Ryzen 5 2600X vs Ryzen 5 3400G
Availability
MSRP in USD: $229
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Processor with Wraith Spire Cooler — YD260XBCAFBOX
Buy on Amazon
$215
In Stock
Updated 23191 minutes ago
Availability
MSRP in USD: $149
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 4-core, 8-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Radeon RX Graphics
Buy on Amazon
$124.4
In Stock
Updated 23191 minutes ago
Key Differences
In short — Ryzen 5 2600X outperforms the cheaper Ryzen 5 3400G on the selected game parameters. However, the worse performing Ryzen 5 3400G is a better bang for your buck. The better performing Ryzen 5 2600X is 444 days older than the cheaper Ryzen 5 3400G.
Advantages of AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
- Performs up to 1% better in Fortnite than Ryzen 5 3400G — 166 vs 164 FPS
- Can execute more multi-threaded tasks simultaneously than AMD Ryzen 5 3400G — 12 vs 8 threads
Advantages of AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
- Up to 42% cheaper than Ryzen 5 2600X — $124.
4 vs $215.0
- Up to 42% better value when playing Fortnite than Ryzen 5 2600X — $0.76 vs $1.3 per FPS
- Consumes up to 32% less energy than AMD Ryzen 5 2600X — 65 vs 95 Watts
- Works without a dedicated GPU, while AMD Ryzen 5 2600X doesn’t have integrated graphics
Fortnite
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Game Graphics
Epic
Ryzen 5 2600X
Desktop • Apr 19th, 2018
FPS
166
100%
Value, $/FPS
$1.3/FPS
58%
Price, $
$215
57%
FPS Winner
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Processor with Wraith Spire Cooler — YD260XBCAFBOX
Buy for $215 on Amazon
In Stock
Updated 23191 minutes ago
Ryzen 5 3400G
Desktop • Jul 7th, 2019
FPS
164
98%
Value, $/FPS
$0.76/FPS
100%
Price, $
$124.4
100%
Value Winner
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 4-core, 8-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Radeon RX Graphics
Buy for $124.
4 on Amazon
In Stock
Updated 23191 minutes ago
TOP 5 Games
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Game Graphics
Epic
Ryzen 5 2600X
Desktop • Apr 19th, 2018
Ryzen 5 3400G
Desktop • Jul 7th, 2019
Very High
158
FPS
146
FPS
League of Legends
High
317
FPS
307
FPS
Valorant
Ultra
142
FPS
141
FPS
Grand Theft Auto V
Epic
161
FPS
160
FPS
Fortnite
Epic
261
FPS
258
FPS
Overwatch 2
Geekbench 5 Benchmarks
Ryzen 5 2600X
Desktop • Apr 19th, 2018
Single-Core
1211
100%
Multi-Core
5177
100%
Ryzen 5 3400G
Desktop • Jul 7th, 2019
Single-Core
1115
92%
Multi-Core
3587
69%
|
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
vs |
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 19th, 2018 | Release Date |
Jul 7th, 2019 |
| Ryzen 5 | Collection | Ryzen 5 |
| Pinnacle Ridge | Codename | Picasso |
| AMD Socket AM4 | Socket | AMD Socket AM4 |
|
Desktop |
Segment |
Desktop |
|
6 |
Cores | 4 |
|
12 |
Threads | 8 |
3. 6 GHz |
Base Clock Speed |
3.7 GHz |
| 4.2 GHz | Turbo Clock Speed | 4.2 GHz |
| 95 W | TDP |
65 W |
| 12 nm | Process Size | 12 nm |
| 36.0x | Multiplier |
37.0x |
| None | Integrated Graphics |
Radeon RX Vega 11 |
| Yes | Overclockable | Yes |
Builds Using Ryzen 5 2600X or Ryzen 5 3400G
Fortnite, 1920 x 1080, Epic
ROG Strix GL10DH Gaming Desktop PC
41
FPS
$
19.97
/FPS
GeForce GTX 1650
Ryzen 5 3400G
8 GB, 512 GB SSD
Buy on Amazon
$818.88
In Stock
Updated 18703 minutes agoALLIED GAMING Stinger Desktop PC
18
FPS
$
58.83
/FPS
Radeon RX Vega 11
Ryzen 5 3400G
16 GB, 240 GB SSD
Buy on Amazon
$1,059
In Stock
Updated 18703 minutes ago
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AMD Ryzen 5 3400G vs. AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
Compare the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G CPU with the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X in terms of core types, core counts, frequencies, and cache capacities, along with their overclocking, PCIe, and DDR support.
