We tried to make both systems as similar as possible to properly test the real computing performance of the two processors in real applications. As they are considered entry-level / mainline processors, we also intend to stick to their factory coolers and test their performance.
- Intel Core i3-12300 vs AMD Ryzen 3 5300G: Battle of entry-level CPUs
- Intel Core i3-12300 vs AMD Ryzen 3 5300G: Specifications
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100 Specs
- The New Budget Ryzen Stack
- Similar Products
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- Intel Core i5-8400
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
- AMD Ryzen 3 1300X
- Intel Core i7-9700K
- Picking the right CPU for your PC
- Ryzen 3
- AMD Ryzen 3 3600X
- Ryzen 3 vs i3 Processor
- How many cores does the processor have?
- Comparing Clock Rates
- Considering Threads
- Conclusion
- AM4 Socket
- Overclocking
- Overclocking the Ryzen 3 1300X – How far can it go?
- Performance Benchmarks
- AMD Ryzen 3000 Pricing
- AMD Ryzen 3000 Performance
- Power Draw
- Gaming Performance
Intel Core i3-12300 vs AMD Ryzen 3 5300G: Battle of entry-level CPUs
Intel has finally unveiled a complete line of Alder Lake desktop processors as part of the CES 2022 announcement. In addition to versions other than the K 12600K, 12700K and 12900K, we also received several other 65W and 35W processors. The Intel Core i3-12300 is one of the low power CPUs on the list that is already available for purchase. Intel’s Alder Lake family has several different Core i3 chips. But in this article we will only look at the Intel Core i3-12300 processor and see how it compares to the AMD Ryzen 3 5300G APU.
AMD Ryzen 3 5300G, for those who don’t know, there is an OEM-only APU. This means that this particular chip is not available for retail sale and its availability is limited to OEM partners for their finished machines. But the Core i3-12300 versus the Ryzen 3 5300G is still a pretty good set which we think will tell us which core CPU is better to consider for your next PC.
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Intel Core i3-12300 vs AMD Ryzen 3 5300G: Specifications
Let’s take a look at the specs of each CPU to see what these units bring to the table:
Specification | Intel Core i3-12300 | AMD Ryzen 3 5300G |
---|---|---|
CPU socket | LGA 1700 | AMD AM4 |
Cores | 4 (4P + 0E) | 4 |
Threads | 8 | 8 |
Lithography | Intel 7 (10 nm) | TSMC 7 nm FinFET |
Fundamental frequency | 3.5 GHz | 4.0 GHz |
Increase the frequency | 4.4 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
L3 cache | 12MB | 8MB |
Default TDP | 60W | 65W |
Max. Working temperature (Tjmax) | 100 ° C | 95 ° C |
Memory support | DDR4 3200MT / s | DDR5-4800MT / s Up to 128 GB |
DDR4 up to 3200 MHz Up to 128 GB |
Integrated graphics | Intel UHD 730 | Radeon RX Vega 6 graphics card |
As we saw with the Intel Core i5-12600 (no K) variant, this particular low-power processor also lacks E cores. The Intel Core i3-12300 is a quad-core processor, all of which are performance cores. We also look at 8 threads that will rival the similarly designed Ryzen 3 5300G. While the AMD chip has a higher base clock, the Intel Core i3-12300 beats the Ryzen 3 5300G with a higher boost frequency.
Both processors also have integrated graphics chips. We’re looking at Intel UHD 730 for the 12300 and Radeon Graphics RX Vega 6 for the Ryzen 3 5300G. The Corei3-12300 is not the first processor to support this particular iGPU. The Intel UHD Graphics 730 first came along with the Intel Core i5-11400 processor, which is one of the best processors of the previous generation. That said, it remains to be seen how it works in conjunction with the new chip on a brand new platform with other compatible components.
The prices are certainly attractive, and in some sections even stunning. Based on these prices, a 6-core, 12-thread CPU can now be purchased for less than $ 100. This would be the first industry if it were real.
