AMD Ryzen 9 3900X vs AMD Ryzen 5 3600X: Which CPU should you buy?
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AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
(Image credit: AMD)
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Mid-tier Beast
The Ryzen 5 3600X is a little more down to Earth than the Ryzen 3 900X and is vastly more affordable, making it quite the processor for most gaming rigs and workstations. When you don’t need a mass of cores and threads, this CPU will be more than happy to play your favorite games and render all your media.
For
- Less expensive
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Stock cooler
Against
- Less performance
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
Insane Performance
The Ryzen 9 3900X is really designed for those who need a CPU with 12 cores and 24 threads. It won’t really make your games run that much faster than the Ryzen 5 3600X, especially if it’ll be held back by the GPU, and does cost considerably more, but it offers an immense amount of multi-core performance.
For
- More powerful
- 12 cores and 24 threads
- Stock cooler
- Better for productivity
Against
- More expensive
It’s not often you’ll be considering between a Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 9 processor — especially since Ryzen 7 would be a better solution as an intermediate — but if you are deciding between the two, you’ll want to go with the more affordable Ryzen 5 3600X unless you truly need all the cores that come with the Ryzen 9 3900X.
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X or Ryzen 5 3600X specs
Specifications are always going to favor the Ryzen 9 3900X since it’s a more expensive high-end SKU. Still, it’s good to compare the specifications to see just how powerful the Ryzen 5 3600X is on its own. Both processors offer amazing levels of performance.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Header Cell — Column 0 | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 2 | Zen 2 |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Cores | 12 | 6 |
| Threads | 24 | 12 |
| Base clock | 3.8GHz | 3.8GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.6GHz | 4.4GHz |
| Cache | 6MB 64MB |
3MB 32MB |
| GPU | — | — |
| RAM | 3200MHz | 3200MHz |
| TDP | 105W | 95W |
| Price | $500 | $240 |
Both processors work well with RAM that’s clocked at 3200MHz, support AM4 chipsets, are built on the 7nm Zen 2 architecture, and even work with PCIe 4.
0 hardware. At just 95W and 105W for the two Ryzen CPUs, you’ll also be able to enjoy a slightly cooler and more efficient running PC.
Amazing Ryzen performance across the board
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X (Image credit: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central)
The Ryzen 5 3900X may win outright on the specs sheet with faster clock speeds and double the amount of cache, but both processors are able to take full advantage of what Zen 2 brings to the table, though you will have to make sure you have a compatible motherboard if you plan on upgrading to a Ryzen 3000 CPU.
The Ryzen 9 3900X may win outright, but the Ryzen 5 3600X is no slouch.
With the Ryzen 9 3900X installed, it’s possible to decimate CPU-focused benchmarks and even take the fight to Intel’s own counterpart CPUs. Games are an interesting story, especially if you fire up a title that doesn’t quite take advantage of 12 cores. The Ryzen 5 3600X may make a bit more sense with that regard.
While it does have half the cores and threads of the Ryzen 9 3900X, it’s still capable of handling even the more demanding games of today (though both CPUs do lag behind the competition in some tests), and you’ll be more than satisfied with productivity results.
It’s all down to the price and whether you can afford the $500 tag for the Rzyen 9 3900X.
The good news is the more expensive and powerful CPU also supports AM4, making it an upgrade option further down the road.
Save some money by installing the Ryzen 5 3600X
The Ryzen 5 3600X isn’t slow by any standards. In fact, it’s actually a very good processor for gaming and intense workloads, but compared to the sheer brute force of the Ryzen 9 3900X it’s in a whole league of its own. What makes the Ryzen 5 3600X worth considering is the value on offer for the price.
Mid-tier Beast
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Fantastic value
AMD’s Ryzen 5 3600X builds on the already excellent Ryzen 5 2600X, unlocking even more performance at the same reasonable price. Installing this six-core monster into your desktop will allow for some serious levels of productivity.
Go with the Ryzen 9 3900X for maximum performance
AMD did something crazy with the Ryzen 9 3900X.
