Ryzen 5 5600X vs Core i3-7100U

Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020

Core i3-7100U

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2016

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Ryzen 5 5600X

6 / 12

21,845

+702.8%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Core i3-7100U

2 / 4

2,721

0.0%

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 i3-7100U

#740

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1078%

#741

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1062%

#742

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

975%

#743

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

971%

#744

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

962%

#746

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

929%

#747

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

891%

#748

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

889%

#749

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

865%

#752

Core i3-7100U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#757

Core i7-11370H

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

100%

#761

Core i3-N300

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

99%

#767

Core i7-1250U

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

98%

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.

Insight	Ryzen 5 5600X	Core i3-7100U
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	✅ Better multi-core power	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price	⚠️ Higher cost ($135)	✅ More affordable ($0)
Longevity	✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i3-7100U (2016) relies on 14 nm technology and DDR4, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Ryzen 5 5600X	Core i3-7100U
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Higher cost ($135)	✅ More affordable ($0)

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.

Ryzen 5 5600X Benchmark Check

Core i3-7100U Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Ryzen 5 5600X and Core i3-7100U

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.

Core i3-7100U

The Core i3-7100U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) 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. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,721 points. Launch price was $281.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i3-7100U 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 i3-7100U — 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 i3-7100U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the Core i3-7100U's 2,721 — a 155.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7100U.

Feature	Ryzen 5 5600X	Core i3-7100U
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
L2 Cache	512K (per core)	512 kB
Process	7 nm, 12 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	21,845+703%	2,721
Geekbench 6 Single	—	841

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i3-7100U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 12 (Core i3-7100U) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Ryzen 5 5600X	Core i3-7100U
Socket	AM4	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	✅	❌
PCIe Lanes	24+100%	12

🔧

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 i3-7100U). The Core i3-7100U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 620), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, Core i3-7100U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7100U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.