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.

Overview

The A6-3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,718 points. Launch price was $70.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The A6-3600 is positioned at rank #613 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar A6-3600

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

10888%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

10288%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

7470%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2250%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1783%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1559%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

893%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

881%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

803%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

803%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

794%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

772%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

761%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

758%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

751%

#383

Ryzen Threadripper 9980X

MSRP: $4999|Avg: $4999

99%

#384

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

MSRP: $3990|Avg: $2850

98%

#385

Celeron G4900

MSRP: $42|Avg: $85

97%

#386

Ryzen Embedded V3C18I

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

97%

#613

A6-3600

MSRP: $95|Avg: $25

100%

#614

Core i7-7740X

MSRP: $339|Avg: $150

100%

#615

Core i3-4130

MSRP: $117|Avg: $55

100%

#617

Pentium G3250T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $30

99%

#619

Core i5-7640X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $85

99%

#620

Athlon II X3 425e

MSRP: $79|Avg: $58

99%

#621

Athlon II X4 640

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

99%

#622

Celeron G540

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

98%

#624

Core i5-4590

MSRP: $192|Avg: $51

98%

#625

Celeron G440

MSRP: $37|Avg: $5

98%

#628

A8-7670K

MSRP: $118|Avg: $43

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for A6-3600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of A6-3600 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The A6-3600 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 1 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 128 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,718, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 253.

Specification	A6-3600
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Llano (2011−2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	228 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,178 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,718
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	253

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A6-3600 fits into the FM1 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon HD 6530D — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	A6-3600
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	FM1
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Radeon HD 6530D
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	A55,A75
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The A6-3600 is primarily designed for Budget Desktop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium G630.

Specification	A6-3600
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium G630

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The A6-3600 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	A6-3600
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $25 (MSRP: $95), the A6-3600 delivers 69 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #613 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2699 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	A6-3600
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$95
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$25
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$70
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#613
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2699
Release DateLaunch date	2014-01-01
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD