OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

AMD Ryzen 5 3600X review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260PassMark multi-core score:18130N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:4.4 GHzCPU socket:AM4TDP (Thermal design power):95 W

AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 42 expert and video reviews and 2 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models
Score components

40%

6.1

Technical score

25%

8.4

Reviews score

25%

6.1

List score

10%

8.2

Sentiment score

▲Better than 57% of processors
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 65% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

▲Better than 65%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 55% of models
Score components

60%

5.7

Performance

18%

6.1

Architecture

10%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.5

Power & Thermal

4%

8.6

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

▲Better than 55%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

9.7

Popularity

Grades by review (42)
27 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 15 estimated from the review. 15 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 89%
6.1

List score

List score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (2)
List score: in 2 of 87 lists (2%)
★Better than 94%
  • amd-ryzen-5-3600x
  • amd-ryzen-5-3600x
  • amd-ryzen-5-3600x
  • amd-ryzen-5-3600x
  • amd-ryzen-5-3600x
amd-ryzen-5-3600x
amd-ryzen-5-3600x
amd-ryzen-5-3600x
amd-ryzen-5-3600x
amd-ryzen-5-3600x
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

Based on 10 · 11

Reviewers like the bundled cooler and quick single-core speed, but gaming, productivity and upgrade gains split opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

Based on 138 owners sharing their experience in online comments

62%positive10%mixed28%negative

Owners praise its gaming speed and overclocking headroom, while heat, noisy fans, and tuning problems cause the most frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report idle temperatures of 40 to 58 C and loads near 80 to 90 C, mostly with the stock cooler or cheaper air coolers.18
  • Owners report occasional stutters and frame drops in some games, and one said Overwatch felt laggy until they forced NVIDIA Fast Sync.9
  • Owners say all-core overclocks above about 4.3 GHz often need 1.35 V or more, and can crash in Prime95 or Cinebench.9
  • Owners say the bundled cooler fan is loud and ramps up and down, and some replaced it with the quieter cooler from the non-X model.8
  • Some owners report no boot on certain motherboards, with the CPU LED staying lit. A reset button press or BIOS update sometimes helped.8
  • Owners say the X model gains only a few percent over the non-X 3600, so it makes little sense unless the price difference is small.6
  • Owners say BIOS and AGESA updates changed all-core boost, dropping it from about 4.375 to 4.2 GHz, and idle voltage sometimes jumps to about 1.47 V.5
  • Owners say software encoding can max out the CPU at 95 to 100 percent while streaming, and older cards with weak encoders often lose stream quality.4
  • Some owners say their board locks voltage to the BIOS setting so offsets do nothing, and DRAM voltage caps at 1.2 V, blocking memory overclocks.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of processor AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 55% of models
Score components:

60%

5.7

Performance

18%

6.1

Architecture

10%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.5

Power & Thermal

4%

8.6

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

6.1
Reviews score
8.4
List score
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 65% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.6
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
AM4
This processor uses the AM4 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 75.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
Chipset
X570, B550, A520, X470, B450, X370, B350, A320
This processor supports X570, B550, A520, X470, B450, X370, B350, A320 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 74.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V instruction sets, which is broader support than 85.3% of processors and equal to that of 6% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
6
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 47.7% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
12
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 53% of processors and equal to 14.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.4 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.4 GHz which is higher than that of 48.6% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.8 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x3.8 GHz which is higher than that of 71.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
18,130
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 18,130 in PassMark, which is higher than 64.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
7 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 7 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 70.4% of processors and equal to that of 10.5% of processors.
Foundry
TSMC 7 nm
This processor is built on the TSMC 7 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 55.6% of processors and equal to that of 9.2% of processors.
L3 cache
32 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 32 MB which is larger than that of 89% of processors and equal to that of 2.7% of processors.
L2 cache
3 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 3 MB which is larger than that of 48.6% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
L1 cache
384 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 44% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
3,200 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 49.8% of processors and equal to 8.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-3200 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-3200 MHz, which is higher than that of 46.1% of processors and equal to 9.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 85.4% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
95 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 95 W which is higher than that of 87.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
95 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 95 W which is higher than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
N/A
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

AMD Ryzen 5 3600X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 8 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (24 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 usable lanes
    24 vs 16
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2.88x more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (5.3 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    5.33 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 58.1% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,130 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    18,130 vs 11,469
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • Includes a cooler
    This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
  • 25.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 89% of models

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (42)
    27 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 15 estimated from the review. 15 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 6.7
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4.0 vs 3.0
  • 25.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 89% of models

