Ryzen 5 5600X vs Core i7-2600S
Ryzen 5 5600X
Core i7-2600S
Popular choices:
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 5600X
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) | ✅ More affordable ($99) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+245%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) | ✅ More affordable ($99) |
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 5600X and Core i7-2600S
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 i7-2600S
The Core i7-2600S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,637 points. Launch price was $210.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-2600S offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S — a 19% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Core i7-2600S uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the Core i7-2600S's 4,637 — a 130% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+21% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+32% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB+300% | 8192 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-78% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 21,845+371% | 4,637 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 630 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-2600S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600S — 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 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 16 (Core i7-2600S) — 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 H61,H67,Z68,B75 (Core i7-2600S).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+100% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200+33% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+300% | 32 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 i7-2600S). The Core i7-2600S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Low Power Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 5600X launched at $299 MSRP, while the Core i7-2600S debuted at $297. At current prices ($135 vs $99), the Core i7-2600S is $36 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 161.8 pts/$ vs 46.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600S — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 110.2% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299 | $297 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $135 | $99-27% |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.8+246% | 46.8 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Ryzen 5 5600X and Core i7-2600S
