If, like us, you’re keeping up-to-date on all the info being released about AMD’s upcoming Ryzen 7 5700X3D, then you’ll be interested to know how it fares against other members of the AMD CPU family. More specifically, the Ryzen 5 3600. Upgrading from the 3000-series to the 5000 is an important decision that requires knowledge about the specifications, price, and performance of each processor. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, we lay out all the information needed to make an informed decision between the CPUs; in our Ryzen 7 5700X3D vs Ryzen 5 3600 comparison guide.
Want to find out more about the Ryzen 7 5700X3D? Take a look at our list of the best CPU coolers and best motherboards for the Ryzen 7 5700X3D.
Ryzen 7 5700X3D vs Ryzen 5 3600 – specs at a glance
| Specifications | Ryzen 7 5700X3D | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores/Threads | 8/16 | 6/12 |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Lithography | 7 nm TSMC | 7 nm TSMC |
| TDP | 105 W | 65 W |
| Cache L3 | 96 MB | 32 MB |
| MSRP | $249 | $199 |
Specifications comparison
Both of these CPUs use the same lithography, 7nm TSMC. The main difference between Zen 2 and Zen 3 is the overall architecture. The Ryzen 7 5700X3D is built with Zen 3 (Vermeer) architecture, while the 3600 is built with Zen 2 (Ampere). This doesn’t decrease the performance too much; the 3600 is still one of the best entry-to-mind-range CPUs built by AMD. When compared with the 5600, we see time after time, that the FPS results in gaming, and the productivity results, are not so different.
However, we’re not talking about a regular 5000-series CPU, we’re talking about a 3D V-cache. This technology provides the CPUs with a vast amount of Lever 3 cache to ensure performance in gaming scenarios is to a high standard. Since we don’t have actual benchmarks for the 5700X3D yet, we can only make educated guesses. So, we’ll be using the info available from previous comparisons.
A comparison of the 3600 against the 5800X3D shows the enormous gap between the two in gaming. A difference in the average (30% more FPS provided by the 5800X3D) in every game that was tested. With this in mind, we can fairly say that the 5700X3D, being extremely similar to the 5800X3D, will present equal results.
If we add up the core difference between the 3600 and the 5700X3D, we can confirm that upgrading will provide a significant leap in performance. However, when we look at this comparison through a non-gaming lens we start to see some disparity. The 3D V-cache of the 5700X3D doesn’t provide much space for productivity tasks; the threads were not built to endure that type of activity on their own, so it makes use of clock speed and balance to do them.
Ryzen 7 5700X3D vs Ryzen 5 3600 – price
Price is a crucial factor, especially for gamers and budget-conscious users. In this regard, the Ryzen 5 3600 emerges as the more budget-friendly option. Priced at $199 MSRP, it stands as an accessible choice for those looking to balance cost with performance. In contrast, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D, with its MSRP of $249, demands a slightly higher investment. This $50 difference is significant for budget-minded users, particularly when considering the overall cost of building or upgrading a PC.
Performance over price
While the Ryzen 7 5700X3D may be more expensive, the enhanced gaming performance, higher core and thread count, and cutting-edge 3D V-cache technology potentially justify the additional cost for users who prioritize gaming performance.
For those primarily focused on gaming, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D’s higher price tag could be seen as a worthwhile investment for the substantial leap in gaming capabilities it offers.
What is 3D V-Cache?
After reading this article, you may be wondering; what is 3D V-cache? Well, we’re here to help. AMD’s inclusion of 3D V-cache in its processors just means that CPUs are able to store more information than they normally would have access to. The 3D V-cache is essentially a larger, secondary L3 cache that sits on top of the CPU cores – giving the processors access to a larger bank of temporary storage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for gamers considering an upgrade, the Ryzen 7 5700X3D represents a significant leap forward from the Ryzen 5 3600. With its superior gaming performance, courtesy of the advanced 3D V-cache technology and higher core and thread count, the 5700X3D stands as a definitive upgrade.
The performance gains in gaming scenarios are substantial, making it well worth the investment for those seeking to elevate their gaming experience. If you’re looking to harness the latest advancements in CPU technology, upgrading to the Ryzen 7 5700X3D is a decision that promises a notable enhancement in gaming prowess.
