Core Ultra 5 238V vs Ryzen 5 3600X
Core Ultra 5 238V
Ryzen 5 3600X
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 238V
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 3600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($454) | ✅ More affordable ($90) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 3600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+402%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($454) | ✅ More affordable ($90) |
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 238V and Ryzen 5 3600X
Core Ultra 5 238V
The Core Ultra 5 238V 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 4.7 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: 18,219 points. Launch price was $299.
Ryzen 5 3600X
The Ryzen 5 3600X 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 4.4 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 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 18,136 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core Ultra 5 238V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core Ultra 5 238V has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 238V versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600X — a 6.6% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 238V (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 238V uses the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 238V scores 18,219 against the Ryzen 5 3600X's 18,136 — a 0.5% lead for the Core Ultra 5 238V. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 238V vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 3600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+33% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+7% | 4.4 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 | 18,219 | 18,136 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 10,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,683 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,130 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 5 238V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600X uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5x-8533 on the Core Ultra 5 238V versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600X — the Core Ultra 5 238V supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Core Ultra 5 238V) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600X) — the Ryzen 5 3600X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core Ultra 5 238V) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series (Ryzen 5 3600X).
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 3600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2833 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5x-8533+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 24+200% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 238V) / not specified (Ryzen 5 3600X). The Core Ultra 5 238V includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics 130V), while the Ryzen 5 3600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 5 238V targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 5 238V rivals Ryzen 5 8640U.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 3600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Arc Graphics 130V | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Productivity | — |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 5 238V launched at $454 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600X debuted at $249. At current prices ($454 vs $90), the Ryzen 5 3600X is $364 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 5 238V delivers 40.1 pts/$ vs 201.5 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600X — making the Ryzen 5 3600X the 133.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 5 238V | Ryzen 5 3600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $454 | $249-45% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $454 | $90-80% |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.1 | 201.5+402% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2019 |
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