CPU
GPU
Xeon E5502
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 Xeon E5502 is positioned at rank #893 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 Xeon E5502
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5502 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($39) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Gainestown (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5502 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+400%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($39) | ⚠️ 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 Xeon E5502 and Ryzen 5 3600
Xeon E5502
The Xeon E5502 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,725 points. Launch price was $95.
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 Xeon E5502 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.87 GHz on the Xeon E5502 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 76.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 1.86 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon E5502 uses the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5502 scores 1,725 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 164.5% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 200 vs 1,295, a 146.5% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 800 vs 1,898 (81.4% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5502 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Xeon E5502 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 1.87 GHz | 4.2 GHz+125% |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | 3.6 GHz+94% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+700% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 45 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-84% |
| Architecture | Gainestown (2009−2010) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 1,725 | 17,685+925% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 200 | 1,295+548% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 800 | 1,898+137% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5502 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Xeon E5502 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5502 supports up to 144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 11.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 3 (Xeon E5502) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 3600). PCIe lanes: 32 (Xeon E5502) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Xeon E5502 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 5500,Intel 5520,Intel X58 (Xeon E5502) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | Xeon E5502 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-800 | DDR4-3200+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 144 GB+13% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 3+50% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 32+33% | 24 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Xeon E5502) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Xeon E5502 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5502 launched at $188 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($39 vs $80), the Xeon E5502 is $41 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5502 delivers 44.2 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 133.3% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5502 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $188-6% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $39-51% | $80 |
| Performance per Dollar | 44.2 | 221.1+400% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2019 |
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