Performance comparison: which is faster?
Ryzen 5 3600 (AMD, 2020) and Ryzen 5 8500G (AMD, 2024) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: nearly equal
The sockets differ (AM4 / AM5), so switching requires a motherboard replacement. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | Ryzen 5 3600 | Ryzen 5 8500G |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 21,000 | 21,000 |
| Generation | Ryzen 3000 | Ryzen 8000 |
| Socket | AM4 | AM5 |
| Release Year | 2020 | 2024 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | Radeon RX 6700 XT | GeForce RTX 5060 |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | Ryzen 5 3600 |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Choose the CPU matching your motherboard socket |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | Ryzen 5 3600 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
Their scores are nearly identical (Ryzen 5 3600: 21000 points / Ryzen 5 8500G: 21000 points). Choose the less expensive option or the one that fits your current motherboard.
Ryzen 5 3600 is Ryzen 3000, while Ryzen 5 8500G is Ryzen 8000.The sockets differ (AM4 / AM5), so switching requires a motherboard replacement.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, Radeon RX 6700 XT pairs well with Ryzen 5 3600 and GeForce RTX 5060 pairs well with Ryzen 5 8500G. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