AMD Ryzen 3 3100 Specs
Number of cores | 4 |
Number of threads | 8 |
Fundamental clock frequency | 3.6 GHz |
Maximum boost timer | 3.9 GHz |
Unlocked Multiplier? | Yes |
Compatibility of sockets | AMD AM4 |
Lithography | 7 miles |
L3 cache amount | 16 MB |
Design thermal power (TDP | 65 watts |
Integrated graphics | Thread |
Radiator included | AMD Wraith Stealth |
If the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X is a desktop processor that blurs the line between a great budget gaming processor and a solid, budget content authoring engine, the $ 99 Ryzen 3 3100 is the “lite” version. It’s a chip that strengthens the lower end of the AMD Ryzen stack as a solid choice for PC gamers who are missing Jackson for what could be spent on the 3300X. Does it have to exist? Maybe not, but it still has its own rare charm and is the first: a quad-core / eight-thread processor for under $ 100, which is a great deal no matter how you slice it. We generally recommend that you go for the Ryzen 3 3300X instead, but if that $ 20 difference between the two chips is yours, the Ryzen 3 3100 is a thrifty little beast that almost gets the job done as well. Just know that a graphics card is required next to it.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and evaluated thousands of products to help you make better purchasing decisions. (See how we test.)
The New Budget Ryzen Stack
In our review of the Ryzen 3 3300X linked above, we’ve already covered all the different things you need to know about Ryzen’s latest release, but here’s a quick overview. First, the core specs and where the new Ryzen 3 chips fit in with the 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen lineup.
All of these third-generation chips use AMD’s 7nm technology, under the umbrella of the Zen 2 architecture. Not listed here are the other two 3000 series chips we’ve tested, the Ryzen 3 3200G for $ 99 and the Ryzen 5 3400G for $ 149. “G” stands for Integrated Graphics; Technically the reason they don’t belong to the third generation family is because the processors are based on older process technology. But don’t ignore them; are the ones to look out for if a dedicated graphics card just isn’t available well, cards for you.
The Ryzen 3 3100, like the rest in the family, fits in the AMD AM4 socket that has been used since the first generation of Ryzen. It should work with any AM4 motherboard that has a BIOS update that specifically supports it. (Not every retailer will offer this compatibility on every old disc, so check first.)
Similar Products
AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Intel Core i5-8400
AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
AMD Ryzen 3 1300X
Intel Core i7-9700K
With the launch of Ryzen 3, AMD also announces another motherboard chipset update: the AMD B550 (a pole versus the popular B450), which will be available on the new boards from June 16. The new Ryzen 3 support the widely discussed PCI Express 4.0 Bus Standard (PCIe 4.0) (when used with a compatible motherboard from the last model), but this is of interest mainly to top-tier performance enthusiasts concerned about maximum sustained speeds thanks to specialized SSDs compatible with PCIe 4.0. For budget buyers, in most cases a previous generation AM4 motherboard without PCIe 4.0 support but supporting the CPU should suffice.
For a full explanation of what this launch means for budget makers and gamers alike, head over to our Ryzen 3 3300X review to learn more. We covered many more nuances of the platform there.
However, that’s a bit of a fair question as there are different versions and generations of both the i3 and Ryzen 3 processors. For example, the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X has 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 3.8 GHz and max 4.3 GHz.
Picking the right CPU for your PC
source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Headquarters
Ryzen 3
The Ryzen 3 is aimed at inexpensive PCs and consumers who don’t use their PCs for intensive applications. That said, all processors are quad-core, have four physical cores, and as such are not sloped. You would be able to build an efficient gaming platform that can handle even large games.
AMD Ryzen 3 3600X
The Ryzen 3 3200G is AMD’s cracking entry-level processor with integrated graphics processing. Not only do you not need an external graphics processor to get the monitor output, the 3200G is a quad-core processor accelerated to 3.7GHz.
The prices are certainly attractive, and in some sections even stunning. Based on these prices, a 6-core, 12-thread CPU can now be purchased for less than $ 100. This would be the first industry if it were real.
Ryzen 3 vs i3 Processor
Overall, the AMD Ryzen 3 processor will be better than the Intel i3 processor. They have more cores, and most of their Ryzen 3 CPUs have 2 threads for each core. So, as a whole range, you’d probably be better off going for AMD.
