Ryzen 5 3600XT vs Core Ultra 5 226V
Ryzen 5 3600XT
Core Ultra 5 226V
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 Ultra 5 226V
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($357) | ✅ More affordable ($300) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($357) | ✅ More affordable ($300) |
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 Ultra 5 226V
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 Ultra 5 226V
The Core Ultra 5 226V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,400 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 3600XT packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 226V offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core Ultra 5 226V has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600XT versus 4.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 226V — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Ryzen 5 3600XT uses the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 226V uses Lunar Lake (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 3600XT scores 18,552 against the Core Ultra 5 226V's 18,400 — a 0.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600XT. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 9,945 vs 9,041 (9.5% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600XT). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,759 vs 1,962, a 10.9% lead for the Core Ultra 5 226V that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,245 vs 1,898 (117% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600XT). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600XT vs 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 226V.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 8+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+81% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB (total)+300% | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 3 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Matisse (2019−2020) | Lunar Lake (2024) |
| PassMark | 18,552 | 18,400 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 9,945+10% | 9,041 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,759 | 1,962+12% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,245+282% | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 3600XT uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core Ultra 5 226V uses FCBGA2833 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600XT versus LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 5 226V — the Core Ultra 5 226V supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600XT supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 3600XT) vs 8 (Core Ultra 5 226V) — the Ryzen 5 3600XT offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,A520,B550,X570 (Ryzen 5 3600XT) and SoC (Core Ultra 5 226V).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | FCBGA2833 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | LPDDR5X-8533+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+700% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+200% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 3600XT has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 3600XT) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 226V). The Core Ultra 5 226V includes integrated graphics (Arc 130V), while the Ryzen 5 3600XT requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600XT targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600XT rivals Core i5-10600K.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Arc 130V |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 3600XT launched at $249 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 226V debuted at $300. At current prices ($357 vs $300), the Core Ultra 5 226V is $57 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 3600XT delivers 52.0 pts/$ vs 61.3 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 226V — making the Core Ultra 5 226V the 16.5% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 3600XT | Core Ultra 5 226V |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249-17% | $300 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $357 | $300-16% |
| Performance per Dollar | 52.0 | 61.3+18% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2024 |
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