Core i3-2125 vs Ryzen 5 5600
Core i3-2125
Ryzen 5 5600
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 i3-2125 is positioned at rank #892 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 Core i3-2125
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2125 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($115) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2125 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+35%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($115) |
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 i3-2125 and Ryzen 5 5600
Core i3-2125
The Core i3-2125 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,082 points. Launch price was $170.
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 Core i3-2125 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-2125 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i3-2125 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2125 scores 2,082 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 164.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 499 vs 2,052, a 121.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2125 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core i3-2125 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.4 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.5 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+967% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Vermeer (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 2,082 | 21,550+935% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 11,077 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 499 | 2,052+311% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 8,600 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2125 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2125 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 28.6% 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 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-2125) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B65,Q65,Q67,B75,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2125) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).
| Feature | Core i3-2125 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 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 5600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2125) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). The Core i3-2125 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Ryzen 5 5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2125 targets Budget Desktop, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2125 rivals A8-3850.
| Feature | Core i3-2125 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Budget Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2125 launched at $134 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($15 vs $115), the Core i3-2125 is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2125 delivers 138.8 pts/$ vs 187.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 29.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2125 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $134-33% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-87% | $115 |
| Performance per Dollar | 138.8 | 187.4+35% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2022 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-2125 and Ryzen 5 5600
