E2-3800 vs Ryzen 5 3600

AMD

E2-3800

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 1.3 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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E2-3800 vs Ryzen 5 3600 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.

E2-3800 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.

E2-3800 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.

E2-3800

2013

Why buy it

  • Costs $99 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8280, 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 Geekbench multi-core (389 vs 1,898).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.4 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +632.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 682.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 11.4 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
  • 500% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike E2-3800.

Trade-offs

  • 99% HIGHER MSRP
    $199 MSRPvs$100 MSRP
  • 333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while E2-3800 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than E2-3800?
Yes. Ryzen 5 3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 632.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 387.9% better Geekbench multi-core, 1456.8% 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 3600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 632.8% 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 387.9% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
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 99.0% more expensive on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 632.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 682.3% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 11.4 PassMark/$), 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) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

E2-3800 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

E2-3800

The E2-3800 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kabini (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.3 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,136 points. Launch price was $50.

AMD

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.

Processing Power

The E2-3800 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the E2-3800 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 105.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600. The E2-3800 uses the Kabini (2013−2014) architecture (28 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the E2-3800 scores 1,136 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 175.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 136 vs 1,295, a 162% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 389 vs 1,898 (132% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600).

FeatureE2-3800Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
1.3 GHz
4.2 GHz+223%
Base Clock
3.6 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2048 kB+300%
512K (per core)
Process
28 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-75%
Architecture
Kabini (2013−2014)
Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark
1,136
17,685+1457%
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,500
Geekbench 6 Single
136
1,295+852%
Geekbench 6 Multi
389
1,898+388%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The E2-3800 uses the FT3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the E2-3800 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. Memory channels: 1 (E2-3800) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 3600). PCIe lanes: 4 (E2-3800) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (E2-3800) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).

FeatureE2-3800Ryzen 5 3600
Socket
FT3
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR4-3200+100%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
128 GB+700%
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
4
24+500%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both support Yes virtualization. The E2-3800 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8280), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

FeatureE2-3800Ryzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8280
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
Yes
Yes
Target Use
Gaming/Budget Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the E2-3800 was priced at $100, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($100 vs $199), E2-3800 was $99 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the E2-3800 delivers 11.4 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 154.7% better value option.

FeatureE2-3800Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP
$100-50%
$199
Performance per Dollar
11.4
88.9+680%
Release Date
2013
2019

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