The company brought Threadripper performance to the AM4 socket, allowing mainstream gamers and PC owners the chance to splash out and boast to all their friends about what their machine could do. This thing has 12 cores and enough threads to weave a Windows Central hoodie.
But ask yourself this: Do you really need the Ryzen 9 3900X?
Insane Performance
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
When only the best will do
It’s not quite Threadripper levels of amazing, though it does match the older entry-level Threadripper processor, but the Ryzen 9 3900X is a special case. It houses 12 cores and 24 threads inside a package that can be installed on an AM4 motherboard. Wait … what?
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Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS.
He’s been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.
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AMD Ryzen 9 3900X vs Ryzen 5 3600X: performance comparison
VS
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
We compared two desktop CPUs: the 3.8 GHz AMD Ryzen 9 3900X with 12-cores against the 3.
8 GHz Ryzen 5 3600X with 6-cores. On this page, you’ll find out which processor has better performance in benchmarks, games and other useful information.
- Review
- Differences
- Performance
- Specs
- Comments
Review
General overview and comparison of the processors
Single-Core Performance
Performance in single-threaded apps and benchmarks
Ryzen 9 3900X
60
Ryzen 5 3600X
60
Performance
Measure performance when all cores are involved
Ryzen 9 3900X
69
Ryzen 5 3600X
39
Power Efficiency
The efficiency score of electricity consumption
Ryzen 9 3900X
62
Ryzen 5 3600X
62
NanoReview Final Score
Generic CPU rating
Ryzen 9 3900X
65
Ryzen 5 3600X
53
Key Differences
What are the key differences between 3600X and 3900X
Advantages of AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
- Has 6 more physical cores
- Has 32 MB larger L3 cache size
- 5% higher Turbo Boost frequency (4.
6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz)
Benchmarks
Comparing the performance of CPUs in benchmarks
Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
1316
Ryzen 5 3600X
+1%
1330
Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
+95%
18740
Ryzen 5 3600X
9594
Passmark CPU (Single-Core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
+1%
2713
Ryzen 5 3600X
2682
Passmark CPU (Multi-Core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
+79%
32751
Ryzen 5 3600X
18271
Geekbench 5 (Single-Core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
1331
Ryzen 5 3600X
1337
Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
+65%
12149
Ryzen 5 3600X
7362
Submit your Cinebench R23 result
By purchasing through links on this site, we may receive a commission from Amazon. This does not affect our assessment methodology.
Specifications
Full technical specification of AMD Ryzen 9 3900X and Ryzen 5 3600X
General
| Vendor | AMD | AMD |
| Released | July 7, 2019 | July 7, 2019 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| instruction set | x86-64 | x86-64 |
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| P-Cores | 12 | 6 |
| P-Threads | 24 | 12 |
| Base Frequency (P) | 3.8 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| Turbo Boost Frequency (P) | 4. 6 GHz |
4.4 GHz |
| Total Cores | 12 | 6 |
| Total Threads | 24 | 12 |
| Bus Frequency | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier | 38x | 38x |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 512K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 64MB (shared) | 32MB (shared) |
| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes | Yes |
Package
| Transistors | 3.8 billions | 3.8 billions |
| Fabrication process | 7 nm | 7 nm |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| TDP | 105 W | 95 W |
| Peak temperature | 95°C | 95°C |
Memory Support
| Memory types | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Memory Size | 128 GB | 128 GB |
Max. Memory Channels |
2 | 2 |
| Max. Memory Bandwidth | 47.68 GB/s | 47.68 GB/s |
| ECC Support | Yes | Yes |
| Official site | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X official page | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X official page |
| PCI Express Version | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| PCI Express Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Cast your vote
Choose between two processors
Ryzen 9 3900X
9 (56.3%)
Ryzen 5 3600X
7 (43.8%)
Total votes: 16
ompetitors
1.
Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen 9 3900X
2.
Core i7 13700K and Ryzen 9 3900X
3.