This article compares AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G and Ryzen 5 2600X desktop CPUs. We evaluated AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G and Ryzen 5 2600X desktop CPUs to determine which would be better for various use cases.
We shaped our testing methodology to focus on each CPU’s attributes rather than relying solely on benchmarks.
This article helps you make an informed decision by comparing each CPU’s attributes, such as the core types, core counts, frequencies, cache capacities, overclocking capabilities, PCIe support, and DDR support. We’ve examined these attributes for each CPU to help you compare their abilities. By understanding these key factors, you can determine which CPU will best suit your needs and provide the performance you desire.
When selecting a CPU, it’s important to consider your specific needs and use case. Some people may prioritize high clock speeds and single-threaded performance for tasks like gaming, while others may require a higher core count and multi-threaded performance for tasks like video editing or rendering. We’ve analyzed the capabilities to determine which CPU performs best for each use case.
We investigated the capabilities of both CPUs to compare them objectively.
Ultimately, the decision between these two CPUs will depend on your specific requirements, budget, and priorities. However, by examining the attributes of each CPU, we aim to provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision.
Ryzen 5 3400G
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
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Ryzen 5 2600X
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
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Performance of the Ryzen 5 3400G vs. Ryzen 5-2600X
TechReviewer
TechReviewer
Cores
3400G: Based on our evaluation, the 3400G’s 4 cores allow for mediocre performance overall.
2600X: Based on our evaluation, the 2600X’s 6 cores allow for good performance overall.
Learn more about Core Counts below.
Our chart of the multi-core performance of the Ryzen 5 3400G CPU compared to the Ryzen 5 2600X and other Intel and AMD CPU models.
We calculated the performance score as Core Frequency × Number of Cores, with performance improvements per generation and Efficiency cores supporting a fraction of the P-core performance.
TechReviewer
Base Frequency
3400G: The 3400G has a 3.7 GHz base frequency, which is the speed before boosting.
2600X: The 2600X has a 3.6 GHz base frequency, which is the speed before boosting.
Learn more about CPU Clock Speeds below.
Our chart of the max base frequency of the Ryzen 5 3400G CPU compared to the Ryzen 5 2600X and other Intel and AMD CPU models. We based the max base frequency on the max P-core base frequency for Intel 12th Gen and newer CPUs and based it on max base frequency for other CPU models.
TechReviewer
Single-Core Boost Frequency
3400G: Based on our evaluation, the 3400G’s 4.2 GHz single-core max boost frequency is excellent for performance overall.
You can maintain these frequencies with a high-end cooler.
2600X: Based on our evaluation, the 2600X’s 4.2 GHz single-core max boost frequency is excellent for performance overall. You can maintain these frequencies with a high-end cooler.
Learn more about CPU Clock Speeds below.
Our chart of the single-core boost frequency of the Ryzen 5 3400G CPU compared to the Ryzen 5 2600X and other Intel and AMD CPU models. We based the single-core boost frequency on the max single-core boost frequency.
TechReviewer
Overclocking Support
3400G: Based on our evaluation, the 3400G CPU’s support for overclocking can be excellent for performance overall.
2600X: Based on our evaluation, the 2600X CPU’s support for overclocking can be excellent for performance overall.
Learn more about Overclocking below.
DDR Support
3400G: Based on our evaluation, the 3400G CPU’s support for DDR4 with a max stock speed of 2933 MHz can be mediocre for performance overall.
2600X: Based on our evaluation, the 2600X CPU’s support for DDR4 with a max stock speed of 2933 MHz can be mediocre for performance overall.
Learn more about DDR Support below.
PCIe
3400G: Based on our evaluation, the 3400G CPU’s support for PCIe 3.0 can be poor for performance overall, as it will limit the potential of the latest SSDs and graphics cards.
2600X: Based on our evaluation, the 2600X CPU’s support for PCIe 3.0 can be poor for performance overall, as it will limit the potential of the latest SSDs and graphics cards.
L3 Cache
3400G: Based on our evaluation, the 3400G’s lackluster 4 MB of L3 cache is poor for performance overall.
2600X: Based on our evaluation, the 2600X’s 16 MB of L3 cache is mediocre for performance overall.
Learn more about Cache Sizes below.
