CPU
GPU
Ryzen 5 1500X
Ryzen 5 3600
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 Ryzen 5 1500X is positioned at rank #436 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 Ryzen 5 1500X
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 1500X | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($67) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen (2017−2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 1500X | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+63%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($67) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
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 Ryzen 5 1500X and Ryzen 5 3600
Ryzen 5 1500X
The Ryzen 5 1500X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,074 points. Launch price was $189.
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.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 1500X packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Ryzen 5 1500X versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 12.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen 5 1500X uses the Zen (2017−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 1500X scores 9,074 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 64.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 4,641 vs 9,500 (68.7% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,120 vs 1,295, a 14.5% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,700 vs 1,898 (64.4% advantage for the Ryzen 5 1500X). L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 1500X vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 1500X | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.2 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Zen (2017−2020) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 9,074 | 17,685+95% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 4,641 | 9,500+105% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,120 | 1,295+16% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,700+95% | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the AM4 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Ryzen 5 3600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Ryzen 5 1500X) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370,B450,X470 (Ryzen 5 1500X) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 1500X | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 1500X) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 1500X targets Gaming, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 1500X rivals Core i5-7500; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 1500X | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Yes |
| Target Use | Gaming | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 1500X launched at $189 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($67 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 1500X is $13 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 1500X delivers 135.4 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 48% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 1500X | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $189-5% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $67-16% | $80 |
| Performance per Dollar | 135.4 | 221.1+63% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2019 |
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