CPU
GPU
Core Ultra 5 226V
Ryzen 5 3600XT
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. 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 Ultra 5 226V
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600XT
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 226V | Ryzen 5 3600XT |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($300) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($357) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 226V | Ryzen 5 3600XT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($300) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($357) |
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 Ultra 5 226V and Ryzen 5 3600XT
Core Ultra 5 226V
The Core Ultra 5 226V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,400 points. Launch price was $299.
Ryzen 5 3600XT
The Ryzen 5 3600XT 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 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 18,552 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 226V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600XT offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core Ultra 5 226V has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 226V versus 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600XT — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 226V uses the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600XT uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 226V scores 18,400 against the Ryzen 5 3600XT's 18,552 — a 0.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600XT. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 9,041 vs 9,945 (9.5% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600XT). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,962 vs 1,759, a 10.9% lead for the Core Ultra 5 226V that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,898 vs 7,245 (117% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600XT). L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 226V vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600XT.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 226V | Ryzen 5 3600XT |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+33% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.8 GHz+81% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+300% |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB (per core)+400% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Lunar Lake (2024) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 18,400 | 18,552 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 9,041 | 9,945+10% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,962+12% | 1,759 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,898 | 7,245+282% |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 226V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600XT uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 5 226V versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600XT — the Core Ultra 5 226V supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600XT supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Core Ultra 5 226V) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600XT) — the Ryzen 5 3600XT offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core Ultra 5 226V) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,A520,B550,X570 (Ryzen 5 3600XT).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 226V | Ryzen 5 3600XT |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2833 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5X-8533+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 128 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 24+200% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 3600XT has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 226V) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 3600XT). The Core Ultra 5 226V includes integrated graphics (Arc 130V), while the Ryzen 5 3600XT requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600XT targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600XT rivals Core i5-10600K.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 226V | Ryzen 5 3600XT |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Arc 130V | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 226V launched at $300 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600XT debuted at $249. At current prices ($300 vs $357), the Core Ultra 5 226V is $57 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 226V delivers 61.3 pts/$ vs 52.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600XT — making the Core Ultra 5 226V the 16.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 226V | Ryzen 5 3600XT |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $249-17% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300-16% | $357 |
| Performance per Dollar | 61.3+18% | 52.0 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2020 |
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