Core i5-5257U vs Ryzen 5 3600

CPU

GPU

Core i5-5257U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2015

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019

Ryzen family

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Core i5-5257U vs Ryzen 5 3600 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-5257U

2 / 4

2,837

0.0%

17,685

+523.4%

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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 i5-5257U 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 i5-5257U 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 i5-5257U

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Graphics 6100, while Ryzen 5 3600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 3600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 32 MB).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +221.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-5257U.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,898 vs 1,900).
❌Launch MSRP is still $199 MSRP, while Core i5-5257U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-5257U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Core i5-5257U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen 5 3600 is ahead with a 221.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-5257U pulls ahead with 0.1% better Geekbench multi-core. Ryzen 5 3600 also has the bigger cache pool with 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-5257U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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 at an unclear MSRP at $199 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 221.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-5257U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 5 3600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2015) and 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-5257U vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-5257U

The Core i5-5257U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,837 points. Launch price was $315.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-5257U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-5257U versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 30.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-5257U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5257U scores 2,837 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 144.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 950 vs 1,295, a 30.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,900 vs 1,898 (0.1% advantage for the Core i5-5257U). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-5257U vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i5-5257U	Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	4.2 GHz+35%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.6 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	32 MB (total)+967%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512K (per core)+100%
Process	14 nm	7 nm, 12 nm-50%
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark	2,837	17,685+523%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	9,500
Geekbench 6 Single	950	1,295+36%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,900	1,898

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-5257U uses the FCBGA1168 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 LPDDR3 1866 MHz on the Core i5-5257U versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 71.5% 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 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-5257U) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Broadwell-U (Core i5-5257U) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).

Feature	Core i5-5257U	Ryzen 5 3600
Socket	FCBGA1168	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3 1866 MHz	DDR4-3200+71%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	24+100%

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-5257U) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Core i5-5257U includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Graphics 6100), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-5257U targets Mobile, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.