Core i5-11600K vs Ryzen 5 PRO 230
Core i5-11600K
Ryzen 5 PRO 230
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. 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 i5-11600K
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 PRO 230
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-11600K | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($170) | ✅ More affordable ($150) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Hawk Point-U (Zen 4) (2023−2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-11600K | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($170) | ✅ More affordable ($150) |
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 i5-11600K and Ryzen 5 PRO 230
Core i5-11600K
The Core i5-11600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,520 points. Launch price was $299.
Ryzen 5 PRO 230
The Ryzen 5 PRO 230 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Hawk Point-U (Zen 4) (2023−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP7/FP7r2/FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 MB + 16 MB. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 19,702 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-11600K and Ryzen 5 PRO 230 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600K versus 4.9 GHz on the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-11600K uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 uses Hawk Point-U (Zen 4) (2023−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11600K scores 19,520 against the Ryzen 5 PRO 230's 19,702 — a 0.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 PRO 230. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11600K vs 16 MB on the Ryzen 5 PRO 230.
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+11% | 3.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 16 MB+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 14 nm | 4 nm-71% |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Hawk Point-U (Zen 4) (2023−2025) |
| PassMark | 19,520 | 19,702 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,320 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 7,210 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-11600K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 uses FP7/FP7r2/FP8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11600K versus DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 — the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 PRO 230 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 500 series,Intel 400 series (Core i5-11600K) and Socket FP7 (Ryzen 5 PRO 230).
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | FP7/FP7r2/FP8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-5600+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-11600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-11600K) vs AMD-V, AMD-Vi (Ryzen 5 PRO 230). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 750 (Core i5-11600K) and Radeon 760M (Ryzen 5 PRO 230) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 750 | Radeon 760M |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V, AMD-Vi |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-11600K launched at $262 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 debuted at $150. At current prices ($170 vs $150), the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600K delivers 114.8 pts/$ vs 131.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 — making the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 the 13.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $262 | $150-43% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $170 | $150-12% |
| Performance per Dollar | 114.8 | 131.3+14% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2025 |
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