Ryzen 5 2600
AMD
PassMark
13,145
MSRP
$199
AVG Price
$145
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.
Overview
The Ryzen 5 2600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Pinnacle Riege (Zen+) (2018) 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: 3 MB. Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,145 points. Launch price was $199.
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 2600
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Ryzen 5 2600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Ryzen 5 2600 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 2600 is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Pinnacle Riege (Zen+) (2018) architecture, manufactured on a 12 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 3 MB of L2 cache and 96K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 13,145, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,163, while multi-core reaches 4,893. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 6,344.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 2600 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 6C / 12T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.9 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.4 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Pinnacle Riege (Zen+) (2018) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 12 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 3 MB |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 96K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 192 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 4,800 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 × 8 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 95 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 13,145 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 6,344 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,163 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 4,893 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 2600 fits into the AM4 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2933 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 2600 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD Ryzen 5 |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | AM4 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 20 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 64 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | AMD B450,AMD X470,AMD B350,AMD X370 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Advanced Features
The Ryzen 5 2600 is primarily designed for General Productivity. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i5-9400.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 2600 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | General Productivity |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | ✅ Unlocked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | Yes |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Core i5-9400 |
Power & Cooling
The Ryzen 5 2600 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: false.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 2600 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 65 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 95 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | Yes |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | false |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $145 (MSRP: $199), the Ryzen 5 2600 delivers 91 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1133 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Ryzen 5 2600 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $145 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $199 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1133 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 19 April 2018 (7 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | GlobalFoundries |
Similar Performance
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Intel (12)
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Our Recommendation for Ryzen 5 2600
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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