Core i3-3225 vs Ryzen 5 5600

CPU

GPU

Core i3-3225

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2012

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 5600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022

Ryzen family

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Core i3-3225 vs Ryzen 5 5600 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3225

2 / 4

2,276

0.0%

Celeron 847

Core i3-530

Pentium Dual Core T2390

21,550

+846.8%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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 i3-3225 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.

Core i3-3225 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.

Core i3-3225

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $27 less on MSRP ($172 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Ryzen 5 5600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,142 vs 8,600).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.2 vs 108.3 PassMark/$ ($172 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).

Ryzen 5 5600

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +306.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Delivers 718.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 108.3 vs 13.2 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $172 MSRP).
✅50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
15.7% HIGHER MSRP
$199 MSRPvs$172 MSRP
❌18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3225 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600 better than Core i3-3225?

Yes. Ryzen 5 5600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 306.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 653.1% better Geekbench multi-core, 846.8% 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 306.8% 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 653.1% 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 5600 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600 comes in 15.7% more expensive on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $172 MSRP, and it still gives you a 306.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 718.4% better value on MSRP (108.3 vs 13.2 PassMark/$), 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 5600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2012), 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3225 vs Ryzen 5 5600 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3225

The Core i3-3225 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) 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 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,276 points. Launch price was $264.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3225 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 i3-3225 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 i3-3225 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3225 scores 2,276 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 161.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 558 vs 2,052, a 114.5% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,142 vs 8,600 (153.1% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3225 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i3-3225	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	22 nm	7 nm-68%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Vermeer (2020−2025)
PassMark	2,276	21,550+847%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	11,077
Geekbench 6 Single	558	2,052+268%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,142	8,600+653%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3225 uses the LGA1155 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 DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3225 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 100% 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 — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3225) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H77,Z77,Q77,B75,P67,Z68,H67 (Core i3-3225) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).

Feature	Core i3-3225	Ryzen 5 5600
Socket	LGA1155	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-3200+100%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	128 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	24+50%

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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 i3-3225) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). The Core i3-3225 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Ryzen 5 5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3225 targets Budget, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3225 rivals Phenom II X4 965 BE (125W).

Feature	Core i3-3225	Ryzen 5 5600
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	AMD-V
Target Use	Budget	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3225 was priced at $172, while the Ryzen 5 5600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($172 vs $199), Core i3-3225 was $27 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3225 delivers 13.2 pts/$ vs 108.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 156.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3225	Ryzen 5 5600
MSRP	$172-14%	$199
Performance per Dollar	13.2	108.3+720%
Release Date	2012	2022

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