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (42)
    27 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 15 estimated from the review. 15 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 6.7
  • 13.9% higher sentiment score
    8.2 vs 7.2
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (AM4 vs FP5).
    AM4 vs FP5
  • Broader instruction support
    This processor supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 58.1% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,130 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    18,130 vs 11,469
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • 35.8% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,074 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    7,074 vs 5,209
  • 33.7% better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,751 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    3,751 vs 2,804.5
  • 2x higher bus transfer rate
    This processor has a higher bus transfer rate than the average processor (16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • 10 higher clock multiplier
    This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (38 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    38 vs 28
  • 8.5% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,666 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,666 vs 1,535
  • 2.88x more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (5.3 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    5.33 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 3.56x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    32 MB vs 9 MB
  • 58.2% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (74 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    74 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 41.7% smaller process node
    This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (7 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    7 nm vs 12 nm
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Matisse vs Kaby Lake).
    Matisse vs Kaby Lake
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 7 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 7 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • 8 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (24 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 usable lanes
    24 vs 16
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4.0 vs 3.0
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • Supports ECC memory
    This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.
  • Includes a cooler
    This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
  • 5 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • 21.8% lower list score
    List score
    6.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (2)
    List score: in 2 of 87 lists (2%)
    6.1 vs 7.8
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W
  • 40.7% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (235.9 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    235.9 vs 398.015
  • 5 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 21.8% lower list score
    List score
    6.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (2)
    List score: in 2 of 87 lists (2%)
    6.1 vs 7.8
  • Older TPM support
    This processor supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2 vs PTT 2).
    fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0
  • 40.7% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (235.9 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    235.9 vs 398.015
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W
  • 5 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
RandomGaminginHD
≈ estimated
15/01/2021
Used-buy check · gaming and Cinebench tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is still a good gaming chip for little money, but its long-term life after past abuse is uncertain.
7.0
KitGuruTech
≈ estimated
29/07/2019
Full review · gaming, productivity and value versus 3600
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a balanced chip for gaming and productivity, but the non-X model is usually the smarter buy.
4.0
Gamers Nexus
≈ estimated
14/07/2019
Hands-on review · benchmarks and value comparison
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X isn't worth its premium over the cheaper sibling for most buyers and only suits a niche.
9.0
eTeknix
≈ estimated
07/09/2022
Comparison · 20-game benchmarks and value analysis
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is still excellent value on the used market, and existing owners have no reason to upgrade.
8.0
Bits Tribe
≈ estimated
21/10/2019
Overclocking test · temperatures and rendering stability
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is manageable at 4.2 to 4.3 GHz for rendering, but higher overclocks need more voltage and run hotter.
4.0
Jarrod'sTech
≈ estimated
27/09/2019
Comparison with 3600 · benchmarks, cooler and value tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X isn't worth the premium over the 3600, since performance is nearly identical in games and apps.
6.0
PCGamesN
≈ estimated
17/08/2019
Comparison · gaming benchmarks and cooler tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a strong gaming chip, but the cheaper Ryzen 5 3600 is the better buy for most people.
4.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
21/07/2019
Comparison with 3600 · value, temperature and cooler tests
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X isn't worth the premium; the standard 3600 is the better buy with nearly identical performance.
8.0
Gear Seekers
≈ estimated
07/07/2019
Gaming benchmarks · comparison with Intel chips
Verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X offers excellent gaming value, but the cheaper 3600 is the better buy.
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
overclockers.com
≈ estimated
02/08/2019
Lab test · Overclocking and benchmarks
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a six-core chip that beats the Core i7-8700K in floating-point tests, but trails the older Ryzen 7 2700X in most multi-threaded tests.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
11/11/2019
Lab review · Mid-range CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a solid six-core chip for everyday PCs, with a larger cache and PCIe 4.0, but some games trail the Core i9-9900K.
8.0
pcper.com
≈ estimated
27/08/2019
Benchmark review · Gaming performance
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X performs close to the Ryzen 7 3700X in many games, but its 95 W rating is higher than the 3600's 65 W.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
15/08/2019
Hands-on test · Gaming focus
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a strong gaming chip that matches the Core i7-9700K overall, though it runs hotter than earlier Ryzen 5 models.
10
techradar.com
✓ explicit
18/11/2019
Gaming test · Mid-range six-core
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a fast six-core gaming chip with 15% more work per clock than the 2600X, but it still has only six cores.
10
digitalcitizen.life
✓ explicit
03/10/2025
Hands-on test · Mid-range CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a fast six-core chip for games and browsing, but its stock cooler can get noisy and trails the Ryzen 7 3700X in heavy work.
8.0
kitguru.net
✓ explicit
29/07/2019
Benchmark test · Motherboard advice
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a six-core chip best paired with a B450 board, a smarter pick than X570 for most buyers despite losing PCIe 4.0.
9.0
rockpapershotgun.com
≈ estimated
17/07/2019
Gaming test · Intel rival comparison
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X matches the Core i5-9600K at 1440p and ships with a cooler, though Intel's chip leads at 1080p.
9.0
techgage.com
≈ estimated
20/09/2019
Benchmark review · Windows testing
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a six-core Zen 2 chip with clear gains over its predecessor in Windows testing.
8.0
hardwarecooking.fr
≈ estimated
05/08/2019
Full test · Motherboard compatibility
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a six-core AM4 chip that works on B450 and X470 boards after a BIOS update, but has no integrated graphics.
8.0
tomshardware.fr
≈ estimated
26/08/2019
Lab test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a fast six-core chip for gaming and production that matches the Ryzen 7 3700X in many tests, though its 95 W power rating is higher.
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
30/03/2020
Benchmark review · Six-core all-rounder
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a balanced six-core chip that handles heavy work well, comes close to Intel's Core i5 in games, and keeps power use low.
8.6
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
30/07/2019
Full review · Mid-range six-core
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a six-core gaming chip for mid-to-high-range PCs, with a 95W rating suited to overclocking, though its stock cooler is basic.
9.4
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
04/08/2019
Review · Overclocking and benchmarks
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a well-balanced six-core chip whose Zen 2 gains show in single-core work, but it overclocks only modestly on standard coolers.
8.5
hardzone.es
✓ explicit
17/10/2019
Benchmark review · Gaming focus
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X runs games almost as fast as the Ryzen 7 3700X, but its six cores fall well behind in heavy multi-core rendering.
7.0
hwupgrade.it
≈ estimated
22/07/2019
Benchmark test · Ryzen 5 2600X comparison
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a solid six-core upgrade over the 2600X, averaging 11.2% more performance across tests, with smaller gains in games.
9.5
tomshw.it
≈ estimated
09/08/2019
Benchmark test · Intel comparison
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X closes most of the gaming gap with Intel and leads in multi-threaded work, but uses more power than Intel chips.
10
global.techradar.com
✓ explicit
16/01/2020
Lab test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a strong gaming chip that nearly matches Intel's Core i9-9900K in single-core speed and ships with a cooler.
8.0
techtesters.eu
≈ estimated
20/09/2019
Buying guide · Gaming PC build
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is barely faster than the Ryzen 5 3600, so most builders should go for the non-X chip instead.
8.0
hardware.info
≈ estimated
17/07/2019
Benchmark review · Gaming and workloads
Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a six-core chip that competes with Intel's Core i5s, offering 200MHz more boost than its 3600 sibling and a stronger bundled cooler.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

