CPU
GPU
Ryzen 5 PRO 2600
Ryzen 5 3600
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 2600
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($90) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+49%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($90) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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 2600 and Ryzen 5 3600
Ryzen 5 PRO 2600
The Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 13,330 points. Launch price was $149.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
Both the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 and Ryzen 5 3600 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 7.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 uses the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture (12 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 scores 13,330 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 28.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.2 GHz+8% |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.6 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 12 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-42% |
| Architecture | Zen+ (2018−2019) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 13,330 | 17,685+33% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the AM4 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 24 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Ryzen 5 PRO 2600) / Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 launched at $199 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($90 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 3600 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 delivers 148.1 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 39.5% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $199 | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $90 | $80-11% |
| Performance per Dollar | 148.1 | 221.1+49% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2019 |
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