Ryzen Z2 Go vs Ryzen 5 3600
Ryzen Z2 Go
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. The Ryzen Z2 Go is positioned at rank #935 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Z2 Go
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Z2 Go | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rembrandt R (2025) / 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Z2 Go | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 Z2 Go and Ryzen 5 3600
Ryzen Z2 Go
The Ryzen Z2 Go is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Rembrandt R (2025) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 6 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB + 8 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 12,188 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
The Ryzen Z2 Go packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Z2 Go versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen Z2 Go (base: 3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Ryzen Z2 Go uses the Rembrandt R (2025) architecture (6 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Z2 Go scores 12,188 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 36.8% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 5,802 vs 9,500 (48.3% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,842 vs 1,295, a 34.9% lead for the Ryzen Z2 Go that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 6,073 vs 1,898 (104.8% advantage for the Ryzen Z2 Go). L3 cache: 8 MB on the Ryzen Z2 Go vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Ryzen Z2 Go | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz+2% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+20% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB | 32 MB (total)+300% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+300% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 6 nm-14% | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Rembrandt R (2025) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 12,188 | 17,685+45% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 5,802 | 9,500+64% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,842+42% | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 6,073+220% | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5-6400 on the Ryzen Z2 Go versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen Z2 Go supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Ryzen Z2 Go) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Rembrandt-R (Ryzen Z2 Go) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | Ryzen Z2 Go | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5-6400+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 3600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: SVM (Ryzen Z2 Go) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Ryzen Z2 Go includes integrated graphics (Radeon 680M), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen Z2 Go targets Budget, Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen Z2 Go rivals Core Ultra 5 135U; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Ryzen Z2 Go | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Radeon 680M | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | SVM | Yes |
| Target Use | Budget | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
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