Core 2 Duo SU7300 vs Ryzen 5 3600

Intel

Core 2 Duo SU7300

2 Cores2 Thrd3 WWMax: 1.3 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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Core 2 Duo SU7300 vs Ryzen 5 3600 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.

Core 2 Duo SU7300 vs Ryzen 5 3600 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.

Core 2 Duo SU7300 vs Ryzen 5 3600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core 2 Duo SU7300

2009

Why buy it

  • Draws 3W instead of 65W, a 62W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 3600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (338 vs 1,898).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.2 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($289 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +473.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Costs $90 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).
  • Delivers 1616.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 5.2 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 2066.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Core 2 Duo SU7300?
Yes. Ryzen 5 3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 473.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 461.5% better Geekbench multi-core, 1082.2% 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 3600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 473.9% 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 3600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 461.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 5 3600 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 3600 comes in $90 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $289 MSRP, and it still gives you a 473.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1616.8% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 5.2 PassMark/$), 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 3600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2009), 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB), 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.

Core 2 Duo SU7300 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Duo SU7300

The Core 2 Duo SU7300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,496 points. Launch price was $249.

AMD

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 Core 2 Duo SU7300 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 1.3 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SU7300 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 105.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 1.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SU7300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SU7300 scores 1,496 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 168.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 188 vs 1,295, a 149.3% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 338 vs 1,898 (139.5% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600). L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core 2 Duo SU7300 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureCore 2 Duo SU7300Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock
1.3 GHz
4.2 GHz+223%
Base Clock
1.3 GHz
3.6 GHz+177%
L3 Cache
3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
32 MB (total)+967%
L2 Cache
3 MB
512K (per core)+16967%
Process
45 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-84%
Architecture
Penryn (2008−2011)
Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark
1,496
17,685+1082%
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,500
Geekbench 6 Single
188
1,295+589%
Geekbench 6 Multi
338
1,898+462%
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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo SU7300 uses the BGA956 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 DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SU7300 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 200.2% 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 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo SU7300) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GS45,GM45 (Core 2 Duo SU7300) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).

FeatureCore 2 Duo SU7300Ryzen 5 3600
Socket
BGA956
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 4.0+264%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
DDR4-3200+200%
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
128 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
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: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SU7300) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SU7300 targets Ultra-Low Voltage Laptop, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

FeatureCore 2 Duo SU7300Ryzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Yes
Target Use
Ultra-Low Voltage Laptop
Gaming/Budget Workstation
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo SU7300 was priced at $289, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($289 vs $199), Ryzen 5 3600 was $90 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo SU7300 delivers 5.2 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 178% better value option.

FeatureCore 2 Duo SU7300Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP
$289
$199-31%
Performance per Dollar
5.2
88.9+1610%
Release Date
2009
2019

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