Ryzen 5 3600 vs Ryzen 7 8700G

AMD

Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 8700G

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2024
Ryzen family
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Ryzen 5 3600 vs Ryzen 7 8700G 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 3600 vs Ryzen 7 8700G 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 3600 vs Ryzen 7 8700G: 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 3600

2019

Why buy it

  • +100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB).
  • Costs $130 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • 20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 8700G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (9,500 vs 18,000).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 88.9 vs 96.2 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Ryzen 7 8700G moves to AM5 and DDR5.
  • No integrated graphics, while Ryzen 7 8700G can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Ryzen 7 8700G

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +26.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 8.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 96.2 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on AM5 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon 780M, while Ryzen 5 3600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 32 MB).
  • 65.3% HIGHER MSRP
    $329 MSRPvs$199 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 8700G better than Ryzen 5 3600?
Yes. Ryzen 7 8700G is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 26.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 89.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 79.0% 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 7 8700G is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 26.9% 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 7 8700G is the stronger fit. You are getting 89.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 8700G is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 8700G comes in 65.3% more expensive on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $199 MSRP, and it still gives you a 26.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 8.2% better value on MSRP (96.2 vs 88.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible AM4 + DDR4 setup, Ryzen 5 3600 can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 8700G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2019), a healthier platform with AM5 and DDR5 instead of AM4, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Ryzen 5 3600 vs Ryzen 7 8700G Technical Specifications

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

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 (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.

AMD

Ryzen 7 8700G

The Ryzen 7 8700G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Phoenix (2023−2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 31,649 points. Launch price was $329.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 3600 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 7 8700G offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 8700G has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 8700G — a 19.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 8700G (base: 3.6 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3600 uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen 7 8700G uses Phoenix (2023−2024) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 3600 scores 17,685 against the Ryzen 7 8700G's 31,649 — a 56.6% lead for the Ryzen 7 8700G. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 9,500 vs 18,000 (61.8% advantage for the Ryzen 7 8700G). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,295 vs 2,720, a 71% lead for the Ryzen 7 8700G that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,898 vs 14,326 (153.2% advantage for the Ryzen 7 8700G). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600 vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 8700G.

FeatureRyzen 5 3600Ryzen 7 8700G
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz
5.1 GHz+21%
Base Clock
3.6 GHz
4.2 GHz+17%
L3 Cache
32 MB (total)+100%
16 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+51100%
1 MB (per core)
Process
7 nm, 12 nm
4 nm-43%
Architecture
Matisse (2019−2020)
Phoenix (2023−2024)
PassMark
17,685
31,649+79%
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,500
18,000+89%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,295
2,720+110%
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,898
14,326+655%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 3600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 7 8700G uses AM5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 7 8700G — the Ryzen 7 8700G supports 62.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 8700G supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) vs 20 (Ryzen 7 8700G) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600) and X670,B650,A620 (Ryzen 7 8700G).

FeatureRyzen 5 3600Ryzen 7 8700G
Socket
AM4
AM5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
DDR5-5200+63%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
256 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
24+20%
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen 7 8700G supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Ryzen 5 3600) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 8700G). The Ryzen 7 8700G includes integrated graphics (Radeon 780M), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation, Ryzen 7 8700G targets High-end Desktop APU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400; Ryzen 7 8700G rivals Core i7-13700.

FeatureRyzen 5 3600Ryzen 7 8700G
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon 780M
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
Yes
AMD-V
Target Use
Gaming/Budget Workstation
High-end Desktop APU
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 5 3600 was priced at $199, while the Ryzen 7 8700G came in at $329. On launch pricing ($199 vs $329), Ryzen 5 3600 was $130 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 3600 delivers 88.9 pts/$ vs 96.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 8700G — making the Ryzen 7 8700G the 7.9% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 5 3600Ryzen 7 8700G
MSRP
$199-40%
$329
Performance per Dollar
88.9
96.2+8%
Release Date
2019
2024

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