Are you looking for a perfect processor to build your computer? Then you are at the right place. In this guide, we are going to compare two AMD processors: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X vs Ryzen 5 3600X. Both are perfect for gaming and productivity use cases. Let’s see how they perform against each other to pick the better one!
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X vs Ryzen 5 3600X: Side By Side Comparison Chart
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AMD Ryzen 7 2700X vs Ryzen 5 3600X: Similarities
AMD Ryzen processors have been gaining popularity since their first release. Because they offer the best functionality for the money. If you are on a budget, these Ryzen processors are right for you as they offer an impressive performance ratio at a lower price compared to their intel counterpart.
The AMD Ryzen 2700X is the top-of-the-line processor back in its time. On the other hand, the Ryzen 3600x is the middle offering in its product lineup. Although, both AMD Ryzen CPUs differ in many ways, they share some common properties. Let’s see the similar specifics of the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X and the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X.
DDR4 Memory & Memory Channels
Both the AMD Ryzen 7 2700x and Ryzen 5 3600x can accommodate DDR4 memory sticks. DDR4 memory sticks have higher frequencies which translate to better overall performance than DDR3 memory sticks. The DDR4 runs slowest at 2133 MHz frequency, while the DDR3 runs fastest at 1866 MHz frequency.
Moreover, both AMD Ryzen processors have dual-channel configuration (fastest configuration on which they can run). Thus, they do not support quad-channel configuration. However, You can utilize four DDR4 memories with these processors.
Which Motherboard is Compatible with Them?
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X and Ryzen 5 3600X are compatible with the AM4 motherboard. Therefore, you can select a socket according to your needs among 9 different AM4 chipsets such as A300, X570, X370, B350, and many more. Choose wisely because these chipsets have different form factors and features.
Even Though the Ryzen 2700X and 3600X are compatible with all AM4, chipset, you should consider their motherboard compatibility. Because they may not be compatible with some out-of-the-box motherboard. However, if you already have a motherboard, you can accommodate either the Ryzen 3600X or 2700X by updating its bios.
Are the Ryzen 7 2700X And Ryzen 5 3600X Overclockable Processors?
It is easy to determine which AMD Ryzen processors are overclockable and which are not. Remember all AMD’s X-version processors are overclockable. So, both the Ryzen 7 2700X and the Ryzen 5 3600X are overclockable.
Moreover, included thermal solutions are sufficient for daily use cases without overclocking. With the stock Wraith coolers, you can attain up to 4.0 GHz on all cores comfortably. Indeed, some customers even reach 4.1-4.2 GHz, but your mileage may differ. However, you must get a more efficient thermal solution (water or air cooler) for them to reach a higher CPU frequency.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X vs Ryzen 5 3600X: Differences
Now we are going to look at the specifics that make The Ryzen 7 2700X and Ryzen 5 3600X apart from one another.
On Which Zen Architecture They Runs?
AMD introduces the latest processor design named Zen architecture in their new versions. This architecture can execute more instruction per cycle. Moreover, Zen is more energy-efficient than the previous Bulldozer architecture.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
The Ryzen 7 2700X runs on the Zen+ architecture which offers higher clock speeds. Zen+ architecture is the refined version of original Zen architecture. All 2nd generation Ryzen processors from AMD including the Ryzen 2700X, carry this 12nm microarchitecture. It provides improved power consumption along with higher speeds than its ancestor.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
In Contrast, the Ryzen 5 3600X comes with Zen 2 architecture, the successor version of Zen+. Zen 2 is the next generation of Zen microarchitecture, while Zen is just its refinement. AMD improves single-thread performance, power consumption, multi-thread scaling, instruction per cycle, and overall efficiency in Zen 2 over the Zen+ microarchitecture.
The Winner Is: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Supported PCI Express Version
PCIe allows you to connect peripheral hardware like solid-state drives, graphic cards, and sound cards to the motherboard. AMD recently provide PCIe 4.0 support to the user so they can get improved performance.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
Unfortunately, The Ryzen 7 2700X does not support PCIe 4.0 so you cannot enjoy the speed its offers. However, this does not matter a lot because PCIe 4.0 is not widespread yet. It supports only PCIe 3.0, and you are better off with this version in the current era.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
On the other hand, The Ryzen 5 3600X comes with PCIe 4.0 support. Thus, you can exploit faster performance with it. Generally, there are still limited PCIe 4.0 devices. However, your system will be future-proof if you go with the AMD 3600X.
Feasibly, you can buy a PCIe 4.0 GPU to improve your system’s performance. However, only AMD’s 500-series motherboard has this support.
The Winner Is: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Which Perform Better: AMD Ryzen 7 2700x or Ryzen 5 3600x?
Do you notice the huge difference between these AMD Ryzen processors while looking at the comparison chart? The Ryzen 7 2700X offers more cores and threads while the Ryzen 5 3600X runs at higher clock speeds. Do these factors determine which one performs better? Let’s see the Ryzen 2700X performance against Ryzen 3600X to make a finishing resolution.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
AMD Ryzen processor with 16 threads is an octa-core processor. It runs on a marginally lower base clock speed of 3.7 GHz. In theory, more cores translate to better performance although it is running at a lower frequency. Moreover, you can overclock this processor easily.
In terms of productivity, it shines in tasks such as streaming and rendering that utilize more cores. However, we highlighted earlier that The Ryzen 2700X runs around the older Zen+ microarchitecture. So, it is slightly inferior to 3600X in terms of gaming.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Although the Ryzen 3600X comes with lower cores and threads than the Ryzen 7 2700X, it features a higher base clock speed of 3.8 GHz. It gives you faster and superior performance and even performs faster when you overclock the 3600X processor.
