The motherboard paired with AMD’s first generation Ryzen processors are the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 and the motherboard where it comes from. Featuring the 14nm Zen architecture, AMD’s previous generation CPUs were leaps behind in terms of performance, but leaps ahead when it comes to efficiency. The Ryzen 3 1200 brings down the horse’s head price point to merely $99, with a base clock speed of 3.1 GHz and boost up to 3.4 GHz, and for light gaming, basic computing, and budget builds it serves with reliable performance. The motherboard has its AM4 socket they’re compatible with a wide range of motherboards, and also it provides an upgrade path for future processor improvements.
But one of the processor’s major benefits is its 4 core/4 thread configuration — enough to handle basic productivity tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback. It isn’t based on a True Simultaneous Multithreading (True SMT) core like the more expensive Ryzen 3 1300X, but it does offer the affordability and overclocking potential. Its paired with a discrete GPU and is able to handle light gaming and older titles at 1080p with good performance, prime budget gaming platform.
The Ryzen 3 1200 has been designed with an energy efficient TDP of 65W and is easy to cool, even with stock cooling. However, because its lack of integrated graphics requires users to add a dedicated GPU in order for any visual output, it’s a considered choice for the enterprise. While this is a limitation, the processor’s cost and its reliable performance place the processor as a pretty long shot contender for entry-level PC builds for people who aren’t exclusive gamers or people looking to do any intensive gaming.
Physical
| Socket: | AMD Socket AM4 |
|---|---|
| Foundry: | GlobalFoundries |
| Process Size: | 14 nm |
| Transistors: | 4,800 million |
| Die Size: | 213 mm² |
| Package: | µOPGA-1331 |
| tJMax: | 95°C |
Processor
| Market: | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Production Status: | Active |
| Release Date: | Jul 27th, 2017 |
| Launch Price: | $109 |
Performance
| Frequency: | 3.1 GHz |
|---|---|
| Turbo Clock: | up to 3.4 GHz |
| XFR: | 3.45 GHz |
| Base Clock: | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier: | 31.0x |
| Multiplier Unlocked: | Yes |
| TDP: | 65 W |
Core Config
| No of Cores: | 4 |
|---|---|
| No of Threads: | 4 |
| SMP # CPUs: | 1 |
| Integrated Graphics: | N/A |
Architecture
| Code name: | Zen |
|---|---|
| Generation: | Ryzen 3 (Zen (Summit Ridge)) |
| Memory Support: | DDR4 |
| Rated Speed: | 2666 MT/s |
| Memory Bus: | Dual-channel |
| ECC Memory: | Yes |
| PCI-Express: | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |
| Chipsets: | AMD 300 Series, AMD 400 Series, AMD 500 Series |
Cache
| Cache L1: | 96 KB (per core) |
|---|---|
| Cache L2: | 512 KB (per core) |
| Cache L3: | 8 MB (shared) |
Benchmark Performance.
The performance of the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 can be evaluated through various CPU benchmarks that test its capabilities in real-world tasks and synthetic workloads. Below are some typical benchmarks and performance insights:
Synthetic Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Performance |
|---|---|
| Cinebench R15 | ~450 points (multi-core), ~120 points (single-core). Decent performance for light multitasking. |
| Cinebench R23 | ~2400 points (multi-core), ~620 points (single-core). Reflects its aging architecture in modern tasks. |
| Geekbench 5 | ~850 (single-core), ~3100 (multi-core). Handles everyday workloads but lags behind newer CPUs. |
Gaming Benchmarks
With a discrete GPU (e.g., GTX 1050 or RX 560), the Ryzen 3 1200 provides playable performance for light gaming at 1080p:
| Game | Settings | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| CS:GO | 1080p, Medium | ~120 FPS |
| GTA V | 1080p, Normal | ~55-65 FPS |
| Fortnite | 1080p, Medium | ~60-70 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | 1080p, Low-Medium | ~40-50 FPS |
| PUBG | 1080p, Low | ~50 FPS |
Productivity Benchmarks
| Task | Performance |
|---|---|
| Video Encoding (Handbrake) | Takes significantly longer than modern multi-threaded CPUs due to the lack of SMT. |
| Office Work (Excel, Word) | Handles general office tasks smoothly but may slow with very large datasets. |
| Web Browsing | Excellent for browsing and multitasking light applications. |
Overall Performance Insight
The Ryzen 3 1200 offers solid performance for its price, but it falls behind modern CPUs in single-threaded tasks, multitasking, and demanding workloads. It is best suited for budget systems focused on general use and light gaming. For improved performance, consider upgrading to newer Ryzen processors like the Ryzen 3 3100 or Ryzen 5 3600 if your budget allows.
View also: Ryzen 3 Pro 5350G