  • Leading performance in gaming and multi-threaded productivity for its price range
  • Excellent value for money, often outperforming more expensive Intel competitors
  • Support for cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 standard for faster SSD speeds
  • Includes a capable Wraith Spire cooling fan in the box
  • Backwards-compatible with many older AM4 motherboards
  • Significant architectural improvements over previous generations (Zen 2)
  • Robust management via the Ryzen Master software utility

What customers don't like about AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

  • Questionable value compared to the cheaper non-X Ryzen 5 3600 variant
  • Stock cooler can become quite loud and high-pitched under heavy loads
  • Tends to run hot, sometimes reaching 95°C during intensive stress tests
  • Limited manual overclocking headroom as it already boosts near its limits
  • Single-core performance can still lag slightly behind specific Intel alternatives in older software
  • Higher platform costs if a new X570 motherboard is required for full PCIe 4.0 support

Verdict

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X is a mid-range desktop processor based on the Zen 2 7nm architecture, featuring 6 cores and 12 threads with a 3.8GHz base clock and a 4.4GHz max boost clock. It includes a massive 35MB of total cache (32MB L3), a 95W TDP, and native support for PCIe 4.0 and DDR4-3200 memory on the AM4 socket. Key advantages include excellent multi-threaded performance for productivity, strong gaming capabilities that rival contemporary Intel competitors, an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, and a bundled Wraith Spire cooler. However, it lacks integrated graphics, can run relatively hot under heavy loads even with the stock cooler, and is often cited as having a poor price-to-performance ratio compared to the nearly identical but cheaper non-X Ryzen 5 3600.

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