Complete Review of AMD Ryzen 3 2200G & Ryzen 5 2400G

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the AMD Raven Ridge APUs
3. Specifications and Variants
4. Pricing and Availability
5. Memory Support
6. Cooling Considerations
7. Thermal Performance
8. Power Draw
9. Benchmarks and Performance Analysis
   1. x265 Benchmark
   2. Cinebench
   3. Blender
   4. PC Mark 10
   5. Gaming Performance
10. Overclocking Potential
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will be discussing the new AMD Raven Ridge APUs and their performance capabilities. These APUs are an interim stage between the older Ryzen processors and the upcoming Ryzen 2 processors. The most notable feature of these new APUs is the inclusion of Vega APU graphics, providing improved graphics performance compared to previous models. We will explore the specifications, pricing, and availability of these APUs, as well as their memory support and cooling considerations. Additionally, we will delve into their thermal performance, power draw, and benchmark results, including gaming performance. Finally, we will discuss the overclocking potential of these APUs and provide a conclusion.

Overview of the AMD Raven Ridge APUs

The AMD Raven Ridge APUs represent an evolution of the Ryzen processor lineup. These APUs combine the processing power of Ryzen CPUs with integrated Vega graphics, offering a complete all-in-one solution for users who don't require dedicated graphics cards. The integration of Vega graphics on the APU provides a significant boost in graphics performance compared to the previous generation APUs. This makes the Raven Ridge APUs suitable for light to moderate gaming, as well as multimedia tasks.

Specifications and Variants

The Raven Ridge APUs come in two main variants: the Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5. The Ryzen 3 APU features a dual-core configuration with a maximum boost frequency of 3.7GHz. On the other HAND, the Ryzen 5 APU boasts four cores and eight Threads with a maximum boost frequency of 3.9GHz. The Ryzen 5 APU also offers higher base and boost frequencies compared to the Ryzen 3 APU. Both APUs are equipped with Vega graphics, providing improved graphical performance.

Pricing and Availability

The pricing and availability of the Raven Ridge APUs may vary depending on the region. As of now, only dollar prices have been officially announced, and local prices are yet to be specified. It is recommended to consider the exchange rate and refrain from relying solely on currency conversion tools. It is important to note that the pricing of these APUs should Align with their value proposition as budget-friendly options for mainstream users.

Memory Support

The Raven Ridge APUs offer support for various memory configurations. While the manufacturers specify certain memory speeds, it is worth noting that higher frequencies have been achieved successfully during testing. However, reaching speeds beyond 3200MHz may depend on factors such as the motherboard and user proficiency. It is advisable to use a motherboard known for excellent memory compatibility and consider the specific memory kit's compatibility with the board.

Cooling Considerations

The cooling requirements for the Raven Ridge APUs should be taken into consideration, especially for CPU-intensive tasks. The stock cooler provided with the APUs is adequate for basic usage scenarios and casual gaming. However, for more demanding CPU workloads or overclocking, an aftermarket cooler is recommended. A tower cooler with at least a 120mm fan base is recommended for improved thermal performance. Users should keep in mind that pushing the APUs to their limits may require more advanced cooling solutions such as dual tower coolers or liquid cooling.

Thermal Performance

During testing, the thermal performance of the Raven Ridge APUs was assessed using various workloads. With the stock cooler, the temperatures remained within acceptable limits during regular usage and light gaming. However, when subjected to intensive CPU tasks or overclocking, the temperatures rose significantly. To ensure stability and avoid potential thermal throttling, it is advisable to invest in a more capable cooling solution. This is particularly crucial for users engaging in activities such as video transcoding or 3D rendering, which can put a significant load on the CPU.

