Ryzen 5 5600X
VS
Core i3-4100E

Ryzen 5 5600X vs Core i3-4100E

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020
VS
Intel

Core i3-4100E

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2013

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600X

#24
Celeron G5925
MSRP: $62|Avg: $15
116%
#25
Ryzen 5 7500F
MSRP: $179|Avg: $145
114%
#26
Core Ultra 5 245
MSRP: $319|Avg: $220
113%
#27
Ryzen 7 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $86
112%
#28
Core Ultra 7 265KF
MSRP: $379|Avg: $323
112%
#29
Core Ultra 7 265F
MSRP: $369|Avg: $276
110%
#30
Core i5-12400F
MSRP: $174|Avg: $110
110%
#31
Ryzen 3 PRO 5355G
MSRP: $130|Avg: $80
108%
#32
Ryzen 7 2700X
MSRP: $329|Avg: $100
108%
#33
Core i3-10100F
MSRP: $88|Avg: $50
108%
#34
Ryzen 5 7400F
MSRP: $150|Avg: $147
107%
#35
Ryzen 5 9600X
MSRP: $279|Avg: $178
104%
#36
Ryzen 7 3800X
MSRP: $399|Avg: $140
102%
#37
Ryzen 3 5300G
MSRP: $130|Avg: $80
101%
#38
Ryzen 9 7900X
MSRP: $549|Avg: $316
100%
#39
Ryzen 5 5600X
MSRP: $299|Avg: $135
100%
#40
Core i5-14600KF
MSRP: $304|Avg: $239
100%
#41
Ryzen 7 5800
MSRP: $349|Avg: $160
99%
#42
Core i3-14100F
MSRP: $109|Avg: $96
99%
#43
Ryzen 7 3700X
MSRP: $329|Avg: $140
99%
#44
Ryzen 5 7600X
MSRP: $299|Avg: $178
98%
#45
Ryzen 3 3100
MSRP: $99|Avg: $75
98%
#46
Core i5-13490F
MSRP: $235|Avg: $170
97%
#47
Ryzen 5 5600F
MSRP: $99|Avg: $129
97%
#48
Ryzen 9 PRO 3900
MSRP: $499|Avg: $200
97%
#49
Ryzen 3 4300GE
MSRP: $94|Avg: $72
96%
#50
Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE
MSRP: $169|Avg: $50
96%
#51
Core Ultra 5 225
MSRP: $240|Avg: $200
96%
#52
Core i5-11500
MSRP: $192|Avg: $110
96%
#53
Core i3-12100F
MSRP: $97|Avg: $90
96%
#54
Core Ultra 7 265
MSRP: $384|Avg: $320
96%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4100E

#1114
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
3574%
#1115
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
3521%
#1116
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
3233%
#1117
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
3218%
#1118
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
3189%
#1120
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
3079%
#1121
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
2952%
#1122
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
2948%
#1123
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
2868%
#1126
Pentium Dual Core T4300
MSRP: $150|Avg: $99
100%
#1127
Core i3-4100E
MSRP: $225|Avg: $30
100%
#1128
Core i7-3520M
MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A
100%
#1129
Core i3-2310E
MSRP: $225|Avg: $20
100%
#1130
Core i5-2510E
MSRP: $230|Avg: $30
100%
#1131
Core m5-6Y54
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
99%
#1133
Core i3-2330E
MSRP: $225|Avg: $10
99%
#1134
Core i5-4288U
MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A
95%
#1135
Core m3-6Y30
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
95%
#1136
Core i3-2340UE
MSRP: $200|Avg: $200
94%
#1137
Core i7-2820QM
MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A
94%
#1138
Core i5-520M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
94%
#1140
Celeron 807
MSRP: $70|Avg: $10
93%
#1141
Pentium B950
MSRP: $134|Avg: $35
93%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Ryzen 5 5600X (2020) utilizes 7 nm, 12 nm technology and DDR4, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightRyzen 5 5600XCore i3-4100E
Gaming
Superior gaming performance
Lower gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($135)
More affordable ($30)
Longevity
✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i3-4100E (2013) relies on 22 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightRyzen 5 5600XCore i3-4100E
Cost Efficiency
Better overall value (+163%)
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($135)
More affordable ($30)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 5600X and Core i3-4100E

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

Intel

Core i3-4100E

The Core i3-4100E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB + 3 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,848 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i3-4100E offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4100E — a 62.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i3-4100E uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the Core i3-4100E's 1,848 — a 168.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4100E.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600XCore i3-4100E
Cores / Threads
6 / 12+200%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+92%
2.4 GHz
Base Clock
3.7 GHz+54%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
32 MB+967%
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
7 nm, 12 nm-68%
22 nm
Architecture
Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
21,845+1082%
1,848
Geekbench 6 Single
550
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i3-4100E uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-4100E — the Ryzen 5 5600X supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 5600X 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 5600X) vs 16 (Core i3-4100E) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X) and QM87,HM86,HM87 (Core i3-4100E).

FeatureRyzen 5 5600XCore i3-4100E
Socket
AM4
BGA1364
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+33%
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+700%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
24+50%
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-4100E). The Core i3-4100E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, Core i3-4100E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-4100E rivals Embedded R-Series.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600XCore i3-4100E
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Desktop
Embedded
💰

Value Analysis

The Ryzen 5 5600X launched at $299 MSRP, while the Core i3-4100E debuted at $225. At current prices ($135 vs $30), the Core i3-4100E is $105 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 161.8 pts/$ vs 61.6 pts/$ for the Core i3-4100E — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 89.7% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600XCore i3-4100E
MSRP
$299
$225-25%
Avg Price (30d)
$135
$30-78%
Performance per Dollar
161.8+163%
61.6
Release Date
2020
2013