{"id":37187,"date":"2019-10-31T22:16:15","date_gmt":"2019-10-31T19:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prohoster.info\/blog\/novaya-statya-obzor-protsessorov-amd-ryzen-5-3600x-i-ryzen-5-3600-shestiyadernik-zdorovogo-cheloveka\/"},"modified":"2019-10-31T22:16:15","modified_gmt":"2019-10-31T19:16:15","slug":"novaya-statya-obzor-protsessorov-amd-ryzen-5-3600x-i-ryzen-5-3600-shestiyadernik-zdorovogo-cheloveka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prohoster.info\/en\/blog\/news\/novaya-statya-obzor-protsessorov-amd-ryzen-5-3600x-i-ryzen-5-3600-shestiyadernik-zdorovogo-cheloveka","title":{"rendered":"New Article: Review of AMD Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600 Processors: A Six-Core Marvel for Every User","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

The Ryzen 5 six-core processors gained widespread recognition long before AMD transitioned to the Zen 2 microarchitecture. Both the first and second generations of Ryzen 5 six-cores became a popular choice in their price segment due to AMD's strategy: offering consumers enhanced multithreading capabilities than Intel processors at a similar or even lower price. AMD's models from 2017-2018 in the $200-250 price range not only featured six computing cores but also supported the SMT virtualization technology, allowing them to execute up to 12 streams simultaneously. This capability became a crucial advantage against the Core i5; in many computational tasks, the first-generation Ryzen 5 indeed outperformed the Intel options available at that time.<\/p>\n

However, this was clearly not enough for unequivocal leadership in their weight class. Gaming tests revealed the same unpleasant scenario for AMD: neither the first nor the second generation of Ryzen 5 six-cores could pose a worthy competition to the Intel Core i5 series. In modern games, the performance of mid-range graphics cards, including the GeForce RTX 2060 and GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, severely limits even Ryzen 5 2600X and Ryzen 5 2600<\/a><\/noindex>, not to mention that for faster GPUs, such processors are categorically unsuitable. In other words, AMD's past-generation processors were simply locked out of high-end gaming configurations.<\/p>\n

But this review wouldn\u2019t have appeared on our site if it weren't for a significant change, as AMD has now introduced the next, third generation of Ryzen processors. We have had the opportunity to be amazed once again at how successful the Zen 2 microarchitecture<\/a><\/noindex>, released last month in AMD consumer processors: our site features reviews of both the eight-core Ryzen 7 3700X<\/a><\/noindex>, and and the twelve-core Ryzen 9 3900X.<\/a><\/noindex>. But today we will look at how this microarchitecture can fit into simpler processors \u2013 with six computational cores \u2013 specifically in those chips that are highly valued by users for offering sufficient performance for most scenarios at a relatively low price.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

The new Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600 indeed have a good chance of finally earning the title of the best processors for 'optimal' level gaming builds (according to our terminology).Computer of the Month<\/a><\/noindex>), that is, those which provide adequate frame rates at Full HD and WQHD resolutions. The newcomers feature not only a new microarchitecture with a 15% increase in per-core performance but also a range of other improvements due to the use of TSMC's 7nm process technology and a fundamentally new chiplet design. For example, increased clock speeds, reduced heat output, and a more flexible and versatile memory controller.<\/p>\n

As a result, from the Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600, one can expect not only unconditional superiority over the competitor's processors priced at $200-250 in content creation and processing but also much more significant achievements from the perspective of the average user: eliminating the previous lag behind Core i5 in gaming workloads. We will see how well these expectations are met in this review.<\/p>\n

\u2193<\/a><\/noindex>#<\/a><\/noindex>Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600 in Detail<\/p>\n

The Ryzen 5 processor family previously included products from three fundamentally different categories. It contained both six-core and four-core representatives, as well as four-core processors with integrated graphics. However, with the transition to model numbers in the fourth thousand, the lineup has been simplified: there are currently no four-core Ryzen 3000 with Zen 2 microarchitecture at all, and among the new Ryzen 5, there is only one four-core chip \u2013 the hybrid Ryzen 5 3400G based on the Zen+ microarchitecture with integrated Vega graphics.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

