CPU
GPU
Ryzen 5 5600X
Microsoft SQ1
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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 Microsoft SQ1
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+382%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
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 Microsoft SQ1
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.
Microsoft SQ1
The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Microsoft SQ1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 — a 42.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X. The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Microsoft SQ1 uses Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the Microsoft SQ1's 6,039 — a 113.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 8+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+53% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB+1500% | 2 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | — |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm | 7 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) |
| PassMark | 21,845+262% | 6,039 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X) / not specified (Microsoft SQ1). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 5600X launched at $299 MSRP, while the Microsoft SQ1 debuted at $300. At current prices ($135 vs $180), the Ryzen 5 5600X is $45 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 161.8 pts/$ vs 33.5 pts/$ for the Microsoft SQ1 — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 131.3% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299 | $300 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $135-25% | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.8+383% | 33.5 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2019 |
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