Core i7-5930K vs Ryzen 5 5600X
Core i7-5930K
Popular choices:
Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-5930K is positioned at rank #849 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5930K
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-5930K | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($410) | ✅ More affordable ($135) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-E (2014) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-5930K | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+540%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($410) | ✅ More affordable ($135) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-5930K and Ryzen 5 5600X
Core i7-5930K
The Core i7-5930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,369 points. Launch price was $613.
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-5930K and Ryzen 5 5600X share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-5930K versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 21.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-5930K uses the Haswell-E (2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5930K scores 10,369 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 71.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5930K vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.6 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total) | 32 MB+113% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 22 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-68% |
| Architecture | Haswell-E (2014) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 10,369 | 21,845+111% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 6,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-5930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2133 memory speed. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-5930K) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-5930K) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Core i7-5930K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X99 (Core i7-5930K) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+67% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-5930K) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). Primary use case: Core i7-5930K targets High End Desktop, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5930K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | High End Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-5930K launched at $583 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600X debuted at $299. At current prices ($410 vs $135), the Ryzen 5 5600X is $275 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5930K delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 161.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 145.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $583 | $299-49% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $410 | $135-67% |
| Performance per Dollar | 25.3 | 161.8+540% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2020 |
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