Core i5-4278U vs Ryzen 5 5600X
Core i5-4278U
Popular choices:
Ryzen 5 5600X
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 i5-4278U is positioned at rank #726 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 i5-4278U
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4278U | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4278U | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) |
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 i5-4278U and Ryzen 5 5600X
Core i5-4278U
The Core i5-4278U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,826 points. Launch price was $315.
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i5-4278U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4278U versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 39% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-4278U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4278U scores 2,826 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 154.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4278U vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-4278U | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 4.6 GHz+48% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.7 GHz+42% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 32 MB+967% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-68% |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 2,826 | 21,845+673% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,688 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 889 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,860 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4278U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4278U versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X — the Ryzen 5 5600X supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-4278U) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i5-4278U) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).
| Feature | Core i5-4278U | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1168 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | DDR4-3200+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 128 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 24+100% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core i5-4278U) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). The Core i5-4278U includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Graphics 5100), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-4278U | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel Iris Graphics 5100 | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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