AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU 6 Core Wraith Stealth Cooler

The Ryzen 5 3600 has an excellent price-to-performance ratio, It is cheaper than its Intel counterparts while offering similar performance. It also has a TDP of only 65 watts, making it energy-efficient and a good choice for those looking to build that can run very cool, but also can provide great performance. It is an excellent choice for tasks that require a lot of processing power, mostly due to a 6c/12t core configuration, which gives it a great advantage over older chips that may have a 4c/8t configuration. It also supports PCIe 4.0, which allows for high speed & high capacity NVMe drives on the right motherboard. Im personally using this CPU on a Asrock B450 steel legend with an O/C to 4.4GHZ, and it runs very quite and surprisingly cool. Although its ... MoreThe Ryzen 5 3600 has an excellent price-to-performance ratio, It is cheaper than its Intel counterparts while offering similar performance. It also has a TDP of only 65 watts, making it energy-efficient and a good choice for those looking to build that can run very cool, but also can provide great performance. It is an excellent choice for tasks that require a lot of processing power, mostly due to a 6c/12t core configuration, which gives it a great advantage over older chips that may have a 4c/8t configuration. It also supports PCIe 4.0, which allows for high speed & high capacity NVMe drives on the right motherboard. Im personally using this CPU on a Asrock B450 steel legend with an O/C to 4.4GHZ, and it runs very quite and surprisingly cool. Although its performance has been passed by the Ryzen 5 5600, the R5 3600 still has great performance for less. Just keep in mind that It doesnt have any IGPU support, so you will have to get a dedicated GPU, memory support is also slightly spotty, however that is motherboard dependent, but overall try to stick with 3200Mhz dual channel ram. It shipped within the week and was undamaged at arrival.

Everything is great except the Wraith cooler

I've been a loyal customer of AMD for years. I tried to support them even when their stock was at $2/share. Anyways, I built a new PC rig recently to replace my AMD FX quad core that was showing it's age. I wanted something that could do video editing. I installed the CPU and the performance is great, however I did have issues installed the Wraith RGB cooler on my ASUS motherboard. I like the type A motherboard clip which installs in less than a minute instead of these Intel style push screw type CPU coolers. I like the RGB, but one of the screws wouldn't secure to the motherboard backplate. It was infuriating. I would buy an aftermarket CPU cooler with side clips instead of the stock cooler just because of the issues I had. I spent 20 minutes trying to get the last ... MoreI've been a loyal customer of AMD for years. I tried to support them even when their stock was at $2/share. Anyways, I built a new PC rig recently to replace my AMD FX quad core that was showing it's age. I wanted something that could do video editing. I installed the CPU and the performance is great, however I did have issues installed the Wraith RGB cooler on my ASUS motherboard. I like the type A motherboard clip which installs in less than a minute instead of these Intel style push screw type CPU coolers. I like the RGB, but one of the screws wouldn't secure to the motherboard backplate. It was infuriating. I would buy an aftermarket CPU cooler with side clips instead of the stock cooler just because of the issues I had. I spent 20 minutes trying to get the last screw to fasten to the motherboard. Aside from that, the performance of the CPU is great with my current setup. I would recommend AMD Ryzen CPUs to others.

