Computer processors are essential, whether you’re editing, multi-tasking, or gaming. Today in our AMD Ryzen 5 3600X review, we’ll take a look at all the benefits you get with a fast processor, which is the Ryzen 5 3600X.
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is often referred to as one of the most critical parts of your computer. It does all the processing and carries out all the program’s instructions.
Today, they’re still very crucial for most consumers’ PCs, especially for gamers’. Back in 2011, Intel has dominated the CPU market for almost half a decade, which led to AMD losing the competition.
AMD has always been the budget option for gamers. In 2017 though, the rise of AMD Ryzen shocked everyone and Intel’s in serious trouble.
AMD has come a long way, and we wanted to see how far AMD has become since its first generation of Ryzen processors.
While Intel has been known in the gaming industry as a better choice due to faster single cores, AMD’s Ryzen, on the other hand, provides better multi-core performance and gives more threads with an excellent price.
AMD’s Ryzen Zen 3 processors are already here, but the Zen 2 processors are still a go-to for gamers today. However, in addition to gamers, they are also used by many other people who create 3D models or edit videos. This processor has passed various load tests, and you can safely run several programs in parallel, for example, work in Photoshop, add sound to a video for your blog, surf the Internet, and do something else and nothing will slow down.
We’ll also compare the 3600X to different processors and see how it stacks up. But before we perform various tasks with the Ryzen 5 3600X, let’s first head over to the packaging section of our AMD Ryzen 5 3600X review.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Packaging
Just like any other processor, the Ryzen 5 3600X comes with a standard square box. The front side indicates the generation and processor family. There’s also a nice Ryzen logo in the middle and the AMD logo at the top-left corner.
At the left side of the box, you’ll see what CPU cooler is included. In this case, the Ryzen 5 3600X comes with a Wraith Spire. At the other side is where you’ll see the actual processor you get.
Lastly, there’s another AMD logo at the top along with the seal that indicates the exact processor and its specifications.
As we opened the box, we first got the instructions manual, followed by the processor and sticker on the left side and another box. Inside the black box, you’ll get the included CPU cooler with a thermal paste underneath.
Overall, the packaging is typically the same as how it used to be, and it’s good to see that it’s still decent. Let’s move over to the design and functionality section of our AMD Ryzen 5 3600X review.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Review – Design and Functionality
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X processor comes with pins and still uses the same platform as the first generation, the AM4 socket. You’ll also find printed details on the IHS metal plate.
Also, the processor name, model, clock speed, specification code, and FPO code are all present. The Ryzen 5 3600X uses 7nm compute die, which is also more efficient. In specific, it means lower operating voltages and all the traits associated with lower voltage.
Unlike Intel, the Ryzen processors have excellent backwards compatibility with motherboards. Currently, Intel uses LGA1200 for their 10th and 11th gen processor, while AMD still uses AM4.
The Ryzen Zen 2 chips utilise PCIe 4.0 on any motherboard, as long as the BIOS supports the processor’s microcode. While there’s also a silicon lottery on Ryzen chips, Gamers Nexus proved that AMD does indeed improve it over time.
While it supports most AM4 motherboards, an X470 or X570 motherboard is still recommended, especially overclocking due to their better VRM and capacitors. But in our opinion, overclocking heavily relies on your cooler.
In general, all Ryzen processors are unlocked and can be overclocked. But if you’re using the stock cooler, you’ll probably be a little bit behind the maximum potential of the processor. So an excellent aftermarket cooler is your best bet if you’re overclocking at higher speeds.
On stock clocks, the Ryzen 5 3600X can hold up against a 9600K and an 8700K with little to none performance difference. With that said, at least you have an idea about the raw performance of the Ryzen 5 3600X.
Comparing it to the previous generation, the 3600X is about 34% faster in eSports titles. However, 2600X users don’t need to upgrade to the 3600X just yet, since the overall performance of 2600X is still excellent.
Typically, most games use only 4 – 8 cores/threads, so even a 3300X should be able to handle daily tasks especially if you’re only focusing on games. But if you’re also streaming, the 3600X can be very beneficial because of its six cores and 12 threads.
Intel, in comparison, still uses the 14nm Skylake architecture, which is almost five years old now. When comparing both Intel and AMD in terms of yearly performance gains, AMD now has the upper hand.
Key Features of the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
PCIe 4.0 Ready
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X CPU comes with a PCIe 4.0 controller that makes your NVMe drive blazingly faster than ever. Get a compatible motherboard and enjoy the new PCIe 4.0 speed.
