Intel Core i5 11600 6-core LGA1200
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
What Buyers Say
Intel Core i5 11600 6-core LGA1200
The Intel Core i5-11600 is praised as a solid budget gaming CPU, delivering excellent performance for its price point. Users highlight its ability to maintain high frame rates in demanding games, low heat output, and stability as a locked processor. While some note it's an older generation and not the fastest available, it's considered a great value for budget builds.
Pros
- Excellent budget gaming performance
- High frame rates in demanding games
- Low heat output
- Stable as a locked CPU
- Good value for money
Cons
- Older generation
- Not the fastest available
- Slightly expensive for some
- Locked CPU cannot be overclocked
- Stock cooler may need replacement
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is widely celebrated as the best gaming CPU on the market, delivering massive frame rate boosts, improved 1% lows, and excellent thermal efficiency. Users upgrading from older Intel or AMD chips report transformative gains in CPU-intensive games and smoother multitasking. The main caution is to avoid paying above MSRP due to scalper pricing, and to ensure a compatible AM5 motherboard with a BIOS update. Overall, it is a top-tier choice for gamers seeking peak performance.
Pros
- Best gaming performance on the market
- Massive frame rate boosts in CPU-heavy games
- Excellent thermal efficiency and cool operation
- Improved 1% lows for smoother gameplay
- Great upgrade from older Intel and AMD chips
Cons
- Scalper pricing above MSRP
- No included cooler in the box
- Requires BIOS update on older AM5 motherboards
- Limited availability and stock issues
- OEM version lacks original box and accessories
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core i5 11600 | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core i5 | Ryzen 7 |
| Model | 11600 | 9800X3D |
| Codename | Rocket Lake | Granite Ridge |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 14 | 4★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 6 | 8★ |
| P-cores | 6 | 8★ |
| Threads | 12 | 16★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 3 | 8★ |
| L3 Cache | 12 | 96★ |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR5★ |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | — | 2★ |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA1200 | AM5 |
| PCIe | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 28★ |
| TDP | 65★ | 120 |
| Max Turbo Power | — | 200★ |
| Unlocked | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 730 | AMD Radeon Graphics |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core i5 11600 6-core LGA1200
- Strong single thread (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong efficiency (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (79th percentile)
- Strong multi thread (74th percentile)
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
- Strong feature (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong single thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5 offers 2.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 18 of 27 specs.