What To Know
- Additionally, the Athlon X4 970 has 2 MB of L2 cache, while the Ryzen 3 1200 boasts 512 KB of L2 cache and 2 MB of L3 cache.
- The Athlon X4 970 features the Radeon R7 Graphics with 512 stream processors, while the Ryzen 3 1200 has the Radeon Vega 3 Graphics with 384 stream processors.
- The Athlon X4 970 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65W, while the Ryzen 3 1200 has a TDP of 65W.
When it comes to budget-friendly CPU options, the AMD Athlon X4 970 and Ryzen 3 1200 stand out as two exceptional choices. Both processors offer impressive performance at an affordable price, making them ideal for entry-level gaming, basic multitasking, and everyday computing tasks. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Athlon X4 970 and Ryzen 3 1200 to help you make an informed decision.
Architecture and Cores
The Athlon X4 970 is based on the older Excavator architecture, featuring four cores and four threads. On the other hand, the Ryzen 3 1200 utilizes the newer Zen architecture, offering four cores and eight threads. This architectural difference gives the Ryzen 3 1200 an advantage in multi-threaded applications.
Clock Speeds and Cache
The Athlon X4 970 has a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a turbo boost speed of 4.2 GHz, while the Ryzen 3 1200 operates at a base clock speed of 3.1 GHz and a turbo boost speed of 3.4 GHz. Additionally, the Athlon X4 970 has 2 MB of L2 cache, while the Ryzen 3 1200 boasts 512 KB of L2 cache and 2 MB of L3 cache. The larger cache size in the Ryzen 3 1200 improves its overall performance.
Graphics Performance
Both the Athlon X4 970 and Ryzen 3 1200 come with integrated graphics. The Athlon X4 970 features the Radeon R7 Graphics with 512 stream processors, while the Ryzen 3 1200 has the Radeon Vega 3 Graphics with 384 stream processors. While neither of these integrated GPUs is suitable for demanding gaming, they can handle basic graphics and video playback tasks.
Overclocking Capabilities
Overclocking is not officially supported on the Athlon X4 970. However, some users have successfully overclocked it by adjusting the BIOS settings. The Ryzen 3 1200, on the other hand, has unlocked multipliers, allowing for easier overclocking. This makes the Ryzen 3 1200 a more attractive option for users who want to push their system’s performance further.
Power Consumption
The Athlon X4 970 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65W, while the Ryzen 3 1200 has a TDP of 65W. This means that both processors have similar power consumption, making them suitable for budget-friendly systems.
Price and Value
The Athlon X4 970 is typically priced around $50, while the Ryzen 3 1200 can be found for around $60. For the slightly higher price, the Ryzen 3 1200 offers superior performance and more features, making it a better value proposition overall.
Which CPU is Right for You?
Choosing between the Athlon X4 970 and Ryzen 3 1200 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize multi-threaded performance and want the flexibility of overclocking, the Ryzen 3 1200 is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget and only need basic performance, the Athlon X4 970 is a solid option.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which CPU is better for gaming?
A: The Ryzen 3 1200 offers better gaming performance due to its higher clock speeds, larger cache, and support for overclocking.
Q: Which CPU has more cores?
A: Both the Athlon X4 970 and Ryzen 3 1200 have four cores.
Q: Which CPU has more threads?
A: The Ryzen 3 1200 has eight threads, while the Athlon X4 970 has four threads.
Q: Which CPU is more overclockable?
A: The Ryzen 3 1200 has unlocked multipliers, making it easier to overclock.
Q: Which CPU is more power efficient?
A: Both the Athlon X4 970 and Ryzen 3 1200 have similar power consumption.
