Can the 4300GE Processor Handle Passive Cooling?

Can the 4300GE Processor Handle Passive Cooling?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. testing the 4300GE processor
3. Comparison with the 4750G processor
4. Testing with default settings
5. Testing with boost clock turned off
6. Testing with iGPU turned on
7. CPU benchmarks
8. Cinebench R23 performance
9. Power consumption comparison
10. Heat analysis and temperature readings
11. Feasibility of passive cooling
12. Conclusion

Passive Cooling Test: Does the 4300GE Processor Deliver?

Introduction In this article, we will be conducting a passive cooling test on the AMD 4300GE processor. We will compare its performance to the 4750G processor and examine the differences in heat and power consumption. Additionally, we will test the processor with both default settings and with the boost clock turned off. The aim is to determine if passive cooling is feasible and see how the processor performs when the integrated graphics (iGPU) are enabled. So, let's dive in and see what the results have in store.

Testing the 4300GE Processor Before we begin the comparative analysis, let's briefly revisit our previous test results. The 4750G processor experienced high temperatures, reaching up to 92 degrees Celsius during prolonged use. The motherboard temperature was also a concern, peaking at around 80 degrees Celsius due to the chip's power consumption. However, this time, we anticipate a different outcome as the 4300GE processor is more power-efficient, using about 20 watts less than the 4750G model.

Comparison with the 4750G Processor The 4300GE processor brings a slight advantage in terms of power consumption thanks to its lower energy requirements. This makes it an ideal candidate for passive cooling experiments. Unlike the 4750G processor, the 4300GE does not have any heat sinks on the power distribution part of the motherboard, which might lead to increased heat buildup. Nonetheless, considering the reduced power draw, we are hopeful that we can successfully run both the CPU and iGPU simultaneously.

Testing with Default Settings To establish a baseline, we first tested the 4300GE processor with all settings on default. Using benchmarking tools such as CPU-Z, Cinebench R23, and 3DMark, we obtained performance scores and power consumption readings. The results showed a mixed performance, with some fluctuations attributed to throttling. The CPU performed adequately, scoring 2513 in CPU-Z and 5562 in Cinebench R23. However, stress tests revealed temperature drops and slight performance degradation due to increased heat buildup caused by the boost clock.

Testing with Boost Clock Turned Off To mitigate the effects of increased heat, we disabled the boost clock and performed the tests again. This time, the performance was more stable, with a solid score of 2354 in CPU-Z and 5242 in Cinebench R23. Disabling the boost clock also resulted in slightly lower power consumption, which will be further analyzed in the upcoming sections.

Testing with iGPU Turned On In our previous test, we had turned off the iGPU due to concerns about its compatibility with passive cooling. However, given the lower power consumption of the 4300GE processor, we decided to enable the iGPU and assess its impact on performance and temperature. The results presented an interesting picture, with performance scores varying across different benchmarks. It is worth noting that older benchmarks, such as Night Raid and Fire Strike, appeared to be more CPU bottlenecked, causing different performance outcomes in active and passive modes.

CPU Benchmarks To delve deeper into the CPU's capability, we conducted various benchmarks, including CPU-Z, Cinebench R23, and 3DMark. The 4350G processor with an active configuration scored 2752 in CPU-Z and 5985 in Cinebench R23, while the passive configuration achieved scores of 2612 and 5562, respectively. It is important to consider that these scores represent an average over multiple runs, ensuring a fair assessment of the CPU's performance.

Cinebench R23 Performance Cinebench R23 tests provided valuable insights into the power consumption and performance trade-offs of the 4300GE processor. In the active configuration, the processor registered a peak power consumption of 72 watts, whereas the passive configuration showed a significant reduction to 48 watts. These findings indicate that turning off the boost clock has a notable impact on power consumption.

Power Consumption Comparison Power consumption readings during idle and under load were recorded to provide a comprehensive overview of the processor's energy efficiency. The 4300GE processor exhibited impressive results, consuming only 19 watts at idle. Comparatively, its active configuration peaked at 57 watts during CPU-intensive tasks. However, by disabling the boost clock, the power consumption dropped to a remarkable 40 watts. These findings suggest that passive cooling with the 4300GE processor is indeed feasible.

Heat Analysis and Temperature Readings An integral part of our analysis involved monitoring the temperature readings during various tests. The 4300GE processor, when subjected to Fire Strike's constant looping, reached a temperature of 93 degrees Celsius. Surprisingly, the motherboard temperature remained at 39 degrees Celsius, which, upon further inspection, appeared to be slightly inaccurate. After employing a thermometer to measure the hottest part of the motherboard, we found a temperature of around 67.5 degrees Celsius. Despite this, the new temperature readings still indicated better heat management compared to the 4750G processor.

Feasibility of Passive Cooling Based on our experimentation, it is evident that passive cooling of the 4300GE processor is a viable option, especially when the boost clock is turned off. The reduced power consumption and more manageable temperature readings make it a suitable choice for passive cooling setups. Pairing the processor with a GT 1030 graphics card can further improve game performance while keeping temperatures under control.

Conclusion In conclusion, the 4300GE processor offers impressive power efficiency and performance that is comparable to its higher-wattage counterparts. While it may not adhere strictly to its claimed 35W TDP, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between performance and power consumption. The feasibility of passive cooling, especially when combined with an efficient graphics card, makes the 4300GE an attractive option for building compact, low-power systems.