Core i7-1060NG7 vs Ryzen 5 3600

Intel

Core i7-1060NG7

4 Cores8 Thrd2 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2020
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 i7-1060NG7 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 i7-1060NG7 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 i7-1060NG7 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 i7-1060NG7

2020

Why buy it

  • Draws 2W instead of 65W, a 63W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 3600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (6,540 vs 17,685).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 32 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +82.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-1060NG7.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $199 MSRP, while Core i7-1060NG7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 3150% higher power demand at 65W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Core i7-1060NG7?
Yes. Ryzen 5 3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 82.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 170.4% better PassMark, 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 82.4% 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 170.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 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 $199 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 82.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-1060NG7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2019). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-1060NG7 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-1060NG7

The Core i7-1060NG7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 March 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake Y (2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR4-3733. Passmark benchmark score: 6,540 points. Launch price was $149.

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 i7-1060NG7 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-1060NG7 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 10% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-1060NG7 uses the Ice Lake Y (2020) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-1060NG7 scores 6,540 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 92% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-1060NG7 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureCore i7-1060NG7Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
4.2 GHz+11%
Base Clock
1.2 GHz
3.6 GHz+200%
L3 Cache
8 MB
32 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache
2 MB
512K (per core)+25500%
Process
10 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-30%
Architecture
Ice Lake Y (2020)
Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark
6,540
17,685+170%
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,898
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-1060NG7) / Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

FeatureCore i7-1060NG7Ryzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
Yes
Target Use
Gaming/Budget Workstation