Ryzen 7 5800X3D and Ryzen 9 3900X
4.
Ryzen 9 7900X and Ryzen 9 3900X
5.
Ryzen 7 5700X and Ryzen 5 3600X
6.
Core i5 13600K and Ryzen 5 3600X
7.
Ryzen 5 5500 and Ryzen 5 3600X
Compare other CPUs (480+)
So which CPU will you choose: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X or Ryzen 9 3900X?
Name
Message
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X vs Ryzen 5 3600X:
performance comparison
VS
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Which is better: 12-core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X at 3.8 GHz or Ryzen 5 3600X with 6 cores at 3.8 GHz? To find out, read our comparison test of these 7nm desktop processors in popular benchmarks, games and heavy applications.
- Overview
- Differences
- Performance
- Features
- Comments
Overview
Overview and comparison of the main metrics from NanoReview
Single -flow performance
Rating in tests using one nucleus
Ryzen 9 3900x
60
Ryzen 5 3600x
60
Multi -flow performance
Tests in benchmarks where all nucleus
9 9,000 9,000 9,000
RYZEN 9 3900X
69
Ryzen 5 3600x
39
Energy efficiency
Energy consumption chip
Ryzen 9 3900x
9000 000 000 000 000 000 000 ols
Ryzen 9 3900X
65
Ryzen 5 3600X
53
Key differences
What are the main differences between 3600X and 3900X
Reasons to choose AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
- Has 6 more physical cores
- Has 32 MB more L3 cache
- 5% higher Turbo Boost frequency (4.
6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz)
Benchmark tests
Compare the results of processor tests in benchmarks
Cinebench R23 (single core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
1316
Ryzen 5 3600X
+1%
1330
Cinebench R23 (multi-core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
+95%
18740
Ryzen 5 3600X
9594
Passmark CPU (Single Core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
+1%
2713
Ryzen 5 3600X
2682
Passmark CPU (multi-core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
+79%
32751
Ryzen 5 3600X
18271
Geekbench 5 (single core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
1331
Ryzen 5 3600X
1337
Geekbench 5 (multi-core)
Ryzen 9 3900X
+65%
12149
Ryzen 5 3600X
7362
Add your Cinebench R23 results
Specifications
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X and Ryzen 5 3600X full technical specifications list
General information
| Manufacturer | AMD | AMD |
| Release date | July 7, 2019 | July 7, 2019 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Instruction set architecture | x86-64 | x86-64 |
| Integrated graphics | No | No |
Processor
| Cores | 12 | 6 |
| threads | 24 | 12 |
| Frequency | 3. 8 GHz |
3.8 GHz |
| Max. frequency in Turbo Boost | 4.6 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| Number of cores | 12 | 6 |
| Number of threads | 24 | 12 |
| Bus frequency | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier | 38x | 38x |
| Level 1 cache | 64KB (per core) | 64KB (per core) |
| Level 2 cache | 512KB (per core) | 512KB (per core) |
| Level 3 cache | 64MB (shared) | 32MB (shared) |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Number of transistors | 3.8 billion | 3.8 billion |
| Process | 7 nanometers | 7 nanometers |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 105W | 95W |
| Critical temperature | 95°C | 95°C |
Memory support
| Memory type | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
Max. size |
128 GB | 128 GB |
| Number of channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max. bandwidth | 47.68 GB/s | 47.68 GB/s |
| ECC support | Yes | Yes |
Other
| Official site | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X Site | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Site |
| PCI Express Version | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Max. PCI Express lanes | 16 |
Poll
What processor do you think is the best?
Ryzen 9 3900X
9 (56.3%)
Ryzen 5 3600X
7 (43.8%)
Total votes: 16
Competitors
1.
Ryzen 9 5900X vs Ryzen 9 3900X
2.
Core i7 13700K vs Ryzen 9 3900X
3.
Ryzen 7 5800X3D vs Ryzen 93900X
4.
