Ryzen 5 PRO 230 vs Core i5-11600K
Ryzen 5 PRO 230
Core i5-11600K
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 PRO 230
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-11600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($170) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Hawk Point-U (Zen 4) (2023−2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($170) |
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 PRO 230 and Core i5-11600K
Ryzen 5 PRO 230
The Ryzen 5 PRO 230 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Hawk Point-U (Zen 4) (2023−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP7/FP7r2/FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 MB + 16 MB. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 19,702 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i5-11600K
The Core i5-11600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,520 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
Both the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 and Core i5-11600K share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600K — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Ryzen 5 PRO 230 uses the Hawk Point-U (Zen 4) (2023−2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Core i5-11600K uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 scores 19,702 against the Core i5-11600K's 19,520 — a 0.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 PRO 230. L3 cache: 16 MB on the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11600K.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB+33% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+2300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 4 nm-71% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Hawk Point-U (Zen 4) (2023−2025) | Rocket Lake (2021) |
| PassMark | 19,702 | 19,520 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,320 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,210 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 PRO 230 uses the FP7/FP7r2/FP8 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-11600K uses LGA1200 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11600K — the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 PRO 230 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Socket FP7 (Ryzen 5 PRO 230) and Intel 500 series,Intel 400 series (Core i5-11600K).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FP7/FP7r2/FP8 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-11600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: AMD-V, AMD-Vi (Ryzen 5 PRO 230) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-11600K). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon 760M (Ryzen 5 PRO 230) and UHD Graphics 750 (Core i5-11600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon 760M | UHD Graphics 750 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, AMD-Vi | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 PRO 230 launched at $150 MSRP, while the Core i5-11600K debuted at $262. At current prices ($150 vs $170), the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 delivers 131.3 pts/$ vs 114.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-11600K — making the Ryzen 5 PRO 230 the 13.4% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 PRO 230 | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150-43% | $262 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-12% | $170 |
| Performance per Dollar | 131.3+14% | 114.8 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2021 |
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