It’s because this processor is perfect for advertisers looking to attract customers!
It’s because this processor is perfect for advertisers looking to attract customers!
The Ryzen 5 3600 offers poor performance compared to newer models. Purchasing it in August 2021 doesn’t make sense given its limitations in gaming and productivity versus other chips. Despite recent praise, it still ranks fourth on Amazon’s best sellers, often priced higher than comparable alternatives. Its current listing on Amazon is a premium price of $288, nearly twice the cost of the 5600X and more than double the used price for the 3700X. Other retailers also charge inflated prices with shipping fees or limited availability. Many buyers seem unaware of these discrepancies, possibly relying on outdated reviews that highlight its strengths over time. The decision to buy such a subpar product at high cost raises concerns about value and market awareness.
I’m frustrated with how scalpers set prices. Amazon and Newegg haven’t realized that real-world prices matter more than their inflated listings. When I look, I see a 3600 for $200, while the 3600XT is just five dollars higher. The 5000 series still feels too expensive, so many opt for cheaper models that might last until the next update with DDR5 support and improved performance. As for Intel, that’s about it.
I'm not only expressing frustration over high scalper prices. A few months back when all CPUs were overcharged, I grasped why the 3600 was fetching such costs. What concerns me is that the 3600 isn't dropping in price at all. And definitely, the 5000 series isn't being overpriced on these platforms. Both the 5600X and 5800X are priced below their MSRP. Generally, other popular processors on Amazon aren't inflated either. (The three I referenced are all selling under MSRP, for instance.) The issue with Intel is clear. The 10600K for $219 isn't a poor deal. If you're into gaming, it's expected to outperform both the 3600 and 5600G, often matching or surpassing the 5600X.
In specific titles, Intel consistently delivers stronger performance. Gamers Nexus evaluations using standard Intel settings (forced boosts) show the 10600K surpassing the 5600X in several games. For instance, it performs better at baseline levels in RDR2. When considering motherboard costs, a $70 savings difference is quite significant.
Prices fluctuate widely when availability decreases. It seems few have suggested using the 3600 for more than a year now. After the 10400 dropped in price (though briefly), then the 10600ks became very affordable, and finally the 5600x was introduced, most haven't recommended it. I wouldn't be concerned, but if asked, provide the latest details.
Reasonable prices for B450 boards are around 60€ today. MSI B450-A Pro Max is a good example. It's interesting how people use phrases like "for example" instead of more specific references, even outside games like RDR2.
I believe @Mister Woof was right about the situation. The price is rising since production has stopped, and even if it does come back, there won't be many left. It's similar to how you can get a 7700k for $420 on Amazon. When products reach EOL, prices tend to fall due to excess inventory, then gradually increase before dropping again. This pattern is typical. In January, people were paying nearly $320 for a 2600x.
I don't understand pricing in Europe, but this board is $90 on Newegg in the US, just $45 less than the Z490-A Pro. It's the same brand and model, but a Z series instead of a B series—seems reasonable. I didn't recall the 10600K failing in most other titles; I only remembered it winning in RDR2. Other reviewers also reported success with it in different games. I'm pretty sure Intel still leads in Borderlands 3 as well, though I can't remember which review that was.