Core i5-10505 vs Ryzen 5 3600

Intel

Core i5-10505

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2021
Core family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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Core i5-10505 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 i5-10505 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 i5-10505 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 i5-10505

2021

Why buy it

  • Costs $7 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 3600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (12,009 vs 17,685).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 62.5 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +17.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Delivers 42.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 62.5 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-10505.

Trade-offs

  • 3.6% HIGHER MSRP
    $199 MSRPvs$192 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Core i5-10505?
Yes. Ryzen 5 3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 17.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 47.3% better PassMark, 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 17.6% 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 47.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 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 3.6% more expensive on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 42.1% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 62.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1200 + DDR4 setup, Core i5-10505 can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-10505 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2019). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-10505 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-10505

The Core i5-10505 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2021 (4 years ago). It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 12,009 points. Launch price was $149.

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

Both the Core i5-10505 and Ryzen 5 3600 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-10505 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 9.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-10505 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3600 is built on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-10505 scores 12,009 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 38.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-10505 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureCore i5-10505Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+10%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.6 GHz+12%
L3 Cache
12 MB Intel® Smart Cache
32 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache
512K (per core)
Process
14 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
Architecture
Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark
12,009
17,685+47%
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,898
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10505 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-10505Ryzen 5 3600
Socket
LGA1200
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
24
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-10505) / Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

FeatureCore i5-10505Ryzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
Yes
Target Use
Gaming/Budget Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10505 was priced at $192, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($192 vs $199), Core i5-10505 was $7 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10505 delivers 62.5 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 34.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-10505Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP
$192-4%
$199
Performance per Dollar
62.5
88.9+42%
Release Date
2021
2019

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