Our chart of the L3 cache capacity of the Ryzen 5 3400G CPU compared to the Ryzen 5 2600X and other Intel and AMD CPU models.
TechReviewer
Use Cases of the Ryzen 5 3400G and Ryzen 5 2600X
Considerations for Gaming
Based on our evaluation of using AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G CPU for gaming, you can expect mediocre game performance with a high-performance CPU cooler.
Based on our evaluation of using AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600X CPU for gaming, you can expect mediocre game performance with a high-performance CPU cooler.
While a good GPU is critical for gaming performance, your CPU will also have a significant impact. If the CPU is too slow, it can be a bottleneck for your GPU, which can reduce your framerate or cause stuttering. The most important CPU capabilities for gaming are single-core max boost frequency and the number of cores.
Depending on the game, the CPU will often handle tasks including scene management, gameplay logic, physics calculations, and asset loading. We took these factors into account when assessing the expected CPU performance for gaming.
Having multiple CPU cores can improve performance with games that utilize them. However, developers cannot split up every task to take advantage of a growing number of cores. Most modern games don’t benefit from having more than 6–8 cores. Game performance will experience diminishing returns as you add more CPU cores.
Considerations for General Apps
Based on our evaluation of using AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G CPU for general apps, you can expect good app performance with a high-performance CPU cooler.
Based on our evaluation of using AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600X CPU for general apps, you can expect good app performance with a high-performance CPU cooler.
If you’re only planning to stream shows, use office apps, or browse the internet, you won’t need a top-end CPU to get good performance. The most important CPU capability for general app usage is the single-core max boost frequency.
Browsers depend on your CPU to quickly load pages and video content and manage multiple browser tabs. Higher single-core boost frequencies can speed up page load times.
Office and web applications are typically single-threaded, so running a single application won’t take advantage of a many-core CPU.
The more cores a CPU has, the more applications you can run simultaneously without noticing a performance impact.
Office and web applications rarely max out the CPU for long periods. These applications can use boost speeds when a burst of processing power is needed, returning to the more efficient base frequencies afterward.
We took all of these factors into account while assessing the expected CPU performance for general apps.
Considerations for Professional Tools
Based on our evaluation of using AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G CPU for professional tools, you can expect mediocre tool performance with a high-performance CPU cooler.
Based on our evaluation of using AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600X CPU for professional tools, you can expect mediocre tool performance with a high-performance CPU cooler.
Video editors, 2D and 3D graphics tools, software compilers, and engineering tools require high-performing CPUs.
Professional tools are often well optimized to use many cores. CPU cores allow tools to parallelize processing tasks. Increasing the number of cores can divide the time required to process a task if the tool has good multi-threading support.
To maximize performance with professional tools, you’ll want to use a CPU with a high boost frequency and many CPU cores. Good heat dissipation is needed to maintain boost frequencies for extended periods.
We took these factors into account while assessing the expected CPU performance for professional tools.
While graphics applications use your GPU for some rendering tasks, most calculations and data operations are still dependent on your CPU.
Considerations for Choosing Between the 3400G and 2600X
Core Count
AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G CPUs have 4 cores.
AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600X CPUs have 6 cores.
We found that, in general, more cores do provide better performance in professional tools and when running multiple applications simultaneously.
Increased core counts can improve the performance of games and professional tools that use them. Most modern games don’t benefit from having more than 6–8 cores. Even general apps can benefit from many cores when numerous applications are open simultaneously. Web browsers don’t significantly take advantage of multiple cores when loading a single page. However, more CPU cores can improve performance when running demanding web apps in multiple windows.
CPU Clock Speeds
The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G has a 3.7 GHz base frequency and supports a 4.2 GHz single-core max boost frequency.
The AMD Ryzen 5 2600X has a 3.6 GHz base frequency and supports a 4.2 GHz single-core max boost frequency.
We’ve experienced that single-core performance is essential for some games, as many don’t take full advantage of multiple cores. Similarly, we have experienced that professional tools depend on high single and multi-core boost frequencies to maximize their processing speed.
Boost frequencies are only achieved under ideal circumstances. However, with adequate cooling, you may be able to maintain speeds near the max boost frequency.
Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G, for recommended coolers that can maintain these boost frequencies on the 3400G.
Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600X, for recommended coolers that can maintain these boost frequencies on the 2600X.
Higher vs. Lower Base Frequencies
We’ve found that lower base clock speeds result in lower power consumption.
