Core i5-4690K vs Ryzen 5 3600

The Core i5-4690K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-4690K versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 7.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-4690K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690K scores 5,689 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 102.6% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690K vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

The Core i5-4690K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4690K versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-4690K) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4690K) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Core i5-4690K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4690K targets Desktop, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

The Core i5-4690K launched at $243 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($101 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $21 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4690K delivers 56.3 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 118.8% better value option.