Core i7-1160G7 vs Ryzen 5 3600

CPU

GPU

Core i7-1160G7

4 Cores8 Thrd15 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2020

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019

Ryzen family

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Core i7-1160G7 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-1160G7

4 / 8

8,720

0.0%

17,685

+102.8%

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 i7-1160G7 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 i7-1160G7 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 i7-1160G7

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, 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 (8,720 vs 17,685).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +43.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $227 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅Delivers 334.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅500% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1160G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Core i7-1160G7?

Yes. Ryzen 5 3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 43.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 102.8% 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 43.7% 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 102.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 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 $227 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you a 43.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 334.2% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), 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 i7-1160G7 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 i7-1160G7 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-1160G7

The Core i7-1160G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1598. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,720 points. Launch price was $426.

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 i7-1160G7 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 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-1160G7 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 4.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-1160G7 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-1160G7 uses the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-1160G7 scores 8,720 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 67.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,758 vs 1,295, a 30.3% lead for the Core i7-1160G7 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-1160G7 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i7-1160G7	Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+5%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+200%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	32 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	512K (per core)+40860%
Process	10 nm SuperFin	7 nm, 12 nm-30%
Architecture	Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021)	Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark	8,720	17,685+103%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	9,500
Geekbench 6 Single	1,758+36%	1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,898

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-1160G7 uses the FCBGA1598 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR4x-4267 on the Core i7-1160G7 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Core i7-1160G7 supports 33.3% 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: 4 (Core i7-1160G7) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Tiger Lake-UP3 (Core i7-1160G7) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).

Feature	Core i7-1160G7	Ryzen 5 3600
Socket	FCBGA1598	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR4x-4267+33%	DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	128 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	24+500%

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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. Only the Core i7-1160G7 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1160G7) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Core i7-1160G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1160G7 targets Premium Ultrabook/Tablet, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-1160G7 rivals Ryzen 7 4800U; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

Feature	Core i7-1160G7	Ryzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Iris Xe Graphics 96EU	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	Yes
Target Use	Premium Ultrabook/Tablet	Gaming/Budget Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-1160G7 was priced at $426, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($426 vs $199), Ryzen 5 3600 was $227 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-1160G7 delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 125.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-1160G7	Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP	$426	$199-53%
Performance per Dollar	20.5	88.9+334%
Release Date	2020	2019

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