Core i7-4500U vs Ryzen 5 3600

CPU

GPU

Core i7-4500U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3 GHz2013

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019

Ryzen family

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Core i7-4500U vs Ryzen 5 3600 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-4500U

2 / 4

2,490

0.0%

17,685

+610.2%

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 i7-4500U 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 i7-4500U 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 i7-4500U

2013

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4400, 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 (2,490 vs 17,685).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.3 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($398 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +260.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Costs $199 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $398 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1320.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 6.3 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $398 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4500U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Core i7-4500U?

Yes. Ryzen 5 3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 260.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 610.2% 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 260.5% 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 610.2% better PassMark, 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 3600 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 3600 comes in $199 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $398 MSRP, and it still gives you a 260.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1320.5% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 6.3 PassMark/$), 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 2013), 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 i7-4500U vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4500U

The Core i7-4500U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,490 points. Launch price was $69.

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 i7-4500U 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 GHz on the Core i7-4500U versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-4500U uses the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4500U scores 2,490 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 150.6% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4500U vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i7-4500U	Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	3 GHz	4.2 GHz+40%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	3.6 GHz+100%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	32 MB (total)+700%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512K (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm	7 nm, 12 nm-68%
Architecture	Haswell-ULT (2013)	Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark	2,490	17,685+610%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	9,500
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,898

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4500U 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 1600 on the Core i7-4500U versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 100% 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 i7-4500U) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Haswell-U (Core i7-4500U) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).

Feature	Core i7-4500U	Ryzen 5 3600
Socket	FCBGA1168	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	1600	DDR4-3200+100%
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

Virtualization support: true (Core i7-4500U) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Core i7-4500U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4500U targets Mobile, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

Feature	Core i7-4500U	Ryzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4400	—
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	Yes
Target Use	Mobile	Gaming/Budget Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4500U was priced at $398, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($398 vs $199), Ryzen 5 3600 was $199 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4500U delivers 6.3 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 173.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4500U	Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP	$398	$199-50%
Performance per Dollar	6.3	88.9+1311%
Release Date	2013	2019

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