Core i5-14500T vs Ryzen 5 3600

Intel

Core i5-14500T

14 Cores20 Thrd35 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2024
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 i5-14500T 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 i5-14500T 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 i5-14500T 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 i5-14500T

2024

Why buy it

  • +97.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Delivers 11.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 98.7 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($232 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 770, while Ryzen 5 3600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 32 MB).
  • 16.6% HIGHER MSRP
    $232 MSRPvs$199 MSRP
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 24 MB).
  • Costs $33 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $232 MSRP).
  • 20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-14500T.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,295 vs 2,561).
  • Lower PassMark (17,685 vs 22,889).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 88.9 vs 98.7 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $232 MSRP).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Core i5-14500T moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-14500T better than Ryzen 5 3600?
Yes. Core i5-14500T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 29.4% better 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, Core i5-14500T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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, Core i5-14500T is the stronger fit. You are getting 29.4% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-14500T is the better buy right now. Core i5-14500T comes in 16.6% more expensive on MSRP at $232 MSRP versus $199 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 11.0% better value on MSRP (98.7 vs 88.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible AM4 + DDR4 setup, Ryzen 5 3600 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 i5-14500T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2019), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of AM4, and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-14500T vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-14500T

The Core i5-14500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 22,889 points. Launch price was $232.

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

The Core i5-14500T packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-14500T has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-14500T versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-14500T (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-14500T uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14500T scores 22,889 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 25.7% lead for the Core i5-14500T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,561 vs 1,295, a 65.7% lead for the Core i5-14500T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-14500T vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureCore i5-14500TRyzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads
14 / 20+133%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz+14%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
1.7 GHz
3.6 GHz+112%
L3 Cache
24 MB (total)
32 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+40860%
Process
Intel 7 nm
7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)
Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark
22,889+29%
17,685
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,500
Geekbench 6 Single
2,561+98%
1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,898
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-14500T uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-14500T versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Core i5-14500T supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-14500T supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-14500T) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-14500T) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).

FeatureCore i5-14500TRyzen 5 3600
Socket
LGA1700
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800+50%
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+50%
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
20
24+20%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-14500T) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Core i5-14500T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-14500T targets Low Power Desktop, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-14500T rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

FeatureCore i5-14500TRyzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Yes
Target Use
Low Power Desktop
Gaming/Budget Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-14500T was priced at $232, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($232 vs $199), Ryzen 5 3600 was $33 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14500T delivers 98.7 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Core i5-14500T the 10.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-14500TRyzen 5 3600
MSRP
$232
$199-14%
Performance per Dollar
98.7+11%
88.9
Release Date
2024
2019

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