CPU
GPU
Xeon X5680
Ryzen 5 5600
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 X5680 is positioned at rank #704 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 X5680
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X5680 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($13) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($115) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X5680 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+184%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($13) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($115) |
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 X5680 and Ryzen 5 5600
Xeon X5680
The Xeon X5680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 6,910 points. Launch price was $172.
Ryzen 5 5600
The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
Both the Xeon X5680 and Ryzen 5 5600 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon X5680 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 20% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon X5680 uses the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon X5680 scores 6,910 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 102.9% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5680 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Xeon X5680 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.4 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 3.33 GHz | 3.5 GHz+5% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) | Vermeer (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 6,910 | 21,550+212% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 11,077 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,052 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 8,600 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon X5680 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5680 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Ryzen 5 5600 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 3 (Xeon X5680) vs 2 (Ryzen 5 5600). Chipset compatibility: Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5680) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).
| Feature | Xeon X5680 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-3200+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 3+50% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 24 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 5600 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5680) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). Primary use case: Xeon X5680 targets Workstation, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Xeon X5680 rivals Core i7-980X.
| Feature | Xeon X5680 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Workstation | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon X5680 launched at $450 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($13 vs $115), the Xeon X5680 is $102 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon X5680 delivers 531.5 pts/$ vs 187.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Xeon X5680 the 95.7% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon X5680 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $450 | $199-56% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $13-89% | $115 |
| Performance per Dollar | 531.5+184% | 187.4 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2022 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Xeon X5680 and Ryzen 5 5600
