Phenom II X3 720 vs Ryzen 5 5600
Phenom II X3 720
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 Phenom II X3 720 is positioned at rank #957 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 Phenom II X3 720
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom II X3 720 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($64) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($115) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Heka (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom II X3 720 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+650%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($64) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 Phenom II X3 720 and Ryzen 5 5600
Phenom II X3 720
The Phenom II X3 720 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,600 points. Launch price was $75.
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 Phenom II X3 720 packs 3 cores / 3 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600 has 3 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X3 720 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Phenom II X3 720 uses the Heka (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X3 720 scores 1,600 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 172.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 380 vs 2,052, a 137.5% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 980 vs 8,600 (159.1% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 720 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Phenom II X3 720 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 3 / 3 | 6 / 12+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz | 4.4 GHz+57% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.5 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+433% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 7 nm-84% |
| Architecture | Heka (2009−2010) | Vermeer (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 1,600 | 21,550+1247% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 11,077 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 380 | 2,052+440% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 980 | 8,600+778% |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom II X3 720 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X3 720 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Phenom II X3 720) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM3,AM2+ (Phenom II X3 720) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).
| Feature | Phenom II X3 720 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-3200+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 128 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: Phenom II X3 720 targets Legacy Desktop, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Phenom II X3 720 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Phenom II X3 720 launched at $130 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($64 vs $115), the Phenom II X3 720 is $51 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Phenom II X3 720 delivers 25.0 pts/$ vs 187.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 152.9% better value option.
| Feature | Phenom II X3 720 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $130-35% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $64-44% | $115 |
| Performance per Dollar | 25.0 | 187.4+650% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2022 |
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