Ryzen 5 220 vs Ryzen 5 3600

AMD

Ryzen 5 220

6 Cores12 Thrd28 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2025
VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019

Ryzen 5 220 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Performance Spectrum

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.

Ryzen 5 220 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.

Ryzen 5 220 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.

Ryzen 5 220

2025

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Costs $49 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 40.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 125.1 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 28W instead of 65W, a 37W reduction.
  • βœ…Newer platform on FP8 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 32 MB).
  • ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

  • βœ…+100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB).
  • βœ…71.4% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 14) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen 5 220.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 220 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,898 vs 7,700).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 88.9 vs 125.1 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • ❌132.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 28W.
  • ❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Ryzen 5 220 moves to FP8 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 220 better than Ryzen 5 3600?
Yes. Ryzen 5 220 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 305.7% better Geekbench multi-core, 6.1% higher 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 5 220 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.5% 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 5 220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 305.7% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 5 220 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 220 comes in $49 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $199 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 40.7% better value on MSRP (125.1 vs 88.9 PassMark/$), 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 5 220 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2019), a healthier platform with FP8 and DDR5 instead of AM4, and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Ryzen 5 220 vs Ryzen 5 3600 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen 5 220

The Ryzen 5 220 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Hawk Point (2024βˆ’2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,762 points. Launch price was $299.

AMD

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 (2019βˆ’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

Both the Ryzen 5 220 and Ryzen 5 3600 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Ryzen 5 220 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 β€” a 15.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 220 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen 5 220 uses the Hawk Point (2024βˆ’2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019βˆ’2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 220 scores 18,762 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 β€” a 5.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 220. Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 1,300 vs 1,295, a 0.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 220 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,700 vs 1,898 (120.9% advantage for the Ryzen 5 220). L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 220 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureRyzen 5 220Ryzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+17%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.6 GHz+12%
L3 Cache
16 MB (total)
32 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
512K (per core)+51100%
Process
4 nm-43%
7 nm, 12 nm
Architecture
Hawk Point (2024βˆ’2025)
Matisse (2019βˆ’2020)
PassMark
18,762+6%
17,685
Cinebench R23 Multi
β€”
9,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,300
1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi
7,700+306%
1,898
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 220 uses the FP8 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen 5 220 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 β€” the Ryzen 5 220 supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB β€” 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 14 (Ryzen 5 220) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) β€” the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 10 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Ryzen 5 220) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).

FeatureRyzen 5 220Ryzen 5 3600
Socket
FP8
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5600+75%
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
128 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
14
24+71%
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking β€” a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Ryzen 5 220 supports AVX-512 instructions β€” important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 220) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Ryzen 5 220 includes integrated graphics (Radeon 740M), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 220 targets Thin and Light Laptop, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

FeatureRyzen 5 220Ryzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon 740M
β€”
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Yes
Target Use
Thin and Light Laptop
Gaming/Budget Workstation
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 5 220 was priced at $150, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($150 vs $199), Ryzen 5 220 was $49 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 220 delivers 125.1 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 β€” making the Ryzen 5 220 the 33.8% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 5 220Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP
$150-25%
$199
Performance per Dollar
125.1+41%
88.9
Release Date
2025
2019

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