Ryzen 5 5600X vs Pentium 4 2.40
Ryzen 5 5600X
Pentium 4 2.40
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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 Pentium 4 2.40
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($193) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (NetBurst (2000−2006) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+9509%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($135) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($193) |
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 Pentium 4 2.40
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.
Pentium 4 2.40
The Pentium 4 2.40 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 110 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 325 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Pentium 4 2.40 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 5 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 2.4 GHz on the Pentium 4 2.40 — a 62.9% 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 Pentium 4 2.40 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the Pentium 4 2.40's 325 — a 194.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 0 kB on the Pentium 4 2.40.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+500% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+92% | 2.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB+100% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-92% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | NetBurst (2000−2006) |
| PassMark | 21,845+6622% | 325 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Pentium 4 2.40 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 400 on the Pentium 4 2.40 — the Pentium 4 2.40 supports 196% 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 4 — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 1 (Pentium 4 2.40). Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X) and Socket 478 (Pentium 4 2.40).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+264% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | 400+9900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+3355443100% | 4 |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs false (Pentium 4 2.40). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | false |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 5600X launched at $299 MSRP, while the Pentium 4 2.40 debuted at $193. At current prices ($135 vs $193), the Ryzen 5 5600X is $58 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 161.8 pts/$ vs 1.7 pts/$ for the Pentium 4 2.40 — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 195.9% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | Pentium 4 2.40 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $299 | $193-35% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $135-30% | $193 |
| Performance per Dollar | 161.8+9418% | 1.7 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2004 |
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