Power Draw

The power draw of the Raven Ridge APUs was measured to evaluate their efficiency. The results indicated that the APUs consumed a reasonable amount of power, suitable for mainstream systems. While there may be a slight impact on electricity bills when under load, this should not be a significant concern for most users. It is worth mentioning that using a higher-end dedicated graphics card with these APUs may require more than the eight PCI Express lanes available. In such cases, it is advisable to consider higher-tier Ryzen processors that offer more PCIe lanes.

Benchmarks and Performance Analysis

To assess the performance of the Raven Ridge APUs, various benchmarks were conducted. These benchmarks include the x265 benchmark, Cinebench, Blender, PC Mark 10, and gaming performance tests. The APUs demonstrated competitive performance in these tests, particularly in gaming. The integrated Vega graphics allowed for smooth gameplay in modern titles at 1080p resolution and medium settings. However, users should keep in mind that demanding AAA titles may require additional graphics processing power beyond what the integrated graphics can provide.

Overclocking Potential

Overclocking the Raven Ridge APUs revealed modest gains in performance. The APUs were stable when overclocked to 4GHz, demonstrating a higher clock speed than their base and boost frequencies. However, further overclocking attempts beyond 4.1GHz did not yield significant improvements. It is crucial to utilize an aftermarket cooler, as the stock cooler may not provide sufficient thermal dissipation for higher clock speeds. Users interested in pushing the APUs to their limits should exercise caution and monitor temperatures closely to avoid stability issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AMD Raven Ridge APUs offer excellent value for money, providing a well-rounded solution for mainstream users. The integration of Vega graphics enhances the graphics performance, enabling casual gaming without the need for a dedicated graphics card. The APUs demonstrate competitive performance in CPU-intensive tasks and benchmark tests, further solidifying their value proposition. However, users should consider supplementary cooling options when engaging in demanding workloads or overclocking. Overall, the Raven Ridge APUs represent a significant advancement in the APU market and offer an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

Highlights

• The AMD Raven Ridge APUs combine Ryzen CPUs with integrated Vega graphics, providing a complete all-in-one solution for mainstream users.
• The APUs come in Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 variants, offering different core configurations and boost frequencies.
• Memory support for the APUs varies, and higher frequencies beyond 3200MHz may require motherboard compatibility and user expertise.
• Cooling considerations should be taken into account, especially for CPU-intensive tasks. An aftermarket cooler is recommended for enhanced thermal performance.
• The thermal performance of the APUs remains acceptable under regular usage but may require additional cooling for demanding workloads or overclocking.
• The power draw of the APUs is reasonable for mainstream systems, with a minor impact on electricity bills.
• Benchmark results indicate competitive performance in various tests, including gaming at 1080p resolution and medium settings.
• Overclocking the APUs can provide performance gains, but stability and thermal considerations should be monitored closely.
• The Raven Ridge APUs offer excellent value for money, serving as an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a balanced and capable computing experience.

FAQ

Q: Can the Raven Ridge APUs handle demanding gaming?

A: While the integrated Vega graphics on the Raven Ridge APUs provide smooth gaming performance at 1080p resolution and medium settings, demanding AAA titles may exceed the capabilities of the integrated graphics. Users aiming for higher gaming performance should consider a dedicated graphics card.

Q: Should I invest in an aftermarket cooler for the Raven Ridge APUs?

A: The stock cooler provided with the APUs is suitable for basic usage and light gaming. However, for intensive CPU tasks, overclocking, or improved thermal performance, investing in an aftermarket cooler is advisable.

Q: What is the overclocking potential of the Raven Ridge APUs?

A: The Raven Ridge APUs can be overclocked to higher clock speeds, with stable performance up to 4GHz. However, further overclocking attempts may not yield significant improvements. It is essential to use an aftermarket cooler for higher clock speeds and monitor temperatures closely.

Q: Can the Raven Ridge APUs handle memory speeds beyond 3200MHz?

A: While the manufacturers specify certain memory speeds, higher frequencies can be achieved with compatible motherboards and user expertise. However, reaching speeds beyond 3200MHz may require additional considerations and is not guaranteed.