Easily Overclockable
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X CPU is factory unlocked and can easily be overclocked on any motherboard chipset.
Excellent Gaming Performance Per Dollar
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X CPU currently costs at $200 with a performance close to an i5 9600K and an i7 8700K.
Up to DDR4 3200MHz
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X CPU supports up to 3200MHz RAM. To prevent experiencing problems reaching 3200MHz frequency, opt for an X570 motherboard.
Backwards Compatibility
As mentioned above, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X CPU supports B350, B450, X470, X370, and X570 chipsets through a simple BIOS update.
TSMC 7nm FinFET & Efficient
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X CPU uses the more efficient 7nm architecture by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Smaller architecture helps in efficiency and lessens the heat that it produces.
Specifications
This section is all about the Ryzen 5’s 3600X specifications here in our AMD Ryzen 5 3600X review.
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X has six cores and 12 threads in total, which means that each core has two threads. It has a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a turbo clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz.
The thermal solution or the CPU cooler that came with the processor is the Wraith Spire. The Ryzen 5 3600X is unlocked for overclocking, and has a maximum temperature of up to 95 °C, with a TDP of 95 W.
The total L1 cache is 384 KB, while the total L3 cache is 32 MB. For the CPU socket, it supports AM4 motherboards, assuming the BIOS supports it.
Motherboard Compatibility
The Ryzen 5 3600X and other Zen 2 processors are compatible with B450, X470, and X570 chipsets.
B350 and X370 motherboards may also work, but it highly depends on the motherboard’s manufacturer and their BIOS updates.
Others have also reported that A320 motherboards got a BIOS update for Zen 2 processors to work. There’s also speculation with the new Ryzen CPUs that the silicon is better.
We’ll put everything to test and see if the silicon claims to be better than the previous 2019 release.
However, there were many instances where people got PCIe Gen4 working on older motherboards.
It also supports a maximum RAM speed of 3200 MHz as long as your motherboard can run it or OC the RAM. Now that we’re done with all the technical specifications, let’s move to the hands-on section of our AMD Ryzen 5 3600X review.
If you do require yourself needing more information you can always find Processor Users Manuals online.
Hands-on with the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
In this section, we’ll be benchmarking the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X on different benchmark tools and games. That way, we’ll get a clear view of how powerful the CPU is.
Benchmarks
Cinebench R20 Multi-Core
The Ryzen 5 3600X scores at 3712 pts.
Cinebench R20 Single-Core
Meanwhile, the single-core performance gets a score of 523 pts.
Gaming with the Ryzen 5 3600X
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (DX11) @1080p Very High Preset
On Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, we saw an average frame rate of 106 fps.
Battlefield V (DX11) @1080p Ultra Preset
On Battlefield V, the average fps of Ryzen 5 3600X is 157.
The Division 2 (DX12) @1080p Ultra Preset
On The Division 2, the average fps of Ryzen 5 3600X is 159 fps.
Now, let’s head to the summary section of our AMD Ryzen 5 3600X review and tell you all our opinions.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Review Summary
We’re now in the summary section of our AMD Ryzen 5 3600X review, and it’s time to tell us our thoughts and opinions if it’s worth it.
Out of the box, the Ryzen 5 3600X is still one of the best processors to this day. If you’re wondering if the “X” version is worth it, we’ll answer that for you. If you’re willing to spend more for the extra 200 MHz, it’ll give you better performance on heavier multi-threaded workloads.
But comparing it to the regular Ryzen 5 3600 on games, there isn’t a significant difference. But if you’re overclocking, there could be at least 15 to 25% difference in performance.
We’ve seen most people overclock the Ryzen 5 3600 at only 4.15 GHz with 1.35 V, while the Ryzen 5 3600X can reach up to 4.3 GHz with 1.35 V also at all cores. Some also claim that stepping up the voltage gives another 100 MHz headroom, but do take note that you should also monitor the temperature.
The Ryzen 5 3600X is the sweetest spot for everyone. It’s undoubtedly a relevant upgrade over the previous generation chips and capable of both multi-threaded everyday workloads, content creation, and gaming performance.
Also, when comparing it to the Intel Core i7 8700K, the 3600X holds up with a significantly lower price tag. At this point, AMD is finally stepping up their game to defeat Intel processors.
Overall, the Ryzen 5 3600X highly impressed us with what it can do. If you’d like to get your hands on one of these, click here to go to their shop locator.