However, that’s a bit of a fair question as there are different versions and generations of both the i3 and Ryzen 3 processors. For example, the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X has 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 3.8 GHz and max 4.3 GHz.
The most likely comparison to this model would probably be the newer 10th Gen Intel Core i3-10320 processor, which also has 4 cores, 8 threads and a base speed of 3.8 GHz. However, this processor has a maximum frequency of 4.6 GHz, which is a bit more than the Ryzen comparison.
In addition to directly comparing the models to each other, the entire AMD Ryzen range has seen tremendous growth in use over the past decade. This is because they tend to deliver better value as a whole, and what was once an Intel-dominated market is now more evenly aligned.
Having a multi-core CPU with lots of threads is important these days. Most games are multi-threaded, so they rely on your CPU to have enough threads as well as enough physical cores.
How many cores does the processor have?
While both of these brands are worth considering, I’d be more likely to choose an AMD processor than an Intel processor. All of their Ryzen 3 processors are quad-core while some i3 processors are only dual-core.
The number of processor cores indicates the number of different functions it can perform simultaneously. You can learn more about quad-core and dual-core processors here.
Simply put, the more cores your CPU has, the better. It also depends on the capabilities of single-core processors, but this further and more deepens the capabilities of your CPU.
Taking a look at your CPU cores is the first step to deciding which one to choose. So, while all AMD Ryzen 3 processors are quad-core, not all i3s are.
But what if you have an i3 quad-core processor, what other methods can you use to find out which one is better? Well, then we start looking at clock frequencies.
Comparing Clock Rates
When considering processors, you can look at their performance as another criterion when deciding which option to choose. CPU performance is measured in GHz.
For example, the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 is clocked at 3.1 GHz – this simply refers to the number of cycles a CPU clock is executing. So 3.1 GHz is 3.1 billion cycles per second. However, if we look at the Intel i3-4150, it has a clock speed of 3.5 GHz, which means it has a faster clock speed.
Again, with faster clock speed it usually goes hand in hand with better performance. This is another way we can decide which CPU to choose among the two. But that’s not the only way we can tell the difference between processors.
Considering Threads
In addition to looking at the number of CPU cores, we can also look at the number of threads it has. The threads that the CPU has are basically the number of cores the CPU believes it has.
Conclusion
All in all, you can find Ryzen 3 processors that are better than the i3s and you can find i3 processors that are better than the Ryzen 3s. To really find the difference between the two, we really need to look at the processor details.
These days, I suggest you go for something a bit better if you are looking for something premium. It’s a good idea to try the Intel Core i5 or i7 line, as well as the Ryzen counterpart at a better price. You can also take a look at Apple’s new M1 chip, which is pretty impressive.
While the new 10th Gen Intel i3 processors are good, for most people the AMD Ryzen series will provide better value for money. The Ryzen 3 series is known for creating best value for money processors, so it’s worth betting on the Ryzen 3.
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At the end of the day, an Intel processor with a higher TDP will cost more (it’s only a few pounds, but it all matters) while it won’t be as good as the Ryzen 3 3300X if you compare the two.
AM4 Socket
Dan Baker / digital trends
Like the Zen and Zen Plus platforms, the Zen 2 chips use the AM4 socket. This means that Ryzen 3000 processors can run on existing AM4 motherboards after updating the BIOS.
The only caveat is that the higher core count of some Ryzen 3000 processors requires more power. This means that some first and even second generation motherboards will not be compatible. It depends on the manufacturer in any case, so make sure your motherboard can support a next-gen CPU if you plan to upgrade your chip without a new motherboard.
AMD kept its promise to use the AM4 socket by 2020, and the latest Ryzen 5000 processors use the same socket. This means that those looking to upgrade to the Ryzen 3000 series from existing Ryzen platforms will not only not need to update their motherboard at the same time, but also won’t have to update their motherboard with Zen 3 chips this will be a much more cost effective upgrade, and backward compatibility opens up many more options for potential buyers.
