PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Ryzen 5 2600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Pinnacle Riege (Zen+) (2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,145 points. Launch price was $199.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 2600

#432

Core i5-4460S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $50

102%

#433

Core i9-7940X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $275

102%

#434

Core i3-10305

MSRP: $149|Avg: $100

102%

#435

Phenom X4 9600B

MSRP: $278|Avg: $20

102%

#436

Core i3-9320

MSRP: $154|Avg: $80

101%

#437

Core i5-2550K

MSRP: $235|Avg: $46

101%

#438

Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

101%

#439

Core i3-10105

MSRP: $122|Avg: $90

101%

#440

Core i7-4771

MSRP: $320|Avg: $78

101%

#441

Core i3-13100E

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

101%

#442

Core i9-13900F

MSRP: $524|Avg: $536

101%

#443

Athlon 64 X2 6000+

MSRP: $450|Avg: $20

101%

#444

Pentium G840

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

101%

#445

Processor 300

MSRP: $82|Avg: $80

100%

#446

Ryzen 7 7800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $378.13

100%

#447

Ryzen 5 2600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $145

100%

#448

Core i3-4170

MSRP: $117|Avg: $40

100%

#449

Ryzen 5 2400GE

MSRP: $169|Avg: $80

100%

#450

Ryzen 5 1600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $144

100%

#451

Celeron G3930

MSRP: $42|Avg: $25

100%

#452

Core i9-14900KS

MSRP: $749|Avg: $670

100%

#453

Athlon II X2 280

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

100%

#454

Athlon II X4 600e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

99%

#455

Core i7-6800K

MSRP: $434|Avg: $120

98%

#456

Core i3-3210

MSRP: $117|Avg: $25

98%

#457

Core i3-8100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $59

98%

#458

Core i7-13700E

MSRP: $390|Avg: $380

98%

#459

A10-9700

MSRP: $169|Avg: $40

98%

#460

Athlon II X2 270

MSRP: $72|Avg: $15

98%

#461

Athlon X2 340

MSRP: $30|Avg: $15

98%

#462

Ryzen 7 PRO 5750G

MSRP: $430|Avg: $270

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Ryzen 5 2600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Ryzen 5 2600 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Ryzen 5 2600 is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Pinnacle Riege (Zen+) (2018) architecture, manufactured on a 12 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 3 MB of L2 cache and 96K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 13,145, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,163, while multi-core reaches 4,893. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 6,344.

Specification	Ryzen 5 2600
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Pinnacle Riege (Zen+) (2018)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	12 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	16 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	3 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	96K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	192 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	4,800 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	95 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	13,145
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	6,344
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,163
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	4,893

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Ryzen 5 2600 fits into the AM4 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2933 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.

Specification	Ryzen 5 2600
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	AMD Ryzen 5
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM4
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	20
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2933
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	AMD B450,AMD X470,AMD B350,AMD X370
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Ryzen 5 2600 is primarily designed for General Productivity. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i5-9400.

Specification	Ryzen 5 2600
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	General Productivity
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Core i5-9400

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Ryzen 5 2600 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: false.

Specification	Ryzen 5 2600
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	95 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	false

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $145 (MSRP: $199), the Ryzen 5 2600 delivers 91 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1133 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Ryzen 5 2600
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$199
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$145
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$199
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1133
Release DateLaunch date	19 April 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	GlobalFoundries