Flexible upper-midrange processor CARRIES older builds

Fantastic value for a CPU that will blow the mind of anyone who's been stuck with cheap laptops for their entire lives. Sounds specific, I know, but you'd be surprised at how much people would pay for this performance. The only problems I've had with this CPU arose when I actively tried to push it to its limits; it snappily crushes whatever you throw at it during average officework activity, and (depending on other PC components, of course) it'll obliterate all but the highest-of-end video-games, too. And as stated in the review title, it isn't just compatible, but GAME-CHANGING for whatever last-gen PC build you're using. Obviously it would be optimal if you were to use modern parts, and do make sure you're using a motherboard with an AM4 processor slot, but no ... MoreFantastic value for a CPU that will blow the mind of anyone who's been stuck with cheap laptops for their entire lives. Sounds specific, I know, but you'd be surprised at how much people would pay for this performance. The only problems I've had with this CPU arose when I actively tried to push it to its limits; it snappily crushes whatever you throw at it during average officework activity, and (depending on other PC components, of course) it'll obliterate all but the highest-of-end video-games, too. And as stated in the review title, it isn't just compatible, but GAME-CHANGING for whatever last-gen PC build you're using. Obviously it would be optimal if you were to use modern parts, and do make sure you're using a motherboard with an AM4 processor slot, but no joke, this CPU just WILL NOT let itself be brought down by any (compatible) old part. Due to current chip shortages, it'll be easy to wind up with this processor for well above $280. In a word: Don't. You should wait for it to go around $220 or less, or get the 5 2600 which is almost as great. People on a very tight budget that don't care much about gaming will want to consider a different processor that has integrated graphics. Beyond that, it's just a matter of whether you'd rather have something more powerful (and whether your motherboard has an AM4 socket). This is probably right about the "sweet-spot" for value in terms of performance and relevancy for price.

Frustrating, rare slightly bad CPU

I have discovered that a marginally bad CPU can result in a frustrating build which is difficult to diagnose. I bought a motherboard and this AMD CPU from Microcenter in spring 2019. My new build was fast, but never fully stable. I couldn't overclock. The periodic BSOD were all over the place and random. Sometimes weeks apart.. I replaced memory, power supply, video card, and hard drive. All to no avail. AMD does not have a program to check the CPU. Recently the BSOD incidents increased to daily or even hourly.. I replaced the motherboard. Finally, I thought to reduce the processor multiplier/speed to just 2/3rds the rated speed. Finally Stability! Unfortunately, outside the 3 year AMD warranty period. This CPU is now outdated and a 5500 or 5600 are better choices.

Good CPU, but .....

I bought this CPU last October and everything came together fine except that the computer hangs when restarting. Windows appears to shut down, but the computer stays on. I was unable to resolve the problem through BIOS updates and/or changing the power and sleep settings. Fast forward to last March and I began to upgrade parts, partly because of this issue and partly because I could. I bought a 5600x and after installing it, I no longer had any issues. I upgraded the RAM and the GPU as well and so I decided to put together another PC using the old parts with a different motherboard, case and SSD. I put it together and the guess what, the PC won't restart. Though I don't have technical background to definitively say it was the CPU, I don't know what else it could be ... MoreI bought this CPU last October and everything came together fine except that the computer hangs when restarting. Windows appears to shut down, but the computer stays on. I was unable to resolve the problem through BIOS updates and/or changing the power and sleep settings. Fast forward to last March and I began to upgrade parts, partly because of this issue and partly because I could. I bought a 5600x and after installing it, I no longer had any issues. I upgraded the RAM and the GPU as well and so I decided to put together another PC using the old parts with a different motherboard, case and SSD. I put it together and the guess what, the PC won't restart. Though I don't have technical background to definitively say it was the CPU, I don't know what else it could be at this point. I still think it is a solid processor and it is probably just my chip, but it kind of put a downer on an otherwise fun build and I'm really not feeling like trying to RMA it through AMD.

Great CPU, Great Value

I've had my eye on this CPU for quite a while, really since it was released. I'd wanted an upgrade for a secondary computer I have on my desk that had been running 10 year old hardware. After some recent power failures, the old hardware became unstable and I finally upgraded. I am very happy with my purchase. This CPU has 12 threads and is much faster than my old system. I'd say that for any moderate workload, it would suffice. Mainly, I use the computer for web browsing, watching videos, texting, email, VoIP clients and streaming. For all of this, it works beautifully. I never have robot voice or video stutter/lag when trying to do "too much" at once. My only complaint is that this CPU once sold for sub $200 prices and while I understand the global situation, I ... MoreI've had my eye on this CPU for quite a while, really since it was released. I'd wanted an upgrade for a secondary computer I have on my desk that had been running 10 year old hardware. After some recent power failures, the old hardware became unstable and I finally upgraded. I am very happy with my purchase. This CPU has 12 threads and is much faster than my old system. I'd say that for any moderate workload, it would suffice. Mainly, I use the computer for web browsing, watching videos, texting, email, VoIP clients and streaming. For all of this, it works beautifully. I never have robot voice or video stutter/lag when trying to do "too much" at once. My only complaint is that this CPU once sold for sub $200 prices and while I understand the global situation, I can't help but wish I had bought this back then rather than having to spend more now. If you're looking for a good CPU for gaming/streaming/general use that doesn't break the bank, this is it.

