What To Know
- On the other hand, the Ryzen 3 1200 is a quad-core processor based on the Zen architecture.
- This means that the Ryzen 3 1200 will generally perform better in single-threaded applications, while the Athlon X4 950 will have a slight advantage in multi-threaded applications.
- The AMD Athlon X4 950 has a TDP of 65W, while the Ryzen 3 1200 has a TDP of 65W.
In the realm of budget-friendly computing, the AMD Athlon X4 950 and Ryzen 3 1200 stand out as two compelling options. Both processors offer a solid balance of performance and affordability, making them ideal for entry-level builds or those looking to upgrade on a tight budget. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the AMD Athlon X4 950 and Ryzen 3 1200 to help you make an informed decision.
Core Count and Architecture
The AMD Athlon X4 950 is a quad-core processor based on the Excavator architecture. This architecture dates back to 2016, which means the Athlon X4 950 is not as efficient or powerful as newer processors. On the other hand, the Ryzen 3 1200 is a quad-core processor based on the Zen architecture. Zen is a more modern and efficient architecture, giving the Ryzen 3 1200 an edge in performance and power consumption.
Clock Speed and Turbo Boost
The AMD Athlon X4 950 has a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a maximum turbo boost speed of 3.8 GHz. The Ryzen 3 1200 has a higher base clock speed of 3.1 GHz, but it also has a higher maximum turbo boost speed of 3.4 GHz. This means that the Ryzen 3 1200 will generally perform better in single-threaded applications, while the Athlon X4 950 will have a slight advantage in multi-threaded applications.
Cache Memory
The AMD Athlon X4 950 has 2 MB of L2 cache and 4 MB of L3 cache. The Ryzen 3 1200 has 512 KB of L2 cache and 2 MB of L3 cache. L2 cache is faster than L3 cache, so the Athlon X4 950 has a slight advantage in cache size. However, the Ryzen 3 1200’s Zen architecture is more efficient at using cache, so the overall performance difference is negligible.
Integrated Graphics
Both the AMD Athlon X4 950 and Ryzen 3 1200 have integrated graphics, but the Ryzen 3 1200’s integrated graphics are significantly more powerful. The Athlon X4 950 has Radeon R5 graphics with 8 compute units, while the Ryzen 3 1200 has Radeon Vega 3 graphics with 3 compute units. This means that the Ryzen 3 1200 will provide a better gaming experience, especially at lower resolutions.
Overclocking and Upgradeability
The AMD Athlon X4 950 is not overclockable, while the Ryzen 3 1200 is overclockable. This means that you can increase the clock speed of the Ryzen 3 1200 to improve its performance. However, overclocking can also increase the temperature and power consumption of the processor, so it’s important to have a good cooling system in place.
In terms of upgradeability, both the Athlon X4 950 and Ryzen 3 1200 are compatible with the AM4 socket. This means that you can upgrade to a more powerful processor in the future without having to change your motherboard.
Power Consumption and Cooling
The AMD Athlon X4 950 has a TDP of 65W, while the Ryzen 3 1200 has a TDP of 65W. This means that both processors have similar power consumption. However, the Ryzen 3 1200 is more efficient, so it will run cooler under load.
Price and Availability
The AMD Athlon X4 950 is typically priced around $50, while the Ryzen 3 1200 is typically priced around $100. The Ryzen 3 1200 is more expensive, but it offers better performance and features.
The Verdict: Which Processor Should You Choose?
The AMD Athlon X4 950 is a good choice for budget-conscious builders who are looking for a basic processor for everyday tasks. It offers solid performance and is overclockable, making it a good value for the price. However, if you’re looking for a more powerful processor with better integrated graphics, the Ryzen 3 1200 is a better choice. It offers better performance, more features, and is still relatively affordable.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Is the AMD Athlon X4 950 still a good processor?
Yes, the AMD Athlon X4 950 is still a good processor for budget-conscious builders. It offers solid performance and is overclockable, making it a good value for the price.
Is the Ryzen 3 1200 better than the Athlon X4 950?
Yes, the Ryzen 3 1200 is better than the Athlon X4 950. It offers better performance, more features, and is still relatively affordable.
Which processor is better for gaming?
The Ryzen 3 1200 is better for gaming than the Athlon X4 950. It has more powerful integrated graphics, which will provide a better gaming experience, especially at lower resolutions.
