Ryzen 5 5600X vs Xeon X5687

CPU

GPU

Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020

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Xeon X5687

4 Cores8 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.86 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Ryzen 5 5600X vs Xeon X5687 Performance Spectrum

Ryzen 5 5600X

6 / 12

21,845

+305.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Xeon X5687

4 / 8

5,386

0.0%

Core i7-5600U

Pentium Dual Core T3200

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 Xeon X5687 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 Xeon X5687: 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

✅Better for gaming: +89.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $253 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
✅Delivers 648.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 73.1 vs 9.8 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5687, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads and 36 PCIe lanes.

Xeon X5687

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads, plus 36 PCIe lanes vs 24.
✅50% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 24) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,386 vs 21,845).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 32 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.8 vs 73.1 PassMark/$ ($552 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
❌100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600X better than Xeon X5687?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5687 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Ryzen 5 5600X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 5 5600X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 89.2% 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 5 5600X is the stronger fit. You are getting 305.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 5 5600X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600X comes in $253 cheaper on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $552 MSRP, and it still gives you a 89.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 648.8% better value on MSRP (73.1 vs 9.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 5 5600X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011), 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Ryzen 5 5600X vs Xeon X5687 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon X5687

The Xeon X5687 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,386 points. Launch price was $121.

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Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon X5687 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 3.86 GHz on the Xeon X5687 — a 17.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the Xeon X5687 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the Xeon X5687's 5,386 — a 120.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5687.

Feature	Ryzen 5 5600X	Xeon X5687
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+19%	3.86 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+3%	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	32 MB+167%	12 MB (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)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	21,845+306%	5,386
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,643
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	5,386

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Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon X5687 uses LGA1366 (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 Xeon X5687 — the Ryzen 5 5600X supports 140.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon X5687 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 125% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 3 (Xeon X5687). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 36 (Xeon X5687) — the Xeon X5687 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X) and X58 (Xeon X5687).

Feature	Ryzen 5 5600X	Xeon X5687
Socket	AM4	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+100%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+140%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	288 GB+125%
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	24	36+50%

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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 (Xeon X5687). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, Xeon X5687 targets Server.

Feature	Ryzen 5 5600X	Xeon X5687
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Ryzen 5 5600X was priced at $299, while the Xeon X5687 came in at $552. On launch pricing ($299 vs $552), Ryzen 5 5600X was $253 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers 73.1 pts/$ vs 9.8 pts/$ for the Xeon X5687 — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 152.9% better value option.

Feature	Ryzen 5 5600X	Xeon X5687
MSRP	$299-46%	$552
Performance per Dollar	73.1+646%	9.8
Release Date	2020	2011

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