Ryzen 5 3600XT vs Core i5-12400
Ryzen 5 3600XT
Core i5-12400
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600XT
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($357) | ✅ More affordable ($195) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+85%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($357) | ✅ More affordable ($195) |
Performance Check
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 5 3600XT and Core i5-12400
Ryzen 5 3600XT
The Ryzen 5 3600XT 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 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 18,552 points. Launch price was $249.
Core i5-12400
The Core i5-12400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 18,794 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
Both the Ryzen 5 3600XT and Core i5-12400 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600XT versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400 — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600XT (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3600XT uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i5-12400 uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 3600XT scores 18,552 against the Core i5-12400's 18,794 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i5-12400. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 9,945 vs 12,400 (22% advantage for the Core i5-12400). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,759 vs 2,381, a 30% lead for the Core i5-12400 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,245 vs 10,632 (37.9% advantage for the Core i5-12400). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600XT vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+2% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+52% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB (total)+78% | 18 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Matisse (2019−2020) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 18,552 | 18,794+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 9,945 | 12,400+25% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,759 | 2,381+35% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,245 | 10,632+47% |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 3600XT uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-12400 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600XT versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400 — the Core i5-12400 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 3600XT) vs 20 (Core i5-12400) — the Ryzen 5 3600XT offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,A520,B550,X570 (Ryzen 5 3600XT) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+20% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 3600XT) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400). The Core i5-12400 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), while the Ryzen 5 3600XT requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600XT targets Gaming, Core i5-12400 targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600XT rivals Core i5-10600K; Core i5-12400 rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 730 |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Gaming | Gaming Performance/Value |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 3600XT launched at $249 MSRP, while the Core i5-12400 debuted at $209. At current prices ($357 vs $195), the Core i5-12400 is $162 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 3600XT delivers 52.0 pts/$ vs 96.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400 — making the Core i5-12400 the 59.9% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249 | $209-16% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $357 | $195-45% |
| Performance per Dollar | 52.0 | 96.4+85% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2022 |
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