As one of AMD‘s most popular budget CPUs since launching back in 2019, the Ryzen 5 3600 enjoyed tremendous success as the go-to mainstream processor for gaming builds over the past few years.
However, as we move later into its lifecycle in 2023, while still a capable chip, the Ryzen 3600 is facing stiffer competition from both newer generation AMD and Intel processors.
Before you grab one at today‘s heavily discounted prices, let‘s carefully evaluate whether the 3600 remains a smart purchase right now or if you‘d be better served by one of the compelling alternatives now available.
At a Glance: Ryzen 5 3600 Key Specs
Before digging in, let‘s recap the 3600‘s core specifications:
| Specs | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | July 7, 2019 |
| CPU Cores/Threads | 6 cores / 12 threads |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost Clock | Up to 4.2 GHz |
| TDP | 65W |
| Overclockable | Yes |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Integrated Graphics | No |
First debuted at $199, the 3600‘s strength was its excellent value proposition, delivering fast 6-core/12-thread performance that rivaled pricier chips.
But now well into its lifecycle, how has the 3600 held up? Does it remain a smart purchase here in 2023? Let‘s dig deeper…
Why You May Want To Avoid the 3600 in 2023
There‘s no denying the 3600 was the budget darling CPU for quite a long time. However, age is catching up with it:
Lacking Integrated Graphics
The 3600 lacks any integrated GPU, being based on AMD‘s older Zen 2 architecture. This means you must have a video card, increasing overall system cost. No iGPU also limits troubleshooting if any GPU issues arise down the line.
Having that graphics fallback is becoming more of an expected feature. So the lack of an integrated GPU is a compromising downgrade versus something like the 5600G.
Single-Thread Speed Deficit
In single-threaded workloads, an important metric for gaming, the 3600 sees a 10-15% performance gap versus newer Ryzen and Intel chips at similar pricing:
| CPU | Single-Thread Rating |
|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 3600 | 1,190 |
| Ryzen 5 5600 | 1,358 |
| Intel i5-12400F | 1,416 |
This impacts frame rates, boot/loading times, and general snappiness – key considerations for many. Zen 2 is starting to show its age in raw single core throughput versus latest generation designs.
Overclocking Headroom Maxed Out
As a 65W Zen 2 processor, there‘s not much overclocking flexibility baked in. Generally the limit is around 4.3 GHz across all cores assuming reasonable voltages and thermals.
Compare this to something like the Ryzen 5600 non-X that easily hits 4.7+ GHz. If overclocking headroom is important, newer CPUs offer more.
Better Alternatives to the 3600 in 2023
Given the 3600‘s shortcomings for a 2023 build, two alternatives that make better long term options:
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (Non-X)
At just $30 more than today‘s heavily discounted 3600 pricing, the non-X 5600 gives you Zen 3 architecture, faster clocks, PCIe 4.0, and excellent overclocking:
| CPU | Ryzen 5 3600 | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | July 2019 | April 2022 |
| CPU Cores/Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| Overclocking Potential | ~4.3 GHz max | 4.7+ GHz |
| Integrated Graphics | No | No |
| MSRP | $199 (now $120 discounted) | $149 |
For just $20 more than today‘s clearance 3600, the 5600 gives you a nice performance jump thanks to Zen 3.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
If you need integrated graphics, the Ryzen 5 5600G packs 6-cores and decent Vega integrated graphics for $155, perfect for a budget gaming rig:
| CPU | Ryzen 5 3600 | Ryzen 5 5600G |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | July 2019 | August 2021 |
| CPU Cores/Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| iGPU | None | Radeon Vega 7 |
| Overclocking Potential | ~4.3 GHz max | 4.4 GHz |
| MSRP | $199 (now $120 discounted) | $259 (now $155) |
The 5600G gives you Radeon Vega 7 graphics onboard, perfect for systems where no video card is needed for lighter workloads and 2D acceleration tasks.
When the Ryzen 3600 Still Makes Sense in 2023
Given the major downsides covered on the aging 3600, are there still cases where it makes sense in 2023? Two scenarios:
Extreme Budget Build – If you literally can‘t go a dollar over say a $500 total spending limit, opting for a $120 3600 to squeeze into your max budget could be reasonable, provided you understand the compromises around lack of an iGPU and lower performance. Just know a 5600G build would fare better long term.
Drop-In Upgrade for X370/X470/B350/B450 – Owners of older 300/400-series AMD AM4 boards could drop in a discounted 3600 for a quick CPU boost before upgrading their whole platform later on. Avoiding a mobo swap helps keep costs down if you just want a temporary CPU performance kick.
Outside of those niche cases, our recommendation is to invest the small premium into newer hardware like the affordable 5600/5600G instead that will deliver better, longer lasting performance.
Conclusion – Look Elsewhere for 2023 Builds
In my opinion, the Ryzen 3600‘s age is really showing in 2023 compared to latest generation alternatives that outclass it across the board while adding in newer features like PCIe 4.0 and integrated graphics.
Lack of an iGPU, only average single threaded throughput, limited OC flexibility make the 3600 tough to still recommend to most builders doing new systems this year as superior options exist for just a tiny bit more money.
Of course, if found for a steep discount under $100 in an extreme budget build, it can still deliver playable frame rates in games. But why settle for aging hardware when superior parts that cost just a little more provide better underlying performance and critical features the 3600 now lacks.
So in summary – proceed with caution if eyeing a 3600 in 2023. While its legendary status as AMD‘s famed $200 champion will live on, most new builders are better served springing for one of the more well rounded alternatives covered above.
Let me know if this overview helped explain whether the Ryzen 3600 still makes sense for you here several years after its release! I‘m happy to offer any other CPU recommendations as well if you‘re evaluating options.
