A4-3420 vs Ryzen 5 3600
A4-3420
Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The A4-3420 is positioned at rank #875 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A4-3420
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A4-3420 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A4-3420 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+522%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A4-3420 and Ryzen 5 3600
A4-3420
The A4-3420 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,067 points. Launch price was $50.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The A4-3420 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the A4-3420 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 40% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The A4-3420 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the A4-3420 scores 1,067 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 177.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 300 vs 1,295, a 124.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 500 vs 1,898 (116.6% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600). L3 cache: 0 kB on the A4-3420 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | A4-3420 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz | 4.2 GHz+50% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.6 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 1,067 | 17,685+1557% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 300 | 1,295+332% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 500 | 1,898+280% |
Memory & Platform
The A4-3420 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A4-3420 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A4-3420) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75,A85X (A4-3420) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | A4-3420 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM1 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-3200+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A4-3420) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The A4-3420 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6410D), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3420 targets Entry Desktop, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: A4-3420 rivals Pentium G630; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | A4-3420 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6410D | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Yes |
| Target Use | Entry Desktop | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The A4-3420 launched at $65 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($30 vs $80), the A4-3420 is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the A4-3420 delivers 35.6 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 144.6% better value option.
| Feature | A4-3420 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $65-67% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-63% | $80 |
| Performance per Dollar | 35.6 | 221.1+521% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2019 |
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