The Rise of Ryzen 3: Eliminating Dual Cores Since 2017

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Ryzen 3
3. Specifications of Ryzen 3 Processors
4. Overclocking and Performance testing
5. Temperature and Power Draw Comparison
6. Impact of RAM Speed on Ryzen 3
7. Gaming Benchmarks and Frame Times
8. Dual Core vs Quad Core in Gaming
9. Ryzen 3 and the Budget Quad Core Builds
10. Conclusion

🚀 Introduction

Welcome back to my Channel! Today, we are going to dive into the world of AMD's newest processors, the Ryzen 3. With the release date of these processors just around the corner, it is important to understand their performance and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the specifications, overclocking potential, gaming benchmarks, and more. Let's get started!

💡 The Importance of Ryzen 3

In the ever-evolving world of technology, it is crucial to keep up with the latest advancements. The Ryzen 3 processors play a significant role in this landscape. They aim to eliminate the use of dual-core processors, even those with hyperthreading, as they have become obsolete. In today's world, quad-core CPUs are starting to struggle in gaming and are being phased out for serious productivity tasks. This is where the Ryzen 3 comes into play, offering a straight-up four-core unlocked CPU as the minimum requirement for anyone willing to spend even as low as $100 on a processor.

🔧 Specifications of Ryzen 3 Processors

The Ryzen 3 lineup consists of two new processors: the Ryzen 3 1300X and the Ryzen 3 1200. The 1300X is equipped with a 3.5 GHz base clock and a 3.7 GHz boost clock, while the 1200 has a base clock of 3.1 GHz and a boost clock of 3.4 GHz. Both processors come unlocked, offering overclocking capabilities. With 8 Megs of L3 cache and bundled with a Wraith Stealth cooler, these processors provide impressive performance for their price range. While the 1300X offers slightly higher clocks, the 1200 is the more interesting option for those looking to overclock.

⚙️ Overclocking and Performance Testing

Overclocking has always been an exciting aspect for PC enthusiasts, and the Ryzen 3 processors are no exception. In my testing, I found that the Ryzen 3 1200 was a better overclocker compared to the 1300X. I was able to achieve a stable overclock of 4 GHz at 1.38 volts on the 1200, while the 1300X reached 3.95 GHz at 1.39 volts. However, both processors had limitations when it came to RAM speed, with none of them being able to boot above 2933 MHz. Despite this, it is commendable that AMD has maintained a unified silicon die design, allowing them to offer these CPUs at such competitive prices.

To assess the performance of Ryzen 3, I conducted tests using various benchmarking tools such as Cinebench, Handbrake, WinRAR, and PassMark. These tests covered a wide range of productivity tasks and provided valuable insights into the capabilities of Ryzen 3 processors. It is evident that these processors excel in productivity-oriented applications, making them a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.

🌡️ Temperature and Power Draw Comparison

One of the factors that greatly impact a CPU's performance is its thermal management. With the Ryzen 3 processors, temperature levels were surprisingly low, even when running at stock speeds. Additionally, the included Wraith Stealth cooler proved to be more than capable of maintaining acceptable temperatures for daily use. When it comes to power consumption, the stock Ryzen 3 1200 is extremely frugal, comparable to Intel's i3 processors. However, the 1300X draws around 20 watts more due to its higher frequencies.

📚 Impact of RAM Speed on Ryzen 3

RAM speed has always been a topic of discussion when it comes to Ryzen processors. To provide a comprehensive analysis, I tested the impact of RAM speed on both Intel and AMD processors, including the Ryzen 3 series. While it is tempting to use high-speed RAM on Intel processors, the same cannot be said for budget variants. Ryzen 3, on the other HAND, benefits greatly from faster RAM speeds. Although I acknowledge the fallacy of testing locked and budget Intel processors with above 2400 MHz RAM, it is important to ensure a level playing field for all participants.

🎮 Gaming Benchmarks and Frame Times

Gaming performance is a crucial aspect for many PC users, and the Ryzen 3 processors aim to deliver a smooth gaming experience without breaking the bank. I conducted gaming benchmarks at 1080p High settings, pairing the Ryzen 3 processors with an RX 480 graphics card. The results were impressive, with both the Ryzen 3 1300X and 1200 offering excellent gaming performance. However, there were certain titles where the Ryzen 3 CPUs outperformed even the i3 counterparts.

⚔️ Dual Core vs Quad Core in Gaming

In today's gaming landscape, dual-core processors are quickly becoming obsolete. Titles such as Watch Dogs 2 and The Witcher 3 demonstrate how dual-core CPUs struggle to offer a smooth gaming experience, resulting in bothersome stutter and frame time inconsistencies. Quad-core processors, particularly the overclockable Ryzen 3 CPUs, provide a temporary solution but lack the headroom for future requirements. For a truly future-proof system, Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors are better suited.

💰 Ryzen 3 and the Budget Quad Core Builds

The Ryzen 3 processors have revolutionized the budget quad-core market, offering a viable option for those who were previously limited by budget constraints. With their impressive performance, overclocking capabilities, and affordable price point, Ryzen 3 CPUs enable budget quad-core builds that were not possible before their release. However, AMD still needs to address Intel's Pentium G4560, a CPU that provides excellent value at its price point. If AMD can offer a true four-core processor at a similar price range, they could successfully cover all segments of the market.

👋 Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ryzen 3 processors have made a significant impact on the CPU market. By providing a quad-core CPU at an affordable price, AMD has filled a crucial gap for budget-conscious consumers. With their impressive performance, overclocking potential, and compatibility with faster RAM speeds, Ryzen 3 processors offer an excellent option for both productivity tasks and gaming. It is clear that Ryzen 3 brings something fresh to the market, creating healthy competition and paving the way for future advancements.