CPU
GPU
Celeron E3400
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 Celeron E3400 is positioned at rank #727 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 Celeron E3400
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Celeron E3400 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Celeron E3400 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+172%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ 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 Celeron E3400 and Ryzen 5 3600
Celeron E3400
The Celeron E3400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,220 points. Launch price was $76.
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 Celeron E3400 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 2.6 GHz on the Celeron E3400 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 47.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Celeron E3400 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron E3400 scores 1,220 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 174.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 347 vs 1,295, a 115.5% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 624 vs 1,898 (101% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron E3400 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Celeron E3400 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz | 4.2 GHz+62% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz+38% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (total)+100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-84% |
| Architecture | Wolfdale (2008−2010) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 1,220 | 17,685+1350% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 347 | 1,295+273% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 624 | 1,898+204% |
Memory & Platform
The Celeron E3400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Celeron E3400 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Celeron E3400 supports 198.5% 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 8 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Celeron E3400) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: G31,G41,P35,P45 (Celeron E3400) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | Celeron E3400 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 4.0+264% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+26550% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 128 GB+1677721500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Celeron E3400) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Celeron E3400 targets Budget, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Celeron E3400 rivals Pentium E5200; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Celeron E3400 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | Yes |
| Target Use | Budget | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Celeron E3400 launched at $53 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($15 vs $80), the Celeron E3400 is $65 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron E3400 delivers 81.3 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 92.4% better value option.
| Feature | Celeron E3400 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $53-73% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-81% | $80 |
| Performance per Dollar | 81.3 | 221.1+172% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2019 |
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