Ryzen 5 5600X vs Ryzen 9 3950X
Full specification comparison between the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (2020) and the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X (2019).
Ryzen 5 5600X
AMD Mid-range
- ✓ ~14% faster on average
- ✓ Lower power draw (65 W vs 105 W)
- ✓ Cheaper at launch ($299 vs $749)
- ✓ Newer (2020 vs 2019)
- ✓ Better performance per dollar
Ryzen 9 3950X
AMD Entry-level
- ✓ More cores (16 vs 6)
- ✓ Larger L3 cache (64 MB vs 32 MB)
- ✓ Higher boost clock (4.7 vs 4.6 GHz)
Verdict: The Ryzen 5 5600X is roughly 14% faster than the Ryzen 9 3950X on average — a clear, noticeable performance advantage.
For gaming the Ryzen 5 5600X leads, but the Ryzen 9 3950X pulls ahead in heavily multi-threaded work like rendering, compiling and video export thanks to its stronger multi-core throughput.
At launch pricing, the Ryzen 5 5600X offers more performance per dollar, and the Ryzen 5 5600X is the more power-efficient chip.
Estimated performance
Estimated average 1080p gaming performance compiled from publicly available benchmark data. Individual games vary.
Specs side by side
| Specification | Ryzen 5 5600X | Ryzen 9 3950X |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Zen 3 | Zen 2 |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Release year | 2020 | 2019 |
| Est. gaming perf. | ||
| Est. multi-core perf. | ||
| Est. single-core perf. | ||
| Cores | ||
| Threads | ||
| Max boost clock | ||
| L3 cache | ||
| TDP (base) | ||
| Integrated graphics | None | None |
| Launch MSRP |
Green bars mark the better value in each row (for power and price, lower wins).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ryzen 5 5600X better than the Ryzen 9 3950X?
Yes — based on aggregated benchmark data, the Ryzen 5 5600X is about 14% faster than the Ryzen 9 3950X on average.
How much faster is the Ryzen 5 5600X than the Ryzen 9 3950X?
Roughly 14% on average in gaming workloads. The gap varies by title, resolution and settings.
Which processor is better value?
Comparing launch prices, the Ryzen 5 5600X delivers more performance per dollar. Check current street prices, as market pricing often shifts the value equation.