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 2600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.25 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 13,880 points. Launch price was $229.

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.

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

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 2600X

#11

Athlon II X3 425

MSRP: $79|Avg: $5

126%

#12

Core i5-2400S

MSRP: $135|Avg: $10

126%

#13

Celeron G1830

MSRP: $52|Avg: $5

124%

#14

Core i3-540

MSRP: $133|Avg: $5

123%

#15

Celeron G1610

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

123%

#16

Core i5-2310

MSRP: $177|Avg: $12

121%

#17

Core i3-4130T

MSRP: $124|Avg: $10

114%

#18

Core i5-3340

MSRP: $182|Avg: $15

112%

#19

Pentium G640

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

108%

#20

Core i3-6300T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

105%

#21

Core i5-680

MSRP: $294|Avg: $10

104%

#22

Ryzen 7 1700X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $60

103%

#23

Core i3-3240T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $8

103%

#24

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

101%

#25

Core i5-3570T

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

100%

#26

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

100%

#27

Athlon X4 845

MSRP: $70|Avg: $15

100%

#28

Pentium E6700

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

97%

#29

Pentium G2130

MSRP: $75|Avg: $8

95%

#30

Athlon X4 950

MSRP: $58|Avg: $15

94%

#31

Phenom II X4 B97

MSRP: $100|Avg: $11

92%

#32

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

91%

#33

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

91%

#34

Core i5-4570R

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

91%

#35

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

90%

#36

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

88%

#37

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

88%

#38

Core i5-3450S

MSRP: $174|Avg: $20

87%

#39

Celeron E3200

MSRP: $43|Avg: $5

86%

#40

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

86%

#41

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

86%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Ryzen 5 2600X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Ryzen 5 2600X specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 2600X is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 12 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.25 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512K (per core) of L2 cache and 96K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 13,880, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,242, while multi-core reaches 5,247. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 7,514.

Specification	Ryzen 5 2600X
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.25 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Zen+ (2018−2019)
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	512K (per core)
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
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	13,880
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	7,514
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,242
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	5,247

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 2600X fits into the AM4 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 24 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 Dual-channel 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 2600X
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	24
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4 Dual-channel
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	A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Ryzen 5 2600X is primarily designed for Gaming. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i5-9600K.

Specification	Ryzen 5 2600X
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Gaming
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Core i5-9600K

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Ryzen 5 2600X has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 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	Ryzen 5 2600X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $55 (MSRP: $229), the Ryzen 5 2600X delivers 252 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1081 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$229
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$55
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$229
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1081
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

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	desktop
Series	AMD Ryzen 5
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$229
Manufacturer	GlobalFoundries
Release Date	19 April 2018 (7 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Zen+ (2018−2019)
Performance Ranking Position	1081

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	6
Threads	12
Die Size	192 mm2
L1 Cache	96K (per core)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 × 8 GT/s
Multiplier	36
Max Frequency	4.25 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.6 GHz
Transistor Count	4,800 million
Process Technology	12 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+
Windows 11 Compatible	+