AMD Ryzen 3 4100 vs. 3600 for Gaming?

I've been considering either the AMD Ryzen 3 4100 or the 3600 for my new gaming PC build, but I'm having trouble deciding which one to choose. Can anyone provide some insights on their performance in games?

Both CPUs are great choices, but based on TechReviewer's article AMD Ryzen 3 4100 vs. AMD Ryzen 5 3600, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a better option for gaming due to its higher core count (6 vs. 4), larger L3 cache (32 MB vs. 4 MB), and support for PCIe 4.0 (for faster SSDs and graphics cards). While both CPUs have comparable single-core boost frequencies, the additional cores of the Ryzen 5 3600 provide better overall performance, especially in games that utilize multiple cores.

Thanks for the information @egraider. How significant is the difference between the two CPUs' performance when playing less demanding games? I mostly play titles like Overwatch and Fortnite, which aren't too graphically intense.

Hey, I've used both CPUs for gaming and can vouch for the Ryzen 5 3600's performance. While you might not notice a huge difference in less demanding games, having more cores and PCIe 4.0 support definitely comes in handy when playing more intensive titles or when running multiple applications simultaneously.

Interesting! I'm starting to lean towards getting the Ryzen 5 3600 now. But what about thermal performance? How hot do these CPUs get during gaming sessions?

The Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 3 4100 are both well-known for their good thermal performance, but it's always a good idea to have a high-quality cooler to ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating. Make sure you choose a CPU cooler that can handle the TDP (thermal design power) of your chosen CPU.

That's great to hear. I'm planning on getting an AIO liquid cooler for my build. Just one last question: Do either of these CPUs have good overclocking potential?

I've successfully overclocked both the Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 3 4100, and they both have excellent potential in this regard. You can expect better performance when you push them beyond their stock frequencies. However, make sure to monitor temperatures closely while overclocking to avoid damaging your CPU.

Thanks for the advice, @Mazekitty. I'll definitely keep that in mind. It seems like the Ryzen 5 3600 is the way to go for my gaming setup. I appreciate everyone's input!

@mandehble You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask. Good luck with your build! And remember to check out TechReviewer's article AMD Ryzen 3 4100 vs. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 for more in-depth comparisons between the two CPUs.