Microsoft SQ1 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.

Microsoft SQ1 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.

Microsoft SQ1 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.

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 3600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,039 vs 17,685).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.1 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +75.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+1500% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $101 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 341.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Microsoft SQ1?

Yes. Ryzen 5 3600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 75.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 192.8% 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 3600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 75.6% 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 3600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 192.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 1500% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 2 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 $101 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 75.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 341.5% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 20.1 PassMark/$), 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 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

Microsoft SQ1

The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.

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 Microsoft SQ1 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 98.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Microsoft SQ1	Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3 GHz	4.2 GHz+40%
Base Clock	—	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB	32 MB (total)+1500%
L2 Cache	—	512K (per core)
Process	7 nm	7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture	Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019)	Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark	6,039	17,685+193%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	9,500
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,898

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Microsoft SQ1) / Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

Feature	Microsoft SQ1	Ryzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	Yes
Target Use	—	Gaming/Budget Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Microsoft SQ1 was priced at $300, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($300 vs $199), Ryzen 5 3600 was $101 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Microsoft SQ1 delivers 20.1 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 126.1% better value option.

Feature	Microsoft SQ1	Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP	$300	$199-34%
Performance per Dollar	20.1	88.9+342%
Release Date	2019	2019

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