Core 2 Duo T5900 vs Ryzen 5 3600
Core 2 Duo T5900
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 Core 2 Duo T5900 is positioned at rank #19 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Excellent 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 Core 2 Duo T5900
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5900 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5900 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+92%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($5) | ⚠️ 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 Core 2 Duo T5900 and Ryzen 5 3600
Core 2 Duo T5900
The Core 2 Duo T5900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,123 points. Launch price was $249.
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 T5900 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 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5900 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 62.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600. The Core 2 Duo T5900 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5900 scores 2,123 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 157.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5900 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz+91% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-89% |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 2,123 | 17,685+733% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo T5900 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5900 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | P | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 4.0+264% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 24 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Duo T5900) / Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5900 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
At current prices ($5 vs $80), the Core 2 Duo T5900 is $75 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo T5900 delivers 424.6 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Core 2 Duo T5900 the 63% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5900 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | — | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5-94% | $80 |
| Performance per Dollar | 424.6+92% | 221.1 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2019 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core 2 Duo T5900 and Ryzen 5 3600