When not considering APU, which are different from 'classic' Ryzen both ideologically and architecturally, AMD has only two options for Ryzen 5 \u2013 the six-core Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600. Essentially, these processors are very similar to each other. Speaking of formal specifications, one can only see a 200 MHz difference in clock frequency, although in terms of price, the Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600 are significantly apart \u2013 by a full 25%. This is likely not due to the higher performance of the older six-core model but because it comes with a larger and more efficient Wraith Spire cooler versus the basic Wraith Stealth of the younger model.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, operating the Ryzen 5 3600 with the standard compact cooling system seems quite acceptable, as the thermal package of this processor is officially rated at 65, rather than 95 watts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\nCores\/Threads<\/th>\nBase Frequency, MHz<\/th>\nBoost Frequency, MHz<\/th>\nL3 Cache, MB<\/th>\nTDP, W<\/th>\nChiplets<\/th>\nPrice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Ryzen 9 3950X<\/td>\n16\/32<\/td>\n3,5<\/td>\n4,7<\/td>\n64<\/td>\n105<\/td>\n2\u00d7CCD + I\/O<\/td>\n$749<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ryzen 9 3900X<\/td>\n12\/24<\/td>\n3,8<\/td>\n4,6<\/td>\n64<\/td>\n105<\/td>\n2\u00d7CCD + I\/O<\/td>\n$499<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ryzen 7 3800X<\/td>\n8\/16<\/td>\n3,9<\/td>\n4,5<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n105<\/td>\nCCD + I\/O<\/td>\n$399<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ryzen 7 3700X<\/td>\n8\/16<\/td>\n3,6<\/td>\n4,4<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n65<\/td>\nCCD + I\/O<\/td>\n$329<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ryzen 5 3600X<\/td>\n6\/12<\/td>\n3,8<\/td>\n4,4<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n95<\/td>\nCCD + I\/O<\/td>\n$249<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ryzen 5 3600<\/td>\n6\/12<\/td>\n3,6<\/td>\n4,2<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n65<\/td>\nCCD + I\/O<\/td>\n$199<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Against other Ryzen 3000 processors, the six-core variants stand out not only for having fewer computational cores but also for slightly lower frequencies. However, this does not detract from their appeal. It's worth noting that the new Ryzen 5 3600 matches the older six-core model from the previous generation, the Ryzen 5 2600X, in terms of rated frequencies, but it also features a significantly more advanced Zen 2 microarchitecture, boasting a 15% improvement in IPC (instructions per clock cycle). This means that the new Ryzen 5 models are sure to be substantially more powerful than their predecessors.<\/p>\n

\"New \"New<\/p>\n

Like the new generation eight-core processors, the Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600 are built using a dual-chiplet architecture comprising one chiplet with computational cores (CCD) and an input\/output chiplet (cIOD), connected via the second generation Infinity Fabric bus. The base CCD chiplet in these processors is the same as that used in the higher models of the 7nm semiconductor die manufactured by TSMC. It includes two quad-core complexes CCX (Core Complex), but in the case of the Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600, one core is disabled in each of them.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

The disabling of cores has no effect on the volume of third-level cache. Each CCX of the Zen 2 architecture processors is equipped with 16 MB of L3 cache \u2014 and this entire volume is available in the Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600. In other words, both six-core models have a 32 MB L3 cache, which has doubled compared to what was offered in the previous generation of Ryzen.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

Standard for hexa-cores and cIOD chiplet. This die contains the memory controller, Infinity Fabric logic, PCI Express bus controller, and SoC elements, and is produced using GlobalFoundries' 12nm process technology. The complete unification of components in hexa-core models with the higher-end Ryzen 3000 series means they inherit all the advantages of their older siblings: hassle-free support for high-speed DDR4 memory, the ability to asynchronously clock the Infinity Fabric bus, and support for PCI Express 4.0 with doubled bandwidth.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

For detailed testing, we took both new hexa-core processors: Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600. However, it turned out that it would have been sufficient to limit ourselves to just one model. In practice, the differences in performance between the Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600 are even smaller than reflected in the specifications.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

For example, this is how the actual working frequencies of the Ryzen 5 3600X are distributed in Cinebench R20 under various loads on the computational cores.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

The operating frequencies range from 4.1 to 4.35 GHz. The picture is similar with Ryzen 5 3600, but due to the upper limit specified in the specifications, the frequency range shifts slightly downward \u2014 from 4.0 to 4.2 GHz. However, for instance, at 50% load, the Ryzen 5 3600X is only 25-50 MHz faster than the lower model.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