However, not all chipsets will work with all Ryzen processors (for example, Ryzen 5000 processors will not work with the X370). Make sure you have checked the chipset compatibility before tapping the CPU into an existing motherboard.
Overclocking
Overclocking has been a major factor in purchasing CPU decisions for decades, so what can AMD Ryzen 3000 chips do for enthusiasts looking for more performance? It turns out that not much. AMD has fine-tuned its Performance Boost Overdrive algorithms and automated overclocking algorithms so well that Ryzen 3000 processors perform more like modern graphics cards. They amplify as high as possible, taking into account the workload and the reserve of thermal energy and power.
Overclocking all the cores that approach the rated boost clock was possible with extreme cooling solutions, but for the most part, AMD Ryzen processors perform better (especially in games) when given a decent cooling solution and left to their own devices. There is some extra performance that can be unlocked by overclocking the infinity structure between the chips and the I / O matrix and overclocking memory, but that’s not significant.
In comparison, Intel chips are curling up very well. Most 9900K buyers can easily overclock them to 5GHz, but Intel Boost clocks are only kept for a minute or two while AMD chips will stay as fast as they can for as long as possible. While Intel chips may offer more room for those looking to upgrade, the new Ryzen 3000 processors deliver near-peak performance right out of the box.
But how does the Core i3 CPU compare to another popular CPU like the AMD Ryzen 3? Well, now let’s compare the two with each other.
Overclocking the Ryzen 3 1300X – How far can it go?
The entire line of Ryzen processors is designed to withstand a certain level of overclocking. We’ve managed to push the Ryzen 1300X down to 3.95GHz, 250MHz higher than the Turbo Core specs. Moreover, the frequency of 3.95 GHz was achieved on all 4 cores simultaneously. Note that these tweaks are only achieved using the factory cooler. Anything above, the system will not be stable enough to run the Prime95 CPU Stability Test. The RAM frequency also remained at 2,933MHz during our testing.
Performance Benchmarks
We used the Cinebench R15 to evaluate the overall performance of the processors. The two-year-old Intel Skylake processor was still able to withstand and perform slightly better than the Ryzen 3 1200 processor in the single-threaded test. However, it turned out that a real quad-core CPU just performs much better than a dual-core CPU with 4 logic threads. The Ryzen 3 series simply suppresses Intel Core i3 in multi-threaded benchmarks.
What’s more, thanks to overclocking done on the Ryzen 3 1300X, we managed to get an additional 8.5% performance in multi-threaded applications. This shows that Ryzen processors can really scale well at clock rates and that these processors can achieve even higher performance at higher clock rates.
The PCMark 10 Producticity test suite simulates multiple real-world applications while comparing system performance. You can see that the Intel Core i3 6100 has an advantage over the Ryzen 3 1200 due to higher clock speeds and better single-threaded performance. However, when it comes to the Ryzen 3 1300X, which has a higher core frequency than the Ryzen 3 1200, it seems the performance was better compared to the Core i3.
AMD began discussing the Ryzen 3000 series processors at CES 2019 by unveiling the entire line of mobile processors. It confirmed earlier rumors from the disclosed roadmap, which suggested that the Ryzen 3000 series mobile APUs would be codenamed Picasso and would be built on the Zen Plus architecture rather than the Zen 2 design.
AMD Ryzen 3000 Pricing
The most amazing aspect of these leaks is not the specs (which are simply unbelievable on their own) but the prices. AdoredTV released pricing information along with chip specs, completing the whole picture for everyone.
AMD is respected for keeping a consistent pricing pattern across generations while offering higher cores and higher performance. These prices may sound too good to be true – and some may even be – but some numbers make sense. Let’s have a look:
Editor | Price |
Ryzen 9 3850X | $ 499 |
Ryzen 9 3800X | 449 |
Ryzen 7 3700X | pLN 329 |
Ryzen 7 3700 | 299 |
Ryzen 5 3600X | 229 |
Ryzen 5 3600G | $ 199 |
Ryzen 5 3600 | 178. USD |
Ryzen 3 3300X | $ 129 |
Ryzen 3 3300G | $ 129 |
Ryzen 3 3300 | pLN 99 |
The prices are certainly attractive, and in some sections even stunning. Based on these prices, a 6-core, 12-thread CPU can now be purchased for less than $ 100. This would be the first industry if it were real.
