Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

AMD Ryzen 5 5600 vs AMD Ryzen 5 3500

Buy the Ryzen 5 5600 for a general-purpose or gaming build. It has 6 cores and 12 threads, Zen 3, and 32 MB of L3 cache, so it handles modern games and multitasking far better than the 3500. The 3500 is a 6-thread Zen 2 part and only makes sense at a steep discount. Latest prices: $140.84 at the lowest daily price on November 3 for the 5600, and $71.90 for the 3500 as of November 3.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 5600

AMD Ryzen 5 5600 Processor

4.9(4,300 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the Ryzen 5 5600 if you want 12 threads, Zen 3 speed and 32 MB of cache for gaming or everyday work.

Pros
  • 12 threads handle games and multitasking better
  • Zen 3 gives much higher per-core performance
  • 32 MB L3 cache helps in games
  • 65 W TDP, easy to cool
  • 4.9 out of 5 from 4,300 ratings
Cons
  • Costs about twice the 3500
  • No integrated graphics
  • Needs a BIOS-updated AM4 board on older chipsets
AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 3500 Desktop Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 3500

AMD Ryzen 5 3500 Desktop Processor

5(48 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the Ryzen 5 3500 if you need a cheap 6-core AM4 chip for light tasks and the $71.90 price matters more than threads.

Pros
  • About $69 cheaper at $71.90
  • 6 cores at 65 W
  • Unlocked multiplier
  • Same AM4 socket
Cons
  • Only 6 threads, no SMT
  • Zen 2 with 16 MB L3 cache
  • Tray packaging may ship without a cooler
  • Only 48 ratings

What separates them

AMD Ryzen 5 5600AMD Ryzen 5 3500
ArchitectureZen 3Zen 2
Threads12 (6 cores, SMT)6 (no SMT)
L3 cache32 MB16 MB
Base / boost clock3.5 GHz base3.6 GHz base, 4.1 GHz boost
Cooler in boxWraith Stealth includedWraith Stealth listed, tray packaging also sold
TDP65 W65 W
SocketAM4AM4
Price$140.84 lowest daily price on November 3$71.90 as of November 3

Price history

$144.49$71.90
Nov 1Nov 4
  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600: lowest $140.84 on Nov 3 at Grooves-Inc.com.
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3500: lowest $71.90 on Nov 3 at eBay; $71.90 on Nov 4.

Prices at every store

AMD Ryzen 5 5600

  • AAAwaveCheck price at AAAwave
  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • AVADirect Custom ComputersCheck price at AVADirect Custom Computers
Prices and history →

AMD Ryzen 5 3500

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecAMD Ryzen 5 5600AMD Ryzen 5 3500
Socket TypeSocket AM4Socket AM4
Number Of Cores6-core6-core
Supports OverclockingYesYes
Clock Speed3.5 GHz3.6 GHz
Cache Memory32 MB cache memory16 MB cache memory
TDP65 watts65W
Cores—6
Threads—6
Base Clock—3.6 GHz
Boost Clock—4.1 GHz
Cache (L2+L3)—16 MB
CPU Socket Type—AMD AM4
Show all 16 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAMD Ryzen 5 5600AMD Ryzen 5 3500
L2 Cache—3 MB
L3 Cache—16 MB
Microarchitecture—Zen 2
Packaging—Tray

What reviewers say

AMD Ryzen 5 5600

  • 4.9 / 54,300 ratings

Owners rate it very highly, calling it one of the best value gaming CPUs on AM4. Most praise the price-to-performance, low heat and easy drop-in upgrade. Complaints center on the missing cooler and the need for a BIOS update on older boards.

What people mention
  • ValuePraisedBuyers repeatedly call it the best price-to-performance pick for a budget gaming build.
  • ThermalsPraisedOwners report low temperatures and quiet operation at its 65 W rating.
  • GamingPraisedReviewers say it keeps up in most games at 1080p and 1440p with a mid-range GPU.
  • CoolerCriticisedMany buyers note the retail chip ships without a cooler and needs one bought separately.

AMD Ryzen 5 3500

  • 5 / 548 ratings

Buyers rate it 5 out of 5 across 48 ratings, mostly for value and gaming performance at a low price. Few complaints appear in the ratings given.

What people mention
  • ValuePraisedOwners say it delivers six Zen 2 cores for very little money.
  • GamingPraisedBuyers report smooth frame rates in mainstream games.
  • ThermalsPraisedThe 65W TDP keeps temperatures and fan noise low.
  • Thread countMixedSix threads are fine for games but tight for heavy multitasking.

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming?
The Ryzen 5 5600. Zen 3, 12 threads and 32 MB of L3 cache give it a clear lead in modern games over the 6-thread 3500.
Is the 5600 worth the extra money?
For most builds, yes. At $140.84 versus $71.90 on November 3, the 5600 costs about $69 more and roughly doubles thread count and cache.
Do both fit the same motherboard?
Yes, both use Socket AM4. Older boards may need a BIOS update before they boot the 5600.
Does the 3500 come with a cooler?
The listing describes a Wraith Stealth cooler, but it also lists tray packaging. Confirm the boxed version before buying if you need the cooler.
Which runs cooler?
Both are rated at 65 W TDP, so cooling needs are similar. The 5600 does more work per watt.
Can I overclock both?
Yes, both are unlocked. Gains are modest on either chip.

More comparisons

  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600 Processor vs Intel Xeon E5504 2.00 GHz 4-Core Processor
  • Intel Core i3-14100 Processor vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600 Processor
  • Intel Core i3-12100 Processor vs AMD Ryzen 5 3500 Desktop Processor