Moreover, the graphs reveal another interesting observation. Even under full load on all cores, the new generation six-core AMD processors can maintain frequencies above 4.0-4.1 GHz. This means that Intel's alternatives in the same price range no longer have a significant advantage in clock speed. The top six-core Core i5-9600K operates at only 4.3 GHz under full load on all cores, while the popular Core i5-9400 even drops its frequency to 3.9 GHz when all cores are engaged. Thus, from a specifications standpoint, the Core i5 has no convincing advantages over the Ryzen 5. AMD's alternatives support simultaneous execution of double the number of threads thanks to SMT technology, have a three and a half times larger L3 cache, are officially compatible with DDR4-3200 SDRAM, and can also work with graphics cards and NVMe drives over the PCI Express 4.0 bus.<\/p>\n

However, an important clarification about PCI Express 4.0 support is necessary. It is only available in motherboards built on the X570 chipset, which are relatively expensive and unlikely to be common companions for Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600. With older and cheaper Socket AM4 boards on the X470 and B450 chipsets, the new six-core processors will only support external interfaces in PCI Express 3.0 mode.<\/p>\n

The most important point is that despite this limitation, the new processors are still functional with older motherboards after a BIOS update (suitable versions must be based on AGESA Combo-AM4 1.0.0.1 libraries and later). This will likely appeal not only to those who prefer a frugal approach to personal computer configuration but also to many advanced users, as motherboards based on X570 appear to be significantly overpriced.<\/p>\n

\u2193<\/a><\/noindex>#<\/a><\/noindex>A motherboard based on X570 is not mandatory.<\/p>\n

AMD introduced the new X570 chipset simultaneously with the Ryzen 3000 processors, creating the impression that this chipset is the most suitable option for the new CPUs. Indeed, although the Ryzen 3000 chips continue to use the same AM4 socket that their predecessors did and are compatible with a significant number of previously released motherboards for this platform, certain advantages of the Zen 2 architecture can only be fully realized when the Ryzen 3000 is installed specifically on next-generation motherboards. Specifically, only X570-based boards can offer support for PCI Express 4.0 with doubled bandwidth, while past generation boards cannot activate PCI Express 4.0. The marketing department of AMD emphasizes the significance of this functionality, which may give the impression that using older boards with the new processors carries certain negative consequences.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

However, the necessity of supporting PCI Express 4.0 at this moment raises significant doubts. The existing gaming graphics cards with this high-speed interface (there are only two: Radeon RX 5700 XT and RX 5700) do not derive any noticeable performance benefits from the increased bandwidth of the interface. NVMe drives that utilize PCI Express 4.0 are also currently very scarce. Moreover, they all rely on the relatively weak Phison PS5016-E16 controller and fall short in real performance compared to better drives with the PCI Express 3.0 interface, meaning their practical application is quite limited. Thus, support for PCI Express 4.0 in X570 is merely a forward-looking feature with minimal usefulness in the current context.<\/p>\n

Does this mean that purchasing X570-based boards is without practical sense? Certainly not: in addition to the new version of PCI Express, this chipset offers significantly improved capabilities for implementing other external interfaces. It has a greater number of PCI Express lanes for additional devices and expansion slots, as well as support for more high-speed USB 3.1 Gen2 ports.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

Here are its main characteristics compared to the parameters of previous generation chipsets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\nX570<\/th>\nX470<\/th>\nB450<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
PCIe Interface<\/td>\n4.0<\/td>\n2.0<\/td>\n2.0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number of PCIe lanes<\/td>\n16<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
USB 3.2 Gen2 ports<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
USB 3.2 Gen1 ports<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
USB 2.0 ports<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SATA ports<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Thus, solutions based on the new chipset are expected to have significantly wider and more modern capabilities.<\/p>\n

Additionally, there is another significant argument in favor of the X570 platform. The point is that the motherboards based on this chipset were originally designed with Ryzen 3000 processors in mind, while those from previous generations were created when the higher-end Ryzen processors had no more than eight cores and a maximum thermal package of 95 W. Therefore, only the new boards genuinely accommodate the fact that Socket AM4 processors can host up to sixteen computing cores and have increased power requirements, as well as the fact that current processors lack artificial frequency limitations on memory. In other words, the designs of the new boards have received additional optimizations: at least improved DIMM slot trace routing and enhanced power converter circuits for the processor, now consisting of at least 10 phases (including 'virtual' ones).<\/p>\n

