Ryzen 5 3600 vs Xeon X5670

AMD

Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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VS
Intel

Xeon X5670

6 Cores12 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Ryzen 5 3600 vs Xeon X5670 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 Xeon X5670 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 X5670: 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

  • Better for gaming: +78.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon X5670.

Trade-offs

  • 197% HIGHER MSRP
    $199 MSRPvs$67 MSRP

Xeon X5670

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $132 less on MSRP ($67 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 3600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (6,160 vs 17,685).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 32 MB).
  • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Xeon X5670?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5670 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, Ryzen 5 3600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 78.1% 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 3600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 187.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 5 3600 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon X5670 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Ryzen 5 3600 comes in 197.0% more expensive on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $67 MSRP, and it still gives you a 78.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon X5670 is also 3.5% better value on MSRP (91.9 vs 88.9 PassMark/$), 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 2010), 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen 5 3600 vs Xeon X5670 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.

Intel

Xeon X5670

The Xeon X5670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,160 points. Launch price was $67.

Processing Power

Both the Ryzen 5 3600 and Xeon X5670 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 versus 3.33 GHz on the Xeon X5670 — a 23.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3600 uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon X5670 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 3600 scores 17,685 against the Xeon X5670's 6,160 — a 96.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5670.

FeatureRyzen 5 3600Xeon X5670
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+26%
3.33 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+23%
2.93 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB (total)+167%
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
7 nm, 12 nm-78%
32 nm
Architecture
Matisse (2019−2020)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
17,685+187%
6,160
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,898
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 3600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon X5670 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5670 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 140.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 3600) vs 3 (Xeon X5670). Chipset compatibility: AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5670).

FeatureRyzen 5 3600Xeon X5670
Socket
AM4
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+100%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+140%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
3+50%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
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 VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5670). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation, Xeon X5670 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400; Xeon X5670 rivals Core i7-980X.

FeatureRyzen 5 3600Xeon X5670
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
Yes
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Gaming/Budget Workstation
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 5 3600 was priced at $199, while the Xeon X5670 came in at $67. On launch pricing ($199 vs $67), Xeon X5670 was $132 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 3600 delivers 88.9 pts/$ vs 91.9 pts/$ for the Xeon X5670 — making the Xeon X5670 the 3.4% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 5 3600Xeon X5670
MSRP
$199
$67-66%
Performance per Dollar
88.9
91.9+3%
Release Date
2019
2010

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