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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +23.1% higher average FPS across 3 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Costs $1 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅Delivers 11.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 79.4 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen 5 4600GE.

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Ryzen 5 4600GE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Ryzen 5 4600GE

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon Vega 7, while Ryzen 5 3600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 3600 across 3 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (7,800 vs 9,500).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 79.4 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Ryzen 5 3600

2019

Ryzen 5 4600GE

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +23.1% higher average FPS across 3 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Costs $1 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅Delivers 11.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 79.4 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen 5 4600GE.

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon Vega 7, while Ryzen 5 3600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Ryzen 5 4600GE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 3600 across 3 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (7,800 vs 9,500).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 79.4 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Ryzen 5 4600GE?

Yes. Ryzen 5 3600 is the better overall CPU here. You are getting a 23.1% average FPS lead across 3 shared CPU game tests in our data, 21.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 11.3% higher PassMark, which makes it the stronger all-around choice.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 5 3600 is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 23.1% more average FPS across 3 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 5 3600 is the better fit. You are getting 21.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 8 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 5 3600 is the smarter buy today. Ryzen 5 3600 is $1 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $200 MSRP, and it gives you a 23.1% average FPS lead across 3 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 11.9% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 79.4 PassMark/$), so the better CPU is not just faster, it is also the cleaner value play on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 5 4600GE is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2019). That makes it the safer long-term pick.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Ryzen 5 3600 Benchmark Check

Ryzen 5 4600GE Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen 5 4600GE
1080p
low	200 FPS	177 FPS
medium	161 FPS	143 FPS
high	135 FPS	114 FPS
ultra	106 FPS	90 FPS
1440p
low	154 FPS	152 FPS
medium	119 FPS	121 FPS
high	96 FPS	94 FPS
ultra	75 FPS	74 FPS
4K
low	70 FPS	69 FPS
medium	58 FPS	59 FPS
high	46 FPS	46 FPS
ultra	36 FPS	37 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 3600 Open Ryzen 5 4600GE

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen 5 4600GE
1080p
low	442 FPS	298 FPS
medium	404 FPS	257 FPS
high	332 FPS	229 FPS
ultra	295 FPS	198 FPS
1440p
low	420 FPS	261 FPS
medium	359 FPS	229 FPS
high	303 FPS	208 FPS
ultra	263 FPS	179 FPS
4K
low	297 FPS	225 FPS
medium	259 FPS	202 FPS
high	230 FPS	182 FPS
ultra	201 FPS	156 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 3600 Open Ryzen 5 4600GE

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen 5 4600GE
1080p
low	442 FPS	397 FPS
medium	442 FPS	397 FPS
high	442 FPS	397 FPS
ultra	442 FPS	397 FPS
1440p
low	442 FPS	397 FPS
medium	442 FPS	397 FPS
high	442 FPS	397 FPS
ultra	432 FPS	362 FPS
4K
low	442 FPS	393 FPS
medium	361 FPS	332 FPS
high	305 FPS	286 FPS
ultra	242 FPS	227 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 3600 Open Ryzen 5 4600GE

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen 5 4600GE
1080p
low	442 FPS	397 FPS
medium	442 FPS	397 FPS
high	442 FPS	397 FPS
ultra	442 FPS	397 FPS
1440p
low	442 FPS	397 FPS
medium	442 FPS	397 FPS
high	442 FPS	397 FPS
ultra	442 FPS	397 FPS
4K
low	442 FPS	397 FPS
medium	442 FPS	397 FPS
high	413 FPS	378 FPS
ultra	357 FPS	316 FPS

Open Ryzen 5 3600 Open Ryzen 5 4600GE

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 5 4600GE

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.

Ryzen 5 4600GE

The Ryzen 5 4600GE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Renoir (2020−2023) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 15,889 points. Launch price was $299.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 5 4600GE share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 4600GE — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3600 uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen 5 4600GE uses Renoir (2020−2023) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 3600 scores 17,685 against the Ryzen 5 4600GE's 15,889 — a 10.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 9,500 vs 7,800 (19.7% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600 vs 8 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 4600GE.

Feature	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen 5 4600GE
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+9%	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	32 MB (total)+300%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)	512 kB (per core)
Process	7 nm, 12 nm	7 nm
Architecture	Matisse (2019−2020)	Renoir (2020−2023)
PassMark	17,685+11%	15,889
Cinebench R23 Multi	9,500+22%	7,800
Geekbench 6 Single	1,295	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,898	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the AM4 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to DDR4-3200 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. Both provide 24 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600) and AM4 (Ryzen 5 4600GE).

Feature	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen 5 4600GE
Socket	AM4	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	24

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Yes (Ryzen 5 3600) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 4600GE). The Ryzen 5 4600GE includes integrated graphics (Radeon Vega 7), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

Feature	Ryzen 5 3600	Ryzen 5 4600GE
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Radeon Vega 7
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	AMD-V
Target Use	Gaming/Budget Workstation	—

💰

Value Analysis

The Ryzen 5 3600 launched at $199 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 4600GE debuted at $200. On MSRP ($199 vs $200), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $1 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 3600 delivers 88.9 pts/$ vs 79.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 4600GE — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 11.2% better value option.