Great Price to Performance + Glad the Wattage is Lower :D

I was trying to decide between this 3600 and a 5600x for $100 more. Well, that decision was made easier by them only having the 3600 in stock by the time I reached the store, but I'm glad I ended up with this, since I get great framerate (130-350 fps) in every game at 1440p (except Total War, which I play at 1080p).I was looking at benchmarks for this vs Intel products, and this still seemed like the better option despite a friend of mine working for Intel and being able to get me practically any processor for roughly half the price of retail. When looking at benchmarks on this and Intel CPU's roughly twice it's price this didn't fall very behind at all, (if anything since they were paired with a 2080ti) but all those benchmarks are on fresh install computers ... MoreI was trying to decide between this 3600 and a 5600x for $100 more. Well, that decision was made easier by them only having the 3600 in stock by the time I reached the store, but I'm glad I ended up with this, since I get great framerate (130-350 fps) in every game at 1440p (except Total War, which I play at 1080p).I was looking at benchmarks for this vs Intel products, and this still seemed like the better option despite a friend of mine working for Intel and being able to get me practically any processor for roughly half the price of retail. When looking at benchmarks on this and Intel CPU's roughly twice it's price this didn't fall very behind at all, (if anything since they were paired with a 2080ti) but all those benchmarks are on fresh install computers running nothing but the operating system and the game, in reality I usually have many PDF's open and Excel Spreadsheets from work I don't always want to close for various reasons, several browser tabs and possibly other things that having twice the thread count sounds beneficial even if the game itself can only utilize ~8.Also, from having lived in Arizona previously and gone through several summers with an overclocked Intel CPU and a high-wattage GPU it was MISERABLE with how hot it was, thankfully between this and my GPU the ambient temperature of my room is probably raised by half a degree if anything, contrasted with sitting in what felt like an 85+ degree oven despite having AC set a dozen degrees below that.One thing, this CPU cooler works well (haven't overclocked yet since there isn't really gains to be had since I'm GPU bottlenecked on the one game that isn't max monitor frames), but when it ramps up, man is it loud and have some heavy whine. My old CPU cooler wouldn't work for AM4, but I plan to get something else soon. Keep that in mind, I figure most people within a couple months would really want to get a quieter CPU cooler or probably something better if you plan to overclock heavily.At least it works though, I remember when I had a 2500k with the stock cooler for a few weeks and after playing Starcraft 2 for 40 minutes my CPU temps would be 86 degrees Celsius according to the BIOS LOL.10/10Not sure if the newer gen is going to be as great since Intel isn't very competetive any more it seems like with the 5000-series chips AMD is really starting to squeeze customers with their prices, we'll see what the 5600 non-x is like when it hits, but if this is still around for you as an option I'd really recommend it for roughly $175.

Micro Center had the best price when I purchased it.

Excellent piece of AMD gear. Runs great. The only downfall is the 3600 does not support onboard graphics. So be ready to hunt down a decent graphics card. I paired mine with an MSI GTX 1650 on a MSI MAG B550 Torpedo motherboard. Installed 16gb Corsair Vengeance 3600 CL16 memory, using a CoolMaster single radiator water cooler instead of the stock cooling fan, and I couldn't be happier. The processor idles around 37 °c, and so far, hasn't topped out past 68°c. I'm not a "hard core" gamer, but this setup runs my flight sim beyond what I was hoping it would, and turned out a lot better than I was expecting. Yes, I would definitely recommend the Ryzen 5 3600.

