Core i7-2620M vs Ryzen 5 5600

CPU

GPU

Core i7-2620M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 5600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022

Ryzen family

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Core i7-2620M vs Ryzen 5 5600 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2620M

2 / 4

2,424

0.0%

21,550

+789.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

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 i7-2620M vs Ryzen 5 5600 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 i7-2620M vs Ryzen 5 5600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-2620M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD 3000, while Ryzen 5 5600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,222 vs 8,600).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.0 vs 108.3 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 5600.

Ryzen 5 5600

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +293.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Costs $147 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1445.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 108.3 vs 7.0 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2620M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600 better than Core i7-2620M?

Yes. Ryzen 5 5600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 293.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 603.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 789.0% higher 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 5600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 293.4% 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 5600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 603.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 5 5600 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600 comes in $147 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 293.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1445.7% better value on MSRP (108.3 vs 7.0 PassMark/$), 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 5600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2011), 700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 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 i7-2620M vs Ryzen 5 5600 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2620M

The Core i7-2620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,424 points. Launch price was $346.

Ryzen 5 5600

The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2620M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2620M versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 25.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-2620M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2620M scores 2,424 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 159.6% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 509 vs 2,052, a 120.5% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,222 vs 8,600 (150.2% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-2620M vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Ryzen 5 5600
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	4.4 GHz+29%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.5 GHz+30%
L3 Cache	4 MB	32 MB (total)+700%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512K (per core)
Process	32 nm	7 nm-78%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Vermeer (2020−2025)
PassMark	2,424	21,550+789%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	11,077
Geekbench 6 Single	509	2,052+303%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,222	8,600+604%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2620M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2620M versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 140.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600 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: 16 (Core i7-2620M) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QM67,HM67,QS67 (Core i7-2620M) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Ryzen 5 5600
Socket	PGA988	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR4-3200+140%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	24+50%

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2620M) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). The Core i7-2620M includes integrated graphics (HD 3000), while the Ryzen 5 5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2620M targets Budget, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2620M rivals Core i5-2410M.

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Ryzen 5 5600
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD 3000	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	AMD-V
Target Use	Budget	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2620M was priced at $346, while the Ryzen 5 5600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($346 vs $199), Ryzen 5 5600 was $147 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2620M delivers 7.0 pts/$ vs 108.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 175.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Ryzen 5 5600
MSRP	$346	$199-42%
Performance per Dollar	7.0	108.3+1447%
Release Date	2011	2022

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