the Ryzen 5 7600 compare to the Ryzen 5 3600X?
The 7600 is two generations younger than the 3600X. We see that both processors have the same core and thread setup, with 6 cores and 12 threads. However, the clock speeds change somewhat, with the new 7600 having a much higher 5.1GHz boost clock.
The L3 cache remains unchanged at a very healthy 32MB for both processors. We do see a difference in power usage, with the 3600X’s higher TDP due to it being an “X” edition processor.
Performance
Because of the 7600’s 700MHz higher boost clock, it delivers much better single-core performance than the 3600X.
Single-core performance is what primarily determines how well your games run because the bulk of gaming-related processing is carried out on only a few cores/threads. Therefore, it’s important for each of these cores/threads to be running as fast as possible.
The 3600X is a great gaming processor in its own right. But, when you’re playing more CPU-demanding titles or have your FPS uncapped, the 7600 will give you substantially better results in terms of framerate.
Based on performance indicating benchmarks, the 7600 outperforms the 5600X in single-core tests by about 20 to 30%.
Both processors are a bit more level in terms of multicore performance since they have the same core and thread count. Of course, the 7600 comes out ahead in this department as well, since each thread is running at a higher clock speed.
Power usage
The new Ryzen 5 7600 is incredibly power efficient. It offers you a very competent level of performance while consuming a minimal 65 watts of power.
The 3600X consumes 95 watts of power, while also offering lower performance.
The 7600 is the more power-efficient CPU in this case.
In terms of thermals, both processors should be relatively easy to air-cool. The 7600 will run a few odd degrees cooler at identical CPU utilization.
Price
Of course, you can’t have a comparison without comparing the price and value. The 3600X had an MSRP of $249, but you can find it anywhere from $150 to $200 these days.
The 7600 launched at $229, and the price hasn’t changed remarkably since. Both processors are relatively price-efficient, but the 7600 is more so. If you can snag a 3600X for the lower end of the above range, that would be a pretty good deal. The higher end – not so much.
Is Ryzen 5 7600 better than Ryzen 5 3600X? The Verdict
Performance-wise, the 7600 is definitely much better than the 3600X. Its faster clock speeds allow it to take the edge in both single-core and multicore performance, which equates to higher FPS in gaming and faster processing in CPU-intensive workloads such as rendering, file compression, and video editing.
Which one should you go for? The 7600 offers you a better bang for your buck, and it’s also the newer processor. Setup costs can be a bit high, though, because you’ll need a new AM5 motherboard and DDR5 memory.
Given that, the 3600X isn’t too bad of an option. If you intend to play at 60FPS, it can do that for you just fine in all but the most demanding titles, regardless of the resolution.