A CPU’s base frequency refers to the clock speed at which its cores run under normal operating conditions. However, the actual clock speed of the CPU can vary depending on the workload and the system power state.
A lower base frequency can lead to better power savings overall since the clock speed decreases when the load is low, resulting in lower power consumption. However, a CPU may run slower than the base frequency to conserve power or reduce heat generation. For example, modern CPUs use technologies like Intel SpeedStep or AMD Cool’n’Quiet to dynamically adjust the CPU’s clock speed based on the system’s workload and power state.
A CPU with a lower base frequency may generate less heat under normal operating conditions, enabling it to boost some cores to higher frequencies while remaining within its thermal limits. This lower base frequency results in better performance than a CPU with a higher base frequency, which may not be able to sustain its boost frequency for long periods due to thermal throttling.
However, this is mostly only relevant if your system’s cooling solution can only partially dissipate the heat produced by all cores being fully boosted.
DDR Support
The 3400G CPU’s fastest supported DDR memory type is DDR4, with a max stock speed of 2933 MHz.
The 2600X CPU’s fastest supported DDR memory type is DDR4, with a max stock speed of 2933 MHz.
You can exceed these stock speeds officially supported by CPUs when overclocking memory, such as with an XMP profile. Motherboard specifications will indicate their supported overclocked-memory speeds. To be able to overclock DDR memory, your motherboard chipset needs to support memory overclocking.
Faster PC memory can improve game and professional tool performance by reducing the time it takes to perform calculations and data operations.
We’ve experienced that using the quickest RAM may not have as much of an impact as upgrading your CPU and graphics card or adding more RAM.
Learn about our recommended RAM for the 3400G in Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G CPU.
Learn about our recommended RAM for the 2600X in Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X CPU.
Cache Size
The AMD Ryzen 5 3400G has an L3 cache capacity of 4 MB.
The AMD Ryzen 5 2600X has an L3 cache capacity of 16 MB.
A CPU’s cache is a small amount of memory, close to the CPU cores, containing recently used data. An L3 cache capacity of at least 20 MB is ideal for games and professional tool performance.
Games and professional tool performance can improve as cache size increases, as it can reduce delays when retrieving commonly used assets from memory. While nearly any task will use a CPU’s cache, our research indicates that a large cache becomes less impactful for general PC usage, such as browsing webpages.
Remember that cache sizes often increase with core counts, so if you want to increase your L3 cache, you may need to get a CPU with more cores.
Overclocking
The 3400G supports overclocking.
The 2600X supports overclocking.
Overclocking is mainly relevant for PC gamers who want to maximize their game framerates. CPU overclocking increases frequencies past their default limits. Excellent heat dissipation via fans or another solution is required to maintain system stability while overclocking. While we felt a sense of excitement and anticipation when we pushed the limits of our CPU’s performance, it’s essential to remember that overclocking comes with the risk of damaging your system components or voiding warranties.
Professional tools can benefit from overclocked frequencies. However, overclocking may introduce some possibility of system instability, which may be less acceptable in business scenarios. We’ve found out the hard way that losing work due to system instability is a pain.
Where to Buy the Ryzen 5 3400G and Ryzen 5 2600X
Ryzen 5 3400G
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
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Ryzen 5 2600X
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
Check Price on Amazon
Amazon Affiliate Link
Find the Ryzen 5 3400G at Best Buy.
Find the Ryzen 5 2600X at Best Buy.
Find the Ryzen 5 3400G at Newegg. Find the Ryzen 5 2600X at Newegg.
Learn More About the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
- Motherboard: Choosing the Best Motherboard for AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G
- Chipset: Which Chipsets Work With AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G CPU?
- Cooler: Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G
- Power Supply: Choosing the Best Power Supply for AMD’s Ryzen 5 3400G CPU
- RAM: Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G CPU
- TDP: What Is the TDP of the Ryzen 5 3400G CPU?
- Gaming: Is the Ryzen 5 3400G CPU Good for Gaming?
Learn More About the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
- Motherboard: Choosing the Best Motherboard for AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600X
- Chipset: Which Chipsets Work With AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600X CPU?
- Cooler: Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600X
- Power Supply: Choosing the Best Power Supply for AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600X CPU
- RAM: Best RAM for the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X CPU
- TDP: What Is the TDP of the Ryzen 5 2600X CPU?
- Gaming: Is the Ryzen 5 2600X CPU Good for Gaming?
A Note From the Authors
Our team is composed of individuals who have a keen interest in technology and a passion for helping others.