Clock Frequencies

The following chart shows how well the processor is able to sustain its clock frequency, and what boost clock speeds are achieved at various thread counts. This test uses a custom-coded application that mimics real-life performance (not a stress test like Prime95). Modern processors change their clocking behavior depending on the type of load, which is why we provide three plots with classic floating point math, SSE SIMD code, and the modern AVX vector instructions. Each of the three test runs calculates the same result using the same algorithm, just with a different CPU instruction set.

Overclocking

Overclocking the Ryzen 5 3600XT felt a bit like the good old days when processors would overclock higher than your expectations. I started with "ah, maybe 4.3 GHz", and it turns out my 3600XT can run 4.5 GHz all-core stable, on water. That's as high as the maximum single-core boost of the processor—an impressive result.

Just like all other Ryzens, the Ryzen 5 3600XT has its multiplier unlocked, which simplifies overclocking greatly. You dial in the desired multiplier and are done. Overclocking support is very good on all AMD AM4 motherboards.

Getting 4.5 GHz stable wasn't so easy because I had to use a relatively high voltage, which means higher temperatures and higher power consumption, higher than what my air cooler can handle (with AVX loads). Using a 240 mm AIO, I got the CPU stable at 4.5 GHz. In my reviews, I've always included performance results for the maximum on-air OC, which is 4.4 GHz, so that's why the blue bar is "4.4 GHz".

At 4.4 GHz, much lower voltage is needed, which actually reduces heat output and CPU temperature below the stock processor because the selected voltage is lower than what the CPU would run by default. You definitely have a lot of options in your approach to overclocking with the Ryzen 5 3600XT.