Ryzen 5 5600 vs Z-01

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Ryzen family
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VS
AMD

Z-01

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 1 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Ryzen 5 5600 vs Z-01 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 5600 vs Z-01: 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 5600

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4148.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 2418.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 108.3 vs 4.3 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $50 MSRP).
  • 500% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Stealth), unlike Z-01.

Trade-offs

  • 298% HIGHER MSRP
    $199 MSRPvs$50 MSRP
  • 983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Z-01 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Z-01

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $149 less on MSRP ($50 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6250, while Ryzen 5 5600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (180 vs 8,600).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.3 vs 108.3 PassMark/$ ($50 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 5600.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600 better than Z-01?
Yes. Ryzen 5 5600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4148.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 4677.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 9923.3% 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 5 5600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4148.4% 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 5600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 4677.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 5 5600 is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600 comes in 298.0% more expensive on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $50 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4148.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 2418.4% better value on MSRP (108.3 vs 4.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 5 5600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen 5 5600 vs Z-01 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600

The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.

AMD

Z-01

The Z-01 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Desna (2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3 Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 215 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 5600 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Z-01 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 versus 1 GHz on the Z-01 — a 125.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600. The Ryzen 5 5600 uses the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture (7 nm), while the Z-01 uses Desna (2011) (40 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600 scores 21,550 against the Z-01's 215 — a 196% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,052 vs 100, a 181.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,600 vs 180 (191.8% advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600 vs 0 kB on the Z-01.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600Z-01
Cores / Threads
6 / 12+200%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz+340%
1 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB (total)
0 kB
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+51100%
1 MB
Process
7 nm-83%
40 nm
Architecture
Vermeer (2020−2025)
Desna (2011)
PassMark
21,550+9923%
215
Cinebench R23 Multi
11,077
Geekbench 6 Single
2,052+1952%
100
Geekbench 6 Multi
8,600+4678%
180
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 5600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Z-01 uses FT1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 versus DDR3-1066 on the Z-01 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 200.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 5600) vs 1 (Z-01). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) vs 4 (Z-01) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600) and Desna (Z-01).

FeatureRyzen 5 5600Z-01
Socket
AM4
FT1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+100%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+200%
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+3100%
4 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
24+500%
4
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AMD-V virtualization. The Z-01 includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6250), while the Ryzen 5 5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop, Z-01 targets Tablet/Netbook.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600Z-01
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6250
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop
Tablet/Netbook
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 5 5600 was priced at $199, while the Z-01 came in at $50. On launch pricing ($199 vs $50), Z-01 was $149 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600 delivers 108.3 pts/$ vs 4.3 pts/$ for the Z-01 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 184.7% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600Z-01
MSRP
$199
$50-75%
Performance per Dollar
108.3+2419%
4.3
Release Date
2022
2011

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