We warn users to take these prices with a grain of salt as they seem too good to be true. However, some price points seem to be in line with AMD’s pricing plan. For example, the Ryzen 7 3700X is priced at the same MSRP as the Ryzen 7 2700X when it was released. It’s also worth noting that the Ryzen 7 2700X was priced cheaper than the Ryzen 1700X when we compare the prices of both processors.
The Ryzen 9 3850X in particular has a price that seems to be good for its performance. With 16 cores and 32 threads – all running at least at a base clock frequency of 4.3 GHz – the Ryzen 9 3850X would not only be $ 50-70 cheaper than an Intel Core i9 9900K, but it would beat it by miles in multi-threaded performance and at least it rivals its gaming performance thanks to its high clock speeds.
3600 / 3600X seems to be the best place for most gamers and content creators. The Ryzen 5 3600 once again seems to offer the best performance per dollar, costing just $ 178 while still offering 8 cores and 16 threads on a decent 3.6 GHz base clock.
If the quoted prices and specifications are true, AMD processors may dominate this year, especially if the CPU IPC has improved enough to match Intel’s CPUs for comparable results in gaming performance.
AMD Ryzen 3000 Performance
Power Draw
Before we dive into the purported single and multi-core performance of Ryzen 3000 processors, let’s take a look at their purported TDP or power consumption:
Editor | TDP |
Ryzen 9 3850X | 135w |
Ryzen 9 3800X | 125W |
Ryzen 7 3700X | 105w |
Ryzen 7 3700 | 95W |
Ryzen 5 3600X | 95W |
Ryzen 5 3600G | 95W |
Ryzen 5 3600 | 55W |
Ryzen 3 3300X | 65W |
Ryzen 3 3300G | 65W |
Ryzen 3 3300 | 50W |
Some of these numbers don’t make much sense (why would an 8-core 16-thread 3600 use less power than a 6-core 12-thread 3300X despite the higher clock rates?) And the TDP values are less compelling than the actual specs and even the prices. This is especially true when you consider the unnamed 8-core 16-thread processor that faced the Core i9 9900K at CES 2019.
The Intel Core i9 9900K consumed around 179 watts, while the unnamed Zen 2 processor with 8 cores and 16 threads consumed 133.4 watts. The numbers of the latter processor (both in terms of thread count and TDP) just do not match the rumors.
Either the disclosed total power consumption of these processors is incorrect, or the Ryzen 9 3850x has 8 cores and 16 threads instead of the supposedly 16 cores and 32 threads. We are inclined to believe that the TDP numbers are inaccurate. Still, keep in mind that the engineering sample shown at CES 2019 was actually underdeveloped and unoptimized, so we can see a TDP closer to what this leak suggests.
Gaming Performance
With that said, it’s well known that AMD will actually increase the IPC with the introduction of various frontend enhancements to significantly increase CPU performance. There have also been improvements to the pre-fetch of instructions, branch prediction, floating point performance, and instruction cache – all of which can make a difference in games.
According to rumors published by Digital Trends, the IPC growth alone may be as high as 13 percent. It’s just stunning and rarely (if ever) seen, even when jumping into newer architecture. However, even a few percent increase in IPC will almost completely close the gap between AMD and Intel in terms of single-core performance.
And single-core performance is what gamers worry about. Improving the IPC, higher base clock speeds, and more balanced boost speeds should result in much better performance in video games. It’s worth remembering that AMD’s turbo system works on all cores, while Intel’s system only applies to a select few cores at a time. If AMD’s turbocharging frequencies are true, we could see tremendous performance in video games, even without overclocking.
If we were to be guided by the numbers published in leaks, we would expect the Ryzen 3700X to be the best high-end gaming processor. The Ryzen 9 3850X will likely be the CPU of choice for gaming enthusiasts, but the marginal performance difference may not justify the price difference between the 3850X and the 3700X.