Moreover, the Ryzen 5 3600X is built on newer architecture, resulting in a faster single, dual, and quad cores performance than the Ryzen 7 2700X. In terms of gaming, you can enjoy an average of 10% more frames per second in PUBG, GTA V, Fortnite, and more.
The Winner Is: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Ryzen 2700x vs 3600x- RAM Support
You can not run a computer without RAM. This is an integral part of the system. Moreover, consumers prefer higher- capacity and faster memory that provides better overall performance.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
The Ryzen 7 2700X can support DDR4 memory up to 64 GB only. Although it supports 64 GB memory, this is quite decent for gaming and video editing. However, the 2700X comes with a slower frequency (up to 2933 MHz) and does not support higher speeds. Memory sticks with 3200 MHz are cheaper and considered the sweet spot these days. Additionally, DDR4 sticks with speeds up to 5000 MHz are also available in the market. But again, 64 GB RAM with 2933 MHz frequency suits most use cases.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Conversely, The Ryzen 5 3600X supports faster and higher capacity RAM. You can integrate the Ryzen 3600X with RAM up to 128 GB with up to 3200 MHz frequency.
The Winner Is: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Ryzen 3600x vs 2700x- Which one Consume More Power?
A system is more energy-efficient if it consumes less power. Therefore, it is important to consider the TDP (Thermal Design Power) of processors before choosing the one. Moreover, power consumption is especially important while choosing a processor cooling system and for laptops. The TDP specification in the cooler should be greater than the TDP of the compared processor.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
The Ryzen 7 2700X processor has a higher TDP of 105W. Therefore, it has higher power consumption than the 3600X.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
In contrast, the Ryzen 5 3600x processor has a lower TDP of 95W. So, it is more energy-efficient as it has less power consumption than the 2700X.
The Winner Is: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Included Thermal Solutions in The Ryzen 7 2700X and Ryzen 5 3600X
The thermal solution is another thing that apart AMD’s Processors from Intel. AMD includes a more robust and weightier stock air cooler in its processors. Besides, they are more capable of overclocking which is not possible with Intel’s air cooler.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
Although The Ryzen 7 processor has a higher TDP, it comes with an equally sturdier Wraith Prism air cooler. This air cooler is heavier than its competitors and weighs about 580 grams. Moreover, it has a surprising cooling performance and cools down 2700X better.
Furthermore, the Wraith Prism features RGB lights. You can control these lights by using any third-party RGB management for instance Razer Chroma, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and AAS (Asus Aura Sync). Besides, there is a difference in 7-degree in both non-overclocked and overclocked situations.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
The Ryzen 5 3600X feature a Wraith Spire air cooler which also comes with a copper slug at its base. It is 36% lighter than Prism and weighs only 372 grams. Comparatively, Wraith Prism performs better than Spire. However, Spire is still a good thermal solution for the Ryzen 5 as it has a lower TDP of 95W. Moreover, the Wraith Spire also features addressable RGB if you are concerned about that.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X vs Ryzen 5 3600X: Pros & Cons
Let’s check out the pros and cons of the Ryzen 7 2700X and Ryzen 5 3600X to verify which AMD processor is a better choice.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=” AMD Ryzen 7 2700X” cons_title=”AMD Ryzen 5 3600X” ][i2pros]Pros:
• The Ryzen 7 2700X gives better productivity overall with a higher thread and core count.
• It comes with a sturdier and improved air cooler.
• Performance is still respectable even it’s belonged to previous generation processors.
Cons:
• Lower memory capacity
• Your system is not longer future-proof because of its old architecture and PCIe 3.0 support.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Pros:
• The Ryzen 5 3600X gives better performance in games.
• Better overall single-core, multi-core performance.
• You can overclock the Ryzen 5 with an included thermal solution for boosting overall performance.
• It makes your system future-proof with its PCIe 4.0 support, newer architecture, and higher memory capacity.
Cons:
• Although Wraith Spire is a capable air cooler, it gives inferior performance to Prism.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
FAQs
Is Ryzen 5 3600X better than Ryzen 7 2700X?
Yes, Ryzen 5 3600X is more efficient and gives better overall performance against the Ryzen 7 2700X.
Is Ryzen 7 better than Ryzen 5 for gaming?
No! Ryzen 5 can handle gaming even better. However, Ryzen 7 has 8 cores that are more than enough to handle high-end games.
Is Ryzen 5 3600X better than Ryzen 7 2600X?
Yes, Ryzen 5 is based on Zen 2 architecture and delivers better performance.
What is the best motherboard for Ryzen 7 2700X?
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F is one of the best motherboards for the Ryzen 7 2700X.
Is Ryzen 7 better than i5?
If you are on a budget Ryzen 7 gives you better value for money. It provides faster CPU speed, more threads, and higher RAM speed at a reasonable price.
Is Ryzen 7 good for gaming?
Yes! It is an octa-core processor with an integrated RX Vega Graphics. It is good for even 1080p gaming.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X vs Ryzen 5 3600X: Final Verdict
To summarize, the clear winner of this Ryzen 2700X vs 3600X comparison is The Ryzen 5 3600X. We look at their strengths and weaknesses in this article. The Ryzen 5 3600X is a better choice for building an AMD-based system because it is energy efficient and performs better either for productivity or gaming. Although 3600X is more expensive, it is worth your extra money. We recommend Ryzen 5 3600X over the Ryzen 7 2700X for your PC.