Athlon X2 450 vs Ryzen 5 5600

AMD

Athlon X2 450

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 5600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Ryzen family
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Athlon X2 450 vs Ryzen 5 5600 Performance Spectrum

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.

Athlon X2 450 vs Ryzen 5 5600 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Athlon X2 450 vs Ryzen 5 5600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon X2 450

2014

Why buy it

  • Costs $139 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (1,500 vs 11,077).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.6 vs 108.3 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).

Ryzen 5 5600

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +573.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 401.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 108.3 vs 21.6 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 231.7% HIGHER MSRP
    $199 MSRPvs$60 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600 better than Athlon X2 450?
Yes. Ryzen 5 5600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 573.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 638.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 1564.1% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 5 5600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 573.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 5 5600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 638.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 5 5600 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600 comes in 231.7% more expensive on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $60 MSRP, and it still gives you a 573.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 401.7% better value on MSRP (108.3 vs 21.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 5 5600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon X2 450 vs Ryzen 5 5600 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Athlon X2 450

The Athlon X2 450 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,295 points. Launch price was $149.

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600

The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The Athlon X2 450 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Athlon X2 450 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 12% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Athlon X2 450 uses the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X2 450 scores 1,295 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 177.3% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 1,500 vs 11,077 (152.3% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 450 vs 2,052, a 128.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 800 vs 8,600 (166% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600).

FeatureAthlon X2 450Ryzen 5 5600
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz
4.4 GHz+13%
Base Clock
3.5 GHz
3.5 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (total)
512K (per core)+51100%
Process
28 nm
7 nm-75%
Architecture
Kaveri (2014−2015)
Vermeer (2020−2025)
PassMark
1,295
21,550+1564%
Cinebench R23 Multi
1,500
11,077+638%
Geekbench 6 Single
450
2,052+356%
Geekbench 6 Multi
800
8,600+975%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X2 450 uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Athlon X2 450 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 71.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Athlon X2 450) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A88X,A78,A68H (Athlon X2 450) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).

FeatureAthlon X2 450Ryzen 5 5600
Socket
FM2+
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1866
DDR4-3200+71%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
128 GB+700%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
24+50%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Athlon X2 450 targets Basic Desktop, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Athlon X2 450 rivals Core i3-3220.

FeatureAthlon X2 450Ryzen 5 5600
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
AMD-V
Target Use
Basic Desktop
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon X2 450 was priced at $60, while the Ryzen 5 5600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($60 vs $199), Athlon X2 450 was $139 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X2 450 delivers 21.6 pts/$ vs 108.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 133.5% better value option.

FeatureAthlon X2 450Ryzen 5 5600
MSRP
$60-70%
$199
Performance per Dollar
21.6
108.3+401%
Release Date
2014
2022

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