Perfect Pairing for my Valve Index

I had gotten a Valve Index to experience VR, and found my PCIE 2.0 on my old AM3+ board was insufficient to to bus bandwidth not allowing for the tracking Data. I paired this processor with a mid level gaming board with the modern architecture I needed. It blows away the Octo-Core FX chip it replaced. My issue resolved, and my video card finally can run at its full capacity. Games I used to play on medium settings now go high and ultra with the same GTX 1660 Super. The included heatsink and fan is super convenient. It runs quiet, was pre-set with quality heat transfer paste, and mounted with no trouble. Item arrived ahead of schedule with the free shipping as this was direct from newegg. Best online purchase experience all year.

The Sweet Spot CPU

AMD's Zen 2 CPUs have finally brought competition back to all segments of the desktop space and will soon be much more prevalent in the laptop space if the performance of recent devices like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 are any indication. As someone who used this CPU to replace a very old AMD FX-8320, the improvements couldn't be more stark. Day-to-day tasks are extremely snappy and make general computing fun simply because I'm never waiting for the computer to catch up with me. When combined with a basic NVMe drive, the time from POST to the Windows log in screen is right around 10 seconds at most, and my desktop is ready instantly after signing in. Desktop apps are just as snappy too. I consistently have 20-30 tabs open in my web browser while working on top of ... MoreAMD's Zen 2 CPUs have finally brought competition back to all segments of the desktop space and will soon be much more prevalent in the laptop space if the performance of recent devices like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 are any indication. As someone who used this CPU to replace a very old AMD FX-8320, the improvements couldn't be more stark. Day-to-day tasks are extremely snappy and make general computing fun simply because I'm never waiting for the computer to catch up with me. When combined with a basic NVMe drive, the time from POST to the Windows log in screen is right around 10 seconds at most, and my desktop is ready instantly after signing in. Desktop apps are just as snappy too. I consistently have 20-30 tabs open in my web browser while working on top of having at least Visual Studio Code open. Work tasks simply fly with this CPU. The biggest differences came with gaming. I am still using a 6GB GTX 1060 from about 3 years ago, and it finally has the space it needs to throw all its weight around. Paired with the old FX-8320, most modern AAA games would crush the CPU well before the GPU had a chance to reach its max. Heavily single-threaded games like Fallout 4 would make the 8320 practically cry in pain as it cranked all the way up to 4GHz and spewed out enough heat to get me through a Minnesota Winter. Despite all that effort, it couldn't supply the GPU enough work to hit 60 FPS at medium graphics settings (or even a consistent 50 for that matter). The city areas were especially bad and would turn into slide shows when getting into a fire fight. The Ryzen 5 3600 has completely turned that around. Now, the GTX 1060 is the bottleneck. Despite cranking Fallout's graphics past its predefined "Ultra" settings, the Ryzen 5 sits nice and steady at ~30% utilization at the most while the GTX 1060 is maxed out but staying between 55 and 60 FPS in all environments. All of this while the Ryzen 5 stays nice and cool; never inching past 70C and staying closer to 60C with the stock cooler during heavy loads. Other more recent games such as Prey and The Outer Worlds actually run a bit better given their more generous use of multi-threading (an area where all Zen 2 CPUs destroy their Intel counterparts) and much better optimization. Prey especially runs extremely well since the GPU doesn't have to render a large open world with many physics objects. The game stayed locked at 60 FPS on "Very High" settings the entire play through. All in all, the Ryzen 5 3600 really is the "sweet spot" CPU for most people. While a bit overkill for the average consumer, its price makes it an absolute steal, and people in this group won't have to worry about upgrading their machines for quite some time. For gamers, You can't do better at this price. Benchmarks from other sites show that it's difficult to bottleneck this CPU with even an RTX 2070 Super, but if you really feel that this CPU isn't enough, the AM4 platform this CPU uses is extremely flexible and even features forward compatibility assuming your motherboard also supports it. You really can't do better at this price.