Microsoft SQ1 vs Ryzen 5 5600X

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 5600X 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 5600X: 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 5600X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,039 vs 21,845).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.1 vs 73.1 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

Ryzen 5 5600X

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +78.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+1500% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $1 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 262.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 73.1 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($299 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 5600X better than Microsoft SQ1?

Yes. Ryzen 5 5600X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 78.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 261.7% better 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 5600X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 78.1% 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 5600X is the stronger fit. You are getting 261.7% 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 5600X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600X comes in $1 cheaper on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 78.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 262.9% better value on MSRP (73.1 vs 20.1 PassMark/$), 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 5600X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2019), 1500% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 8/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Ryzen 5 5600X 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 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Microsoft SQ1 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 42.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 113.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Microsoft SQ1	Ryzen 5 5600X
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3 GHz	4.6 GHz+53%
Base Clock	—	3.7 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB	32 MB+1500%
L2 Cache	—	512K (per core)
Process	7 nm	7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture	Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019)	Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark	6,039	21,845+262%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Microsoft SQ1) / AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop.

Feature	Microsoft SQ1	Ryzen 5 5600X
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	AMD-V
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Microsoft SQ1 was priced at $300, while the Ryzen 5 5600X came in at $299. On launch pricing ($300 vs $299), Ryzen 5 5600X was $1 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Microsoft SQ1 delivers 20.1 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 113.6% better value option.

Feature	Microsoft SQ1	Ryzen 5 5600X
MSRP	$300	$299
Performance per Dollar	20.1	73.1+264%
Release Date	2019	2020

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