Microsoft SQ1 vs Ryzen 5 5600
Microsoft SQ1
Ryzen 5 5600
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. The Microsoft SQ1 is positioned at rank #877 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Microsoft SQ1
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($115) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+459%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($115) |
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 Microsoft SQ1 and Ryzen 5 5600
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 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.
Processing Power
The Microsoft SQ1 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 37.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 112.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+33% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 4.4 GHz+47% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB | 32 MB (total)+1500% |
| L2 Cache | — | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm | 7 nm |
| Architecture | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) | Vermeer (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 6,039 | 21,550+257% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 11,077 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,052 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 8,600 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Microsoft SQ1) / AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Microsoft SQ1 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($180 vs $115), the Ryzen 5 5600 is $65 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Microsoft SQ1 delivers 33.5 pts/$ vs 187.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 139.3% better value option.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $199-34% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180 | $115-36% |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.5 | 187.4+459% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2022 |
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