What To Know
- In contrast, the Ryzen 5 5500U utilizes the more advanced Zen 2 microarchitecture and is fabricated on a 7nm process.
- While the Ryzen 3 1200 may have a higher turbo boost speed, the Ryzen 5 5500U’s higher core count and threads compensate for the lower clock speed in most real-world scenarios.
- The Ryzen 3 1200 has a TDP of 65W, while the Ryzen 5 5500U has a TDP of 15W.
The world of CPUs is vast, with countless options to choose from. In the budget segment, AMD’s Ryzen 3 1200 and Ryzen 5 5500U stand out as formidable contenders. While they may seem similar on paper, their underlying differences can significantly impact your computing experience. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these two CPUs, helping you make an informed decision for your next budget build.
Architecture and Fabrication
The Ryzen 3 1200 is based on the older Zen microarchitecture and manufactured on a 14nm process. In contrast, the Ryzen 5 5500U utilizes the more advanced Zen 2 microarchitecture and is fabricated on a 7nm process. The smaller fabrication node in the Ryzen 5 5500U results in improved energy efficiency and higher transistor density.
Core Count and Threads
The Ryzen 3 1200 is a quad-core processor with four threads, while the Ryzen 5 5500U features six cores and twelve threads. The additional cores and threads in the Ryzen 5 5500U provide a significant advantage in multi-threaded workloads, where it can handle more tasks simultaneously.
Clock Speeds
The Ryzen 3 1200 has a base clock speed of 3.1GHz and a turbo boost speed of 3.4GHz. The Ryzen 5 5500U has a slightly higher base clock speed of 2.1GHz but a lower turbo boost speed of 4.0GHz. While the Ryzen 3 1200 may have a higher turbo boost speed, the Ryzen 5 5500U’s higher core count and threads compensate for the lower clock speed in most real-world scenarios.
Cache
The Ryzen 3 1200 has 512KB of L2 cache per core and 8MB of L3 cache. The Ryzen 5 5500U has 512KB of L2 cache per core and 8MB of L3 cache. While both CPUs have the same amount of L3 cache, the Ryzen 5 5500U’s higher core count results in a larger total amount of L2 cache.
Integrated Graphics
The Ryzen 3 1200 does not have integrated graphics, while the Ryzen 5 5500U features an integrated Radeon Vega 7 GPU. This integrated GPU provides basic graphics capabilities, allowing users to perform light gaming and media playback without the need for a dedicated graphics card.
Power Consumption
The Ryzen 3 1200 has a TDP of 65W, while the Ryzen 5 5500U has a TDP of 15W. The lower TDP of the Ryzen 5 5500U makes it suitable for laptops and other mobile devices, where power consumption is a critical factor.
Price and Availability
The Ryzen 3 1200 has been discontinued and is no longer widely available. The Ryzen 5 5500U is currently available for around $150.
Which CPU is Right for You?
The choice between the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 and Ryzen 5 5500U depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget CPU for a desktop build and don’t need integrated graphics, the Ryzen 3 1200 may be a good option. However, if you’re looking for a more versatile CPU with higher performance and integrated graphics, the Ryzen 5 5500U is a better choice.
Performance Benchmarks
To provide a more concrete comparison, here are some performance benchmarks for the Ryzen 3 1200 and Ryzen 5 5500U:
- Cinebench R20 Multi-Core: Ryzen 3 1200: 1200 points, Ryzen 5 5500U: 2400 points
- Geekbench 5 Single-Core: Ryzen 3 1200: 900 points, Ryzen 5 5500U: 1100 points
- Geekbench 5 Multi-Core: Ryzen 3 1200: 3000 points, Ryzen 5 5500U: 6000 points
- 3DMark Time Spy: Ryzen 3 1200: N/A, Ryzen 5 5500U: 1200 points
- PCMark 10: Ryzen 3 1200: 4000 points, Ryzen 5 5500U: 5500 points
Recommendations: The Verdict
Overall, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U is the better choice for most users. It offers higher performance, more cores and threads, integrated graphics, and lower power consumption. While the Ryzen 3 1200 may be a budget-friendly option, its limited performance and lack of integrated graphics make it less versatile.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Is the Ryzen 3 1200 still worth buying?
No, the Ryzen 3 1200 is no longer worth buying due to its discontinued status and limited performance compared to newer budget CPUs.
2. Can I use the Ryzen 5 5500U in a desktop PC?
Yes, the Ryzen 5 5500U can be used in a desktop PC with a compatible motherboard and a suitable cooling solution. However, it is primarily designed for laptops and mobile devices.
3. Is the Ryzen 5 5500U good for gaming?
The Ryzen 5 5500U can handle light gaming at low to medium settings. However, it is not recommended for high-end gaming or demanding titles.