But everything comes at a cost. While the prices for Socket AM4 motherboards based on X470 start at around $130-140, and B450 boards can be purchased for as little as $70, a new motherboard with the X570 chipset will cost at least $170. Additionally, the support for high-speed PCI Express 4.0 bus introduced in X570 has had an impact on the chipset's heat dissipation. Previous AMD chipsets were manufactured using a 55nm process and dissipated about 5 W of heat, but the new X570 chip, although it has moved to a 14nm process, dissipates up to 15 W. Therefore, active cooling is required for it, complicating the design of motherboards and adding another fan to the system, contributing to noise levels.<\/p>\n

Considering all of this, using more affordable older generation motherboards built on X470 or B450 chipsets, especially when paired with the six-core Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 5 3600X processors, which are not known for high power consumption, can be quite justified. Even AMD itself clarified before the release of the new platform that the new Ryzen 3000 processors (almost) will not lose performance if installed on compatible Socket AM4 motherboards from the previous generation. From the company's perspective, X570 is a flagship-level platform, and not all users of the new processors need it. For the mid-range Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 5 3600X, more affordable motherboards may also be suitable, according to AMD.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

However, there are actually concerns that the third-generation Ryzen processors will perform worse on inexpensive motherboards from the previous generation than on the new platform. Therefore, we decided to take one of these motherboards and test everything ourselves.<\/p>\n

The experiments were conducted with a budget ASRock B450M Pro4 motherboard based on the B450 chipset, which can be purchased today for only $80. Recently, several BIOS versions, built on the current AGESA Combo-AM4 1.0.0.3 libraries, have been released for this motherboard, ensuring its compatibility with Ryzen 3000. Indeed, after flashing one of these BIOS versions to the motherboard, the test processor Ryzen 5 3600X starts up and operates without any issues. But let's check out the nuances.<\/p>\n

Memory Support and Infinity Fabric Overclocking<\/strong> Fabric<\/strong>There were no obstacles in selecting memory speeds on the motherboard with the B450 chipset. After installing the Ryzen 5 3600X into it, we were easily able to activate the DDR4-3600 mode, which AMD considers the \"gold standard\" for its new generation processors in terms of performance.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

Moreover, the B450-based motherboard offers exactly the same capabilities for manually setting the Infinity Fabric bus frequency as the flagship X570 versions.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

This means that if desired, the memory can be overclocked in the \"correct\" synchronous mode beyond the DDR4-3600 mark. For example, with our Ryzen 5 3600X processor, we were able to achieve stable memory performance at DDR4-3733 with a B450 chipset motherboard and an Infinity Fabric bus frequency of 1866 MHz.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

Naturally, memory overclocking in asynchronous mode is also possible\u2014here, B450 imposes no restrictions either. However, it should be understood that separating the clocking of the memory controller and the Infinity Fabric bus leads to significant latency deterioration and performance drops. The chipset of the used motherboard does not influence this in any way. This is true for both B450 and X470, as well as for the latest X570.<\/p>\n

Overclocking <\/strong>the processor <\/strong>via Precision Boost Override<\/strong>Overclocking Ryzen 3000 processors using traditional methods is practically pointless, as the automatic overclocking technology Precision Boost 2, which works 'out of the box,' effectively utilizes the entire frequency potential available. Consequently, any attempts to overclock the processor to fixed frequency values result in lower than maximum nominal frequencies in turbo mode. This, in turn, means that a slight performance gain under multithreaded loads is accompanied by a decrease in performance for tasks that only utilize part of the processor cores.<\/p>\n

However, to give enthusiasts the opportunity to fully boost the performance of Ryzen 3000 beyond nominal values, AMD designed a special technology \u2013 Precision Boost Override. The essence of this technology is that the processor's turbo mode operation is managed based on a set of predefined constants that describe the maximum achievable frequencies, consumption, temperatures, voltages, and more for each processor. Some of these constants can be modified, and this ability is fully available not only with X570-based boards but also with more accessible options.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

For instance, among the BIOS settings of the ASRock B450M Pro4 motherboard we tested, we found options to modify all four main constants of the Precision Boost Override technology:<\/p>\n