AMD Athlon Gold 3150GE
AMD Athlon Gold 3150GE: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks
Analysis of capabilities and usage scenarios in 2025
Key Specifications
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The AMD Athlon Gold 3150GE processor, released in 2020, is based on the Zen microarchitecture (not Zen+ or Zen 2), which explains its positioning in the budget segment. Despite using an outdated 12nm manufacturing process, the chip remains relevant due to its low power consumption (TDP 35W) and integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics.
Key Features:
- 4 cores/4 threads — suitable for light multitasking;
- 4MB L3 cache — a minimum for basic applications;
- Radeon Vega 3 (384 shader processors, frequency up to 1100 MHz) — video processing and simple gaming;
- Support for DDR4-2933 — a current standard for budget PCs.
Performance in benchmarks (Geekbench 6):
- 1150 points (Single-Core) — comparable to the Intel Pentium Gold G6400;
- 3328 points (Multi-Core) — lower than Ryzen 3 3200G (4/8, Zen+).
Highlights:
- Energy efficiency — ideal for compact builds;
- Integrated graphics — no need for a discrete graphics card;
- Price — about $65 (new, 2025).
Compatible Motherboards
Sockets and Chipsets
The processor uses the AM4 socket, which allows for a wide range of motherboard options. Recommended chipsets:
- A320 — the most budget-friendly option (e.g., ASRock A320M-HDV, $50–60);
- B450 — an optimal choice with memory overclocking support and upgrade potential (e.g., MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX, $75–90);
- X470 — excessive for Athlon, but suitable for future upgrades to Ryzen 5/7.
Important:
- A BIOS update may be required for motherboards released before 2020;
- For compact builds, choose the micro-ATX form factor.
Supported Memory
Athlon Gold 3150GE works with DDR4 (up to 2933 MHz in dual-channel mode). Recommendations:
- Minimum 8GB (2x4GB) — for Windows 11 and office tasks;
- 16GB (2x8GB) — for browsing, graphics work, and light gaming.
Examples of modules:
- Patriot Signature Line DDR4-2666 (8GB) — $25;
- Crucial Ballistix DDR4-3200 (16GB) — $55 (compatible at 2933 MHz).
Limitation: the processor does not support DDR5.
Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 35W, the Athlon Gold 3150GE does not require a powerful PSU:
- For a system without a discrete graphics card, 300-400W is sufficient (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10, 400W, $45);
- If planning to install a GPU (e.g., GTX 1650), choose a PSU 450-500W (Corsair CX450, $55).
Tip: avoid cheap noname power supplies — they can be unstable even under low load.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low power consumption and heat generation;
- Integrated graphics for basic tasks;
- Affordable price;
- Compatibility with mainstream AM4 platforms.
Cons:
- 4 threads — weak multi-threaded performance;
- Vega 3 cannot handle modern games;
- Lack of PCIe 4.0;
- Outdated 12nm manufacturing process.
Usage Scenarios
1. Office and Study
- Working with documents, browsers (20+ tabs), Zoom.
- Example: build based on Athlon 3150GE, 8GB DDR4, 256GB SSD — $250.
2. Multimedia
- Watching 4K video (with hardware decoding), streaming.
- Connection to TV via HDMI 2.0.
3. Light Gaming
- Minecraft, Dota 2, CS:GO — up to 30–40 FPS on low settings.
- For Fortnite, resolution reduction to 720p is required.
4. Home Server/NAS
- Low power consumption is suitable for 24/7 operation.
Comparison with Competitors
1. Intel Pentium Gold G6600 (4/4, UHD Graphics 630, $75)
- Intel Pros: higher IPC in single-threaded tasks.
- Cons: more expensive, graphics weaker than Vega 3.
2. Ryzen 3 3200G (4/8, Vega 8, $90)
- Ryzen Pros: double the threads, Vega 8 is more powerful.
- Cons: higher price and TDP (65W).
Conclusion: Athlon 3150GE excels in the budget segment under $70 but falls short in multi-threading compared to the Ryzen 3 3200G.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Motherboard: MSI B450M-A PRO MAX ($70) — a reliable option with HDMI and USB 3.2.
2. Memory: 16GB DDR4-2933 — minimum for 2025.
3. Storage: Kingston A400 480GB ($35) — for system and applications.
4. Case: Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L ($50) — compact and well-ventilated.
5. Cooling: The boxed cooler is sufficient — noise level around 25 dB.
Hack: Use the Eco Mode in the BIOS to reduce TDP to 25W for absolute silence.
Final Conclusion: Who is the Athlon Gold 3150GE Suitable For?
This processor is an ideal choice for:
- Budget PCs — when price is more important than performance;
- Office workstations — energy efficiency and stability;
- Media centers — support for 4K and HDMI 2.0;
- Educational projects — building a PC for beginners.
Why in 2025?
Despite its age, the Athlon 3150GE remains relevant due to its low cost and minimal cooling requirements. However, for gaming or serious graphic work, consider Ryzen 3/5 or Intel Core i3.
Prices are for new devices as of April 2025. The examples given are based on real assembly experiences with AM4.