What To Know
- The Intel UHD Graphics 630 on the i3-10100 offers better performance for casual gaming and video playback compared to the AMD Radeon Vega 8 on the Ryzen 3 3100.
- Both the Ryzen 3 and Intel i3 processors support overclocking, but the Ryzen 3 CPUs generally offer more headroom for enthusiasts.
- The Ryzen 3 processors are typically priced lower than the Intel i3 10th Gen CPUs, making them a more affordable option for entry-level builds.
For budget-conscious PC builders, the AMD Ryzen 3 and Intel i3 10th Gen processors offer compelling options. Both provide a balance of performance and affordability, but which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the specifications, benchmarks, and features of these CPUs to help you make an informed decision.
Core Count and Clock Speed
The AMD Ryzen 3 processors typically offer more cores than their Intel i3 counterparts. For example, the Ryzen 3 3100 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel i3-10100 has only 4 cores and 4 threads. This advantage can provide a boost in multitasking and demanding applications.
In terms of clock speed, the Ryzen 3 processors generally have slightly lower base clocks but higher boost clocks. This means they may not perform as well as Intel i3 CPUs in single-threaded tasks, but they can excel in multi-threaded workloads.
Cache Size
Cache size is another crucial factor for CPU performance. The Ryzen 3 processors typically have a larger L3 cache size than the Intel i3 CPUs. For instance, the Ryzen 3 3100 has 16MB of L3 cache, while the Intel i3-10100 has only 6MB. A larger cache size can improve performance in applications that require frequent memory access.
Integrated Graphics
Both the Ryzen 3 and Intel i3 processors come with integrated graphics. However, the Intel i3 10th Gen CPUs have a slight edge in this area. The Intel UHD Graphics 630 on the i3-10100 offers better performance for casual gaming and video playback compared to the AMD Radeon Vega 8 on the Ryzen 3 3100.
Power Consumption
Power consumption is an important consideration for laptops and compact builds. The Ryzen 3 processors are typically more power-efficient than the Intel i3 CPUs. This can result in longer battery life for laptops and lower operating temperatures for desktops.
Overclocking
Overclocking allows you to push the performance of your CPU beyond its default specifications. Both the Ryzen 3 and Intel i3 processors support overclocking, but the Ryzen 3 CPUs generally offer more headroom for enthusiasts.
Price
Price is a major factor for budget-conscious buyers. The Ryzen 3 processors are typically priced lower than the Intel i3 10th Gen CPUs, making them a more affordable option for entry-level builds.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best choice between the AMD Ryzen 3 and Intel i3 10th Gen processors depends on your specific needs and budget.
- For multi-threaded performance and power efficiency: Ryzen 3 processors are a better choice.
- For single-threaded performance and integrated graphics: Intel i3 10th Gen CPUs are a better choice.
- For overclocking and budget-friendliness: Ryzen 3 processors are a better choice.
Benchmarks
To provide a more concrete comparison, here are some benchmarks comparing the Ryzen 3 3100 and Intel i3-10100:
- Cinebench R20 (multi-core): Ryzen 3 3100: 2,600 points; Intel i3-10100: 2,000 points
- Geekbench 5 (single-core): Ryzen 3 3100: 1,050 points; Intel i3-10100: 1,100 points
- 3DMark Time Spy (graphics): Ryzen 3 3100: 900 points; Intel i3-10100: 1,100 points
Features
In addition to the core specifications, the Ryzen 3 and Intel i3 processors also offer various features:
- Ryzen 3: Precision Boost 2, AMD StoreMI Technology, AMD Secure Processor
- Intel i3 10th Gen: Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, Intel Hyper-Threading, Intel UHD Graphics 630
In a nutshell: Choosing the Right Budget-Friendly CPU
Whether you choose the AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel i3 10th Gen processor ultimately depends on your individual preferences and budget. Both CPUs offer their own advantages and drawbacks, so carefully consider the factors discussed in this comparison before making a decision.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
- Q: Which processor is better for gaming?
- A: The Intel i3 10th Gen CPUs generally have better integrated graphics performance, making them a better choice for casual gaming.
- Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?
- A: The Ryzen 3 processors are typically more power-efficient than the Intel i3 CPUs.
- Q: Which processor has better overclocking potential?
- A: The Ryzen 3 processors generally offer more overclocking headroom than the Intel i3 CPUs.
- Q: Which processor is more affordable?
- A: The Ryzen 3 processors are typically priced lower than the Intel i3 10th Gen CPUs.
