Core i5-6198DU vs Ryzen 5 3600

Intel

Core i5-6198DU

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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Core i5-6198DU 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 i5-6198DU 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 i5-6198DU 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 i5-6198DU

2015

Why buy it

  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 510, 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.
  • Lower PassMark (3,109 vs 17,685).
  • 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: +212.1% 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 i5-6198DU.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $199 MSRP, while Core i5-6198DU mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6198DU can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Core i5-6198DU?
Yes. Ryzen 5 3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 212.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 468.8% 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, Ryzen 5 3600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 212.1% 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, Ryzen 5 3600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 468.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB).
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 $199 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 212.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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), 966.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-6198DU vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-6198DU

The Core i5-6198DU is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 December 2015 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,109 points. Launch price was $69.

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 i5-6198DU 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 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-6198DU versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 40% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-6198DU uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6198DU scores 3,109 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 140.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 946 vs 1,295, a 31.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-6198DU vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureCore i5-6198DURyzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
4.2 GHz+50%
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
3.6 GHz+57%
L3 Cache
3 MB
32 MB (total)+967%
L2 Cache
512 kB
512K (per core)
Process
14 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark
3,109
17,685+469%
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,500
Geekbench 6 Single
946
1,295+37%
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,898
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6198DU uses the BGA 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 DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6198DU versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 50% 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 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-6198DU) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Integrated (Core i5-6198DU) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).

FeatureCore i5-6198DURyzen 5 3600
Socket
BGA
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
DDR4-3200+50%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
12
24+100%
🔧

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 i5-6198DU) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Core i5-6198DU includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 510), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6198DU targets Entry Level Laptop, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-6198DU rivals A9-9410; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

FeatureCore i5-6198DURyzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 510
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Yes
Target Use
Entry Level Laptop
Gaming/Budget Workstation