AMD’s latest processor, Ryzen 5 8600G, is out and undeniably one of the best processors you can find at such an affordable rate. But, how does it compare to its predecessors, more specifically the highly-acclaimed Ryzen 5 5600G? In this AMD Ryzen 5 8600G vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600G comparison guide, we will compare the two processors to determine which is for you. We’ll be looking at the main differences between these two pieces of impressive hardware, covering specs, performance, and price.
If you’re keen to look at some other CPU comparisons to aid your decision-making, we’ve got you covered! Check out our AMD Ryzen 7 5700 X3D vs Ryzen 7 7800 X3D or our AMD Ryzen 8700G vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D comparison guides
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G vs Ryzen 5 5600G – specs at a glance
| Specifications | Ryzen 5 8600G | Ryzen 5 5600G |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | AM4 |
| Processor size | 4 nm | 7 nm |
| Transistors | 25,000 million | 10,700 million |
| Core count | 6 | 6 |
| Thread count | 12 | 12 |
| Frequency | 4.3 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Base clock | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Turbo clock | up to 5 GHz | up to 4.4 GHz |
| TDP | 65 W | 65 W |
| L1 cache | 64 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |
| L2 cache | 1 MB (per core) | 512 KB (per core) |
| L3 cache | 16 MB (shared) | 16 MB (shared) |
| Price | $229 | $259 |
Specs comparison
The Ryzen 5 8600G features a 4nm modern manufacturing process, allowing more transistors to be packed into a smaller area, potentially improving power efficiency and performance. On the other hand, the Ryzen 5 5600G utilizes a 7nm manufacturing process, which, although slightly older, has already proven to deliver excellent performance and power efficiency in previous Ryzen generations.
The Ryzen 5 8600G boasts a higher base clock of 4.3 GHz and can turbo boost up to an impressive 5 GHz. In contrast, the Ryzen 5 5600G has a slightly lower base clock of 3.9 GHz, and turbo boosts up to 4.4 GHz. The higher clock speeds of the Ryzen 5 8600G suggest potentially better performance in single-threaded tasks and applications that rely heavily on frequency.
The story is similar when it comes to cache size, with Ryzen 5 8600G winning with 1 MB L2 cache per core (6 cores and 12 threads). Cache size directly impacts a processor’s ability to access frequently used data quickly, thereby improving overall performance. Both processors feature 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. However, the Ryzen 5 8600G offers a larger L2 cache size of 1 MB per core compared to the Ryzen 5 5600G’s 512 KB per core. This could improve performance in scenarios where larger data must be cached and accessed frequently.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Ryzen 5 8600G’s higher clock speeds and larger L2 cache size could potentially result in better single-threaded performance, improved responsiveness in certain tasks, and overall CPU speed. This can also be seen in benchmark results.
Benchmark scores shed light on the real-world performance differences between these CPUs. The Ryzen 5 8600G outshines the Ryzen 5 5600G in single-core and multi-core Geekbench scores. With a 26% higher score in single-core performance and a significant 42% lead in multi-core performance, the Ryzen 5 8600G demonstrates its prowess in handling intensive computing tasks efficiently.
The Ryzen 5 8600G scores 2474 in single-core performance and 11453 in multi-core performance in Geekbench results. On the other hand, the Ryzen 5 5600G scores 1958 in single-core performance and 8086 in multi-core performance.
These performance differentials translate into smoother gaming experiences, quicker video rendering, and faster application launches, making the Ryzen 5 8600G a compelling choice for users who demand top-tier performance from their desktops.
Price and value
When considering price and value, it’s essential to weigh the performance benefits against the cost of each processor. While the Ryzen 5 8600G comes at a slightly higher price point, its superior specifications justify the investment for users seeking uncompromising performance and future-proofing for their systems.
Conversely, the Ryzen 5 5600G offers a compelling balance between performance and affordability. It is an ideal choice for users looking to build a capable gaming or productivity rig without breaking the bank.
Despite its superior performance, the Ryzen 5 8600G enters the market at $229, a lower launch price than the Ryzen 5 5600G. While the latter originally debuted at $259, the price has since dropped to below $200, making it more accessible to budget-conscious consumers. However, considering the significant performance gains offered by the Ryzen 5 8600G, it presents a compelling value proposition for users seeking the best bang for their buck.
Is the Ryzen 5 5600G still worth it in 2024?
Like any hardware purchase, choosing the right processor is entirely up to you and what you need from your system components. That being said, the Ryzen 5 5600G, although it may be a slightly older model, is still a completely worthy purchase in 2024. It’s an overall great gaming option and comes in at an extremely low price somewhere below $200. It’s a great option to pair with your GPU or just to use on its own. However, it’s not the most future-proof CPU out right now.
Should I buy a CPU with an integrated graphics card?
If you intend on using your PC for graphics-intensive gaming or video editing then you’ll need a dedicated graphics card to pair with a powerful CPU. However, if you’re using your PC for more general purposes, like more basic gaming or web browsing, then a CPU with an integrated graphics card might be the perfect option for you. Coming in at a far cheaper price than purchasing both a GPU and CPU for your desktop, buying a processor with an integrated graphics card is great for a more budget-conscious user.
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G vs Ryzen 5 5600G – final verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 8600G is the clear winner here, and we would recommend going for it rather than investing in the Ryzen 5 5600G. However, the ultimate choice is yours. If you prioritize top-notch performance and are willing to invest more, then it’s definitely time for an upgrade with Ryzen 5 8600G; delivering exceptional power and efficiency for demanding workloads. On the other hand, if you’re working within a tighter budget and can compromise slightly on performance, the Ryzen 5 5600G still offers respectable performance at a more affordable price point.
