Ryzen 5 3600 vs Xeon W-2145

CPU

GPU

Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019

Ryzen family

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Xeon W-2145

8 Cores16 Thrd140 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2017

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 3600 vs Xeon W-2145 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen 5 3600

6 / 12

17,685

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Xeon W-2145

8 / 16

18,024

+1.9%

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 Xeon W-2145 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 Xeon W-2145: 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

✅+190.9% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 11 MB).
✅Costs $914 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $1,113 MSRP).
✅Delivers 448.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 16.2 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $1,113 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 140W, a 75W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon W-2145.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W-2145 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (17,685 vs 18,024).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-2145, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.

Xeon W-2145

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (11 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.2 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($1,113 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
❌115.4% higher power demand at 140W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-2145 better than Ryzen 5 3600?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2145 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 5 3600 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W-2145 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.2% 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, Xeon W-2145 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Xeon W-2145 is still the faster CPU overall, but Ryzen 5 3600 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon W-2145 comes in 459.3% more expensive on MSRP at $1,113 MSRP versus $199 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Ryzen 5 3600 is also 448.8% better value on MSRP (88.9 vs 16.2 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Ryzen 5 3600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017) and 190.9% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 11 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Ryzen 5 3600 vs Xeon W-2145 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon W-2145

The Xeon W-2145 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 11 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 18,024 points. Launch price was $1,113.

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Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 3600 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon W-2145 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon W-2145 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-2145 — a 6.9% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2145 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3600 uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon W-2145 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 3600 scores 17,685 against the Xeon W-2145's 18,024 — a 1.9% lead for the Xeon W-2145. L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600 vs 11 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2145.

Feature	Ryzen 5 3600	Xeon W-2145
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz	4.5 GHz+7%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	3.7 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	32 MB (total)+191%	11 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+51100%	1 MB (per core)
Process	7 nm, 12 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Matisse (2019−2020)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	17,685	18,024+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	9,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,295	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,898	—

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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 3600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon W-2145 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 versus DDR4-2666 on the Xeon W-2145 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-2145 supports up to 512 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 3600) vs 4 (Xeon W-2145). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) vs 48 (Xeon W-2145) — the Xeon W-2145 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600) and Intel X299,Intel C422 (Xeon W-2145).

Feature	Ryzen 5 3600	Xeon W-2145
Socket	AM4	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+20%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	512 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	48+100%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Ryzen 5 3600) / not specified (Xeon W-2145). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

Feature	Ryzen 5 3600	Xeon W-2145
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	—
Target Use	Gaming/Budget Workstation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 5 3600 was priced at $199, while the Xeon W-2145 came in at $1113. On launch pricing ($199 vs $1113), Ryzen 5 3600 was $914 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 3600 delivers 88.9 pts/$ vs 16.2 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2145 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 138.3% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen 5 3600	Xeon W-2145
MSRP	$199-82%	$1113
Performance per Dollar	88.9+449%	16.2
Release Date	2019	2017

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