Ryzen 5 5600X vs M1 Pro 8-Core
Ryzen 5 5600X
M1 Pro 8-Core
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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 M1 Pro 8-Core
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | M1 Pro 8-Core |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | M1 Pro 8-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 M1 Pro 8-Core
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.
M1 Pro 8-Core
The M1 Pro 8-Core is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 18 October 2021 (4 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.22 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 28 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 MB + 16 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 17,218 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the M1 Pro 8-Core offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the M1 Pro 8-Core has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 3.22 GHz on the M1 Pro 8-Core — a 35.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.06 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X is built on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the M1 Pro 8-Core's 17,218 — a 23.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 16 MB on the M1 Pro 8-Core.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | M1 Pro 8-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 8+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+43% | 3.22 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+80% | 2.06 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB+100% | 16 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 28 MB+5500% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 5 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | — |
| PassMark | 21,845+27% | 17,218 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the M1 Pro 8-Core uses none (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus LPDDR5-6400 on the M1 Pro 8-Core — the M1 Pro 8-Core supports 22.2% 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. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 4 (M1 Pro 8-Core). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 0 (M1 Pro 8-Core) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | M1 Pro 8-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | LPDDR5-6400+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+300% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | 0 |
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 Virtualization (M1 Pro 8-Core). The M1 Pro 8-Core includes integrated graphics (Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core)), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, M1 Pro 8-Core targets Mobile.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | M1 Pro 8-Core |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Apple M1 Pro GPU (14-core) |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Virtualization |
| Target Use | Desktop | Mobile |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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