Ryzen 9 7900X vs Ryzen 9 3900X
5.
Ryzen 7 5700X vs Ryzen 5 3600X
6.
Core i5 13600K vs Ryzen 5 3600X
7.
Ryzen 5 5500 vs Ryzen 5 3600X
Compare other CPUs (480+)
AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT vs Ryzen 5 3600X:
performance comparison
VS
AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT
nine0002 AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Which is better: 12-core AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT at 3.8 GHz or Ryzen 5 3600X with 6 cores at 3.8 GHz? To find out, read our comparison test of these 7nm desktop processors in popular benchmarks, games and heavy applications.
- Overview
- Differences
- Performance
- Features
- Comments
Overview
Overview and comparison of the main metrics from NanoReview
nine0003
Single -flow performance
Rating in tests using one kernel
Ryzen 9 3900XT
61
Ryzen 5 3600x
60
Multi -flow performance
Tests in benchmars, where all nucleus
Ryzen 9,0003 9,0003 69
Ryzen 5 3600X
39
Power Efficiency
Chip Power Efficiency
Ryzen 9 3900XT
68
Ryzen 5 3600x
62
NanoreView
Final processor rating
Ryzen 9 3900XT
66
Ryzen 5 3600x
53
Key differences
What are the main differences between 3600X and 3900XT
Reasons to choose AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT
- Has 6 more physical cores
- Has 32 MB more L3 cache
- Introduced 1 year and 1 month later than the rival
- 7% higher frequency in Turbo Boost (4.
7 GHz vs. 4.4 GHz)
Benchmark tests
Compare the results of processor tests in benchmarks
Cinebench R23 (single core)
Ryzen 9 3900XT
+2%
1361
Ryzen 5 3600X
1330
Cinebench R23 (multi-core)
Ryzen 9 3900XT
+93%
18539
Ryzen 5 3600X
9594
Passmark CPU (single core)
Ryzen 9 3900XT
+3%
2771
Ryzen 5 3600X
2682
Passmark CPU (multi-core)
Ryzen 9 3900XT
+80%
32848
Ryzen 5 3600x
18271
Geekbench 5 (single -core)
Ryzen 9 3900XT
1321
Ryzen 5 3600x
+1%
1337
Geekbench 5 (multi-core)
Ryzen 9 3900XT
+68%
12351
Ryzen 5 3600X
7362
Add your Cinebench R23 results
Specifications
AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT and Ryzen 5 3600X full technical specifications list
General information
| Manufacturer | AMD | AMD |
| Release date | July 7, 2020 | July 7, 2019 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Instruction set architecture | x86-64 | x86-64 |
| Codename | Zen 2 (Matisse) | — |
| Integrated graphics | No | No |
Processor
| Cores | 12 | 6 |
| threads | 24 | 12 |
| Frequency | 3. 8 GHz |
3.8 GHz |
| Max. frequency in Turbo Boost | 4.7 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| Number of cores | 12 | 6 |
| Number of threads | 24 | 12 |
| Bus frequency | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier | 38x | 38x |
| Level 1 cache | 64KB (per core) | |
| Level 2 cache | 512KB (per core) | 512KB (per core) |
| Level 3 cache | 64MB (shared) | 32MB (shared) |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Number of transistors | 3.8 billion | |
| Process | 7 nanometers | 7 nanometers |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 105W | 95W |
| Critical temperature | 95°C | 95°C |
Memory support
| Memory type | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
Max. size |
128 GB | 128 GB |
| Number of channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max. bandwidth | 47.68 GB/s | 47.68 GB/s |
| ECC 9 support0174 | Yes | Yes |
Other
| Official site | AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Site |
| PCI Express Version | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Max. PCI Express lanes | 24 | 16 |
nine0002
Poll
What processor do you think is the best?
Ryzen 9 3900XT
4 (100%)
Ryzen 5 3600X
0 (0%)
Total votes: 4
Competitors
1.
Ryzen 5 5600G or Ryzen 5 3600X
2.