M1 Pro 8-Core vs Ryzen 5 3600

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.

M1 Pro 8-Core 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.

M1 Pro 8-Core 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.

M1 Pro 8-Core

2021

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 65W, a 37W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core), 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 PassMark (17,218 vs 17,685).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 32 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike M1 Pro 8-Core.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $199 MSRP, while M1 Pro 8-Core mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌132.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while M1 Pro 8-Core moves to none and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while M1 Pro 8-Core can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than M1 Pro 8-Core?

Yes. Ryzen 5 3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 17.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 2.7% better PassMark, 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 17.8% 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 2.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB).

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 at an unclear MSRP at $199 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible none + DDR5 setup, M1 Pro 8-Core can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

M1 Pro 8-Core makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2019) and a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of AM4. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

M1 Pro 8-Core vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

M1 Pro 8-Core

The M1 Pro 8-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 16 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 17,218 points. Launch price was $299.

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.

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Processing Power

The M1 Pro 8-Core packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the M1 Pro 8-Core has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.22 GHz on the M1 Pro 8-Core versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 26.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 2.06 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3600 is built on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. In PassMark, the M1 Pro 8-Core scores 17,218 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 2.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 16 MB on the M1 Pro 8-Core vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	M1 Pro 8-Core	Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.22 GHz	4.2 GHz+30%
Base Clock	2.06 GHz	3.6 GHz+75%
L3 Cache	16 MB	32 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	28 MB	512K (per core)+1729%
Process	5 nm-29%	7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture	—	Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark	17,218	17,685+3%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	9,500
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,898

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Memory & Platform

The M1 Pro 8-Core uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5-6400 on the M1 Pro 8-Core versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the M1 Pro 8-Core 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 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (M1 Pro 8-Core) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 3600). PCIe lanes: 0 (M1 Pro 8-Core) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	M1 Pro 8-Core	Ryzen 5 3600
Socket	none	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5-6400+100%	DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	128 GB+300%
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	24

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Virtualization (M1 Pro 8-Core) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The M1 Pro 8-Core includes integrated graphics (Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core)), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: M1 Pro 8-Core targets Mobile, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

Feature	M1 Pro 8-Core	Ryzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core)	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Virtualization	Yes
Target Use	Mobile	Gaming/Budget Workstation