Ryzen 5 5600X vs Ryzen 7 8700G

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020
VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 8700G

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2024

Ryzen 5 5600X vs Ryzen 7 8700G Performance Spectrum

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.

Ryzen 5 5600X vs Ryzen 7 8700G FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Ryzen 5 5600X vs Ryzen 7 8700G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Ryzen 5 5600X

2020

Why buy it

  • βœ…+100% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB).
  • βœ…Costs $30 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • βœ…20% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 8700G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark (21,845 vs 31,649).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 73.1 vs 96.2 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
  • ❌Older platform position on AM4 with DDR4, while Ryzen 7 8700G moves to AM5 and DDR5.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Ryzen 7 8700G can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Ryzen 7 8700G

2024

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +25.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Delivers 31.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 96.2 vs 73.1 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
  • βœ…Newer platform on AM5 with DDR5 support instead of AM4 and DDR4.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon 780M, while Ryzen 5 5600X needs a discrete GPU.
  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (Wraith Spire), unlike Ryzen 5 5600X.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 32 MB).
  • ❌
    10% HIGHER MSRP
    $329 MSRPvs$299 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 8700G better than Ryzen 5 5600X?
Yes. Ryzen 7 8700G is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 25.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 44.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 8700G is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 25.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 7 8700G is the stronger fit. You are getting 44.9% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 8700G is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 8700G comes in 10.0% more expensive on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $299 MSRP, and it still gives you a 25.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 31.7% better value on MSRP (96.2 vs 73.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible AM4 + DDR4 setup, Ryzen 5 5600X can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 8700G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2020), a healthier platform with AM5 and DDR5 instead of AM4, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Ryzen 5 5600X vs Ryzen 7 8700G Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

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) (2020βˆ’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.

AMD

Ryzen 7 8700G

The Ryzen 7 8700G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Phoenix (2023βˆ’2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 31,649 points. Launch price was $329.

⚑

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 7 8700G offers 8 cores / 16 threads β€” the Ryzen 7 8700G has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 8700G β€” a 10.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 8700G (base: 3.7 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020βˆ’2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Ryzen 7 8700G uses Phoenix (2023βˆ’2024) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the Ryzen 7 8700G's 31,649 β€” a 36.7% lead for the Ryzen 7 8700G. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 8700G.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600XRyzen 7 8700G
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
5.1 GHz+11%
Base Clock
3.7 GHz
4.2 GHz+14%
L3 Cache
32 MB+100%
16 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+51100%
1 MB (per core)
Process
7 nm, 12 nm
4 nm-43%
Architecture
Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020βˆ’2022)
Phoenix (2023βˆ’2024)
PassMark
21,845
31,649+45%
Cinebench R23 Multi
β€”
18,000
Geekbench 6 Single
β€”
2,720
Geekbench 6 Multi
β€”
14,326
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Ryzen 7 8700G uses AM5 (PCIe 4.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 7 8700G β€” the Ryzen 7 8700G supports 62.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 8700G supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB β€” 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 20 (Ryzen 7 8700G) β€” the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X) and X670,B650,A620 (Ryzen 7 8700G).

FeatureRyzen 5 5600XRyzen 7 8700G
Socket
AM4
AM5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
DDR5-5200+63%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
256 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
24+20%
20
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen 7 8700G supports AVX-512 instructions β€” important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support AMD-V virtualization. The Ryzen 7 8700G includes integrated graphics (Radeon 780M), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, Ryzen 7 8700G targets High-end Desktop APU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 8700G rivals Core i7-13700.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600XRyzen 7 8700G
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
β€”
Radeon 780M
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
AMD-V
AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop
High-end Desktop APU
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 5 5600X was priced at $299, while the Ryzen 7 8700G came in at $329. On launch pricing ($299 vs $329), Ryzen 5 5600X was $30 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 73.1 pts/$ vs 96.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 8700G β€” making the Ryzen 7 8700G the 27.3% better value option.

FeatureRyzen 5 5600XRyzen 7 8700G
MSRP
$299-9%
$329
Performance per Dollar
73.1
96.2+32%
Release Date
2020
2024

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