AMD Athlon Gold 3150U
AMD Athlon Gold 3150U: A Budget Processor for Everyday Tasks in 2025
Overview of Features, Performance, and Use Cases
Architecture and Manufacturing Process: Balance Between Cost and Efficiency
The AMD Athlon Gold 3150U is a mobile processor designed for budget laptops. It is based on a 14nm manufacturing process, which, despite the emergence of more modern 6nm and 5nm solutions, remains relevant in the low-price segment. Key specifications include:
- 2 cores and 4 threads thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) technology.
- Base frequency of 2.4 GHz, with maximum turbo mode up to 3.3 GHz.
- 4 MB of L3 cache, which improves responsiveness for simple tasks.
- Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics with 3 cores and a frequency of up to 1100 MHz.
The processor architecture is based on hybrid Zen 2 principles, optimized for lower power consumption. The iGPU, while lagging behind modern solutions like RDNA 3, supports 4K video decoding and basic graphical workloads.
Power Consumption and TDP: 15W for Thin Devices
With a TDP of 15W, the Athlon Gold 3150U can be used in ultrabooks and compact laptops without active cooling. This means:
- Minimal heating even during extended use.
- The possibility of creating devices thinner than 18mm.
- Quiet operation — the fan rarely activates, for example, when launching a browser with several tabs open.
However, performance headroom is limited: under load on both cores (e.g., rendering a PDF), the frequency can drop to 2.8 GHz to maintain TDP.
Performance: What to Expect in Real-World Scenarios
Geekbench 6 benchmark results (786 / 1631) position the Athlon Gold 3150U alongside the Intel Core i3-1115G4 and AMD Ryzen 3 3250U. In practice, this means:
- Office tasks: Word, Excel, and a browser with 10-15 tabs run smoothly. Running Zoom, Slack, and Chrome is possible, but there may be brief stutters when switching between windows.
- Multimedia: Watching 4K videos on YouTube (with VP9 support) and streaming services (Netflix) has no issues. Video editing in 1080p using DaVinci Resolve is possible, but rendering will take 2-3 times longer than on a Ryzen 5.
- Gaming: In League of Legends (low settings, 720p) — 40-50 FPS, CS:GO — 30-35 FPS. Modern AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 are not playable even on the lowest settings.
- Turbo Mode: Automatically activates under load on 1-2 cores, raising the frequency to 3.3 GHz. For example, this speeds up the loading of "heavy" websites or PDF files. However, in multi-threaded scenarios (like file archiving), Turbo has little effect on the outcome.
Use Cases: Who is the Athlon Gold 3150U Made For?
This processor is suitable for those who:
1. Work with office applications (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
2. Use a laptop for studying — writing papers, online courses, Zoom conferences.
3. Watch movies and series in high resolution.
4. Play older or less demanding games (Stardew Valley, Minecraft).
Not recommended for:
- Video editing, 3D modeling.
- Running modern games.
- Concurrent use of several "heavy" applications (e.g., Photoshop + Premiere Pro).
Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?
With a battery capacity of 40-50 Wh (typical for budget ultrabooks), the operational time will be:
- 8-10 hours during web surfing and document work (brightness at 50%).
- 5-6 hours when watching 1080p videos.
Power-saving features include:
- AMD SenseMI technology — adaptive frequency and voltage management.
- "Battery Saver" mode in Windows, which reduces the frequency to 1.8 GHz.
Tip: Disable Turbo Boost in power settings to increase battery life by 15-20%.
Comparison with Competitors: What to Choose in 2025?
- Intel Celeron N5100: Cheaper ($250–$300), but weaker in multi-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Multi Core ~1200). Suitable for the simplest tasks.
- Apple M1 (in used MacBook Airs): At $500–$600 offers 2-3 times the performance, but with limited compatibility with Windows applications.
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (4 cores, 6nm): 30% faster in multitasking, but laptops with this chip start at $550.
Conclusion: The Athlon Gold 3150U is optimal for new devices in the $300–$400 price range. Alternatives are either weaker or require a larger budget.
Pros and Cons of the Processor
Strengths:
- Low laptop prices (starting from $320).
- Energy efficiency and quiet operation.
- Support for modern interfaces: USB-C, HDMI 2.0.
Weaknesses:
- Only 2 cores: multitasking capabilities are limited.
- Weak iGPU: games released after 2020 are practically unplayable.
- Outdated 14nm manufacturing process: heating under prolonged load.
Recommendations for Laptop Selection
Devices with the Athlon Gold 3150U should be considered in the following categories:
- Budget ultrabooks: For example, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 or HP 15 — thin, lightweight (1.5–1.7 kg), with 14–15.6″ displays.
- Educational laptops: With sturdy cases (ASUS BR1100) and long battery life.
What to pay attention to:
1. RAM size: At least 8 GB (preferably with upgrade options).
2. Storage: Only SSD (256 GB and above). HDD will slow down the system.
3. Screen: Full HD (1920×1080) — HD (1366×768) is outdated in 2025.
Examples of 2025 models:
- Acer Aspire 3 (A315-23-R3YH): $349, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 15.6″ Full HD.
- Lenovo V15 Gen 4: $379, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, anti-glare screen coating.
Final Conclusion: Who is the Athlon Gold 3150U Suitable For?
This processor is a good choice for those looking for an affordable laptop for basic tasks. It will provide:
- Comfortable document handling and internet browsing.
- Long battery life without frequent recharges.
- Minimal investment (price up to $400).
Key Benefits:
- A good price-to-efficiency ratio.
- Sufficient performance for 80% of everyday tasks.
If your budget is limited, and your "power" demands are minimal — the Athlon Gold 3150U will be a reliable option. However, for gaming, editing, or working with "heavy" software, it’s better to consider a Ryzen 5 or Core i5.