AMD Ryzen 5 3600X vs AMD Ryzen 5 3600: Which CPU should you buy?

More power

AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

Budget-friendly

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

AMD's Ryzen 5 3600X is more expensive than the 3600 for a few reasons. Information technology has faster clock speeds from the factory (with a higher TDP) and comes rocking a meliorate stock cooler. If you don't heed paying slightly more, it'due south the better choice overall.

$249 at Amazon

Pros

Unlocked
Meliorate stock libation
Loads of cache
Higher clock speeds

Cons

More expensive
Higher TDP

The Ryzen 5 3600 is aggressively priced, offering six cores and 12 threads at a low price. You fifty-fifty get a stock cooler, though you'll probable want to swap it out for a better and quieter aftermarket solution. While slower than the 3600X y'all can overclock the 3600.

$199 at Amazon

Pros

Unlocked
More affordable
Loads of cache
Lower TDP

The Ryzen 3600X is ideal for those who don't listen paying a petty scrap extra for higher factory-set up clock speeds and a better stock cooler. If you program on using an aftermarket libation (or custom water loop) and will overclock the CPU, the Ryzen 3600 becomes more enticing to relieve a trivial and nonetheless have a audio processor. Both processors come rocking AMD's latest Ryzen 3000 enhancements.

AMD Ryzen five 3600X vs AMD Ryzen 5 3600 specs

	Ryzen 5 3600X	Ryzen 5 3600
Cores	6	six
Threads	12	12
Clock speed	three.viii GHz	3.six GHz
Boost speed	four.4 GHz	4.two GHz
Cache	L2: iii MB L3: 32 MB	L2: 3 MB L3 32 MB
RAM	3200 MHz	3200 MHz
TDP	95 Due west	65 W
Cost	$249	$199

On paper, both the Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 5 3600X from AMD are fantastic mid-range processors with six cores and 12 threads. They're very similar in terms of specifications with the only major differences being clock speeds and TDP. The Ryzen 5 3600X comes out of the manufacturing plant with a higher base and boost clock speeds of 3.8 GHz and iv.4 GHz, respectively. The 3600 isn't too far behind heed you, coming in at 3.six GHz and 4.ii GHz. The rated thermal blueprint ability (TDP) — how much heat the CPU will generate — shouldn't exist a deciding factor since both stock coolers are capable of keeping the two processors within safety operating temperature limits.

The sweet spot in terms of RAM for both processors is around 3,200 MHz. You lot volition be able to run both of them with slower memory, merely Ryzen craves for modules at this set speed. One time installed, these CPUs volition be able to perform admirably in games and when processing intense loads from productivity suites. The 3600X will perform better overall, simply that'south only until yous factor in overclocking, which allows the 3600 to catch up or surpass the 3600X depending on how both are configured.

Ryzen v 3600X is the choice for those seeking the best

The Ryzen 5 3600X is platonic for anyone wanting to pick upwardly a bang-up mid-range CPU, which is clocked higher than the 3600 from the factory, and bag a decent stock cooler in the procedure. This bundle has everything you need to become started and even overclock a footling.

More power

AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

Better cooler and clock speeds

The Ryzen 5 3600X sports faster clock speeds than the Ryzen v 3600 and is boxed with a improve stock cooler. Information technology'southward the option of the two for anyone looking to install their CPU and forget about it.

Become with the Ryzen 5 3600 if you lot want to save money

In that location'south not all that much that differentiates the Ryzen 5 3600X and 3600, and so if you're more budget witting, go with the Ryzen 5 3600 and save yourself some coin. Information technology'due south a great processor with room for overclocking if yous have the additional budget.

Budget-friendly

AMD Ryzen v 3600

Easier on your wallet

You cede very little by going with the Ryzen five 3600. Compared against the 3600X, this CPU is only slightly slower, which you lot tin accost with overclocking, and it nonetheless comes with a stock cooler.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Larn more.

Here's the best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X

RAM it up

Here's the all-time RAM for the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X

Nosotros rounded upwards some first-class module kits for you to use with the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X. AMD'southward Ryzen 3000 series processors need fast RAM in order to perform equally designed and these kits will get you lot well on the manner to greatness.