M4 (8 cores) vs Ryzen 5 5600

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.

M4 (8 cores) 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.

M4 (8 cores) 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.

M4 (8 cores)

2024

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 65W, a 61W reduction.
✅Newer platform on none with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (20,761 vs 21,550).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 5600.

Ryzen 5 5600

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +20.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Stealth), unlike M4 (8 cores).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $199 MSRP, while M4 (8 cores) mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1525% higher power demand at 65W vs 4W.
❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while M4 (8 cores) moves to none and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600 better than M4 (8 cores)?

Yes. Ryzen 5 5600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 20.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 3.8% 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 5600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 20.6% 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 3.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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 $199 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 20.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (108.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible none + DDR5 setup, M4 (8 cores) 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?

M4 (8 cores) makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022) and a healthier platform with none and DDR5 instead of AM4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

M4 (8 cores) vs Ryzen 5 5600 Technical Specifications

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

M4 (8 cores)

The M4 (8 cores) is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 28 October 2024 (1 year ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.89 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5x. Passmark benchmark score: 20,761 points. Launch price was $299.

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.

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Processing Power

The M4 (8 cores) packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the M4 (8 cores) has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the M4 (8 cores) versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 2.89 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600 is built on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. In PassMark, the M4 (8 cores) scores 20,761 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 3.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	M4 (8 cores)	Ryzen 5 5600
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4 GHz	4.4 GHz+10%
Base Clock	2.89 GHz	3.5 GHz+21%
L3 Cache	—	32 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	512K (per core)
Process	3 nm-57%	7 nm
Architecture	—	Vermeer (2020−2025)
PassMark	20,761	21,550+4%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	11,077
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,052
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	8,600

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Memory & Platform

The M4 (8 cores) uses the none socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.