Core i7-620M vs Ryzen 5 5600

Intel

Core i7-620M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 5600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Ryzen family
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Core i7-620M vs Ryzen 5 5600 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 i7-620M 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 i7-620M 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 i7-620M

2010

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, 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 (800 vs 8,600).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 32 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 5600.

Ryzen 5 5600

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +365.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB).
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Stealth), unlike Core i7-620M.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $199 MSRP, while Core i7-620M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-620M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600 better than Core i7-620M?
Yes. Ryzen 5 5600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 365.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 975% better Geekbench multi-core, 990.6% 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 365.4% 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 975% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $199 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 365.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (108.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 5 5600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2010), 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 i7-620M vs Ryzen 5 5600 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-620M

The Core i7-620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,976 points. Launch price was $332.

AMD

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.

Processing Power

The Core i7-620M 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 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-620M versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 27.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-620M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-620M scores 1,976 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 166.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 350 vs 2,052, a 141.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 800 vs 8,600 (166% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620M vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.

FeatureCore i7-620MRyzen 5 5600
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock
3.33 GHz
4.4 GHz+32%
Base Clock
2.66 GHz
3.5 GHz+32%
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
32 MB (total)+700%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
32 nm
7 nm-78%
Architecture
Arrandale (2010−2011)
Vermeer (2020−2025)
PassMark
1,976
21,550+991%
Cinebench R23 Multi
11,077
Geekbench 6 Single
350
2,052+486%
Geekbench 6 Multi
800
8,600+975%
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-620M 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 DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-620M versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 200.2% 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 8 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-620M) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,QM57,HM57,QS57 (Core i7-620M) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).

FeatureCore i7-620MRyzen 5 5600
Socket
PGA988
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
DDR4-3200+200%
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
128 GB+1500%
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 i7-620M) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). The Core i7-620M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Ryzen 5 5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620M targets Performance Laptop, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-620M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.

FeatureCore i7-620MRyzen 5 5600
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Performance Laptop
Desktop