AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G: A Budget APU for Office and Multimedia in 2025
An up-to-date review of a processor that still finds its fans
Key Features: Architecture, Process Technology, and Main Characteristics
The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G, released in 2018, remains a popular choice for budget PCs due to its well-balanced combination of price and functionality.
Architecture and Process Technology
- Codename: Raven Ridge.
- Process Technology: 14 nm (GlobalFoundries).
- Cores/Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads (no SMT support).
- Frequencies: Base — 3.5 GHz, turbo mode — up to 3.7 GHz.
- Cache: L3 — 4 MB.
- TDP: 35 W.
Integrated Graphics
Radeon Vega 8 (8 GPU cores, clocked up to 1100 MHz) provides basic performance for gaming and graphic work. For instance, in Dota 2 at Medium settings (1080p), you can achieve 40-50 FPS.
Performance
- Geekbench 6: 1000 (Single-Core), 2822 (Multi-Core).
- For comparison: Ryzen 5 3400G (4C/8T) scores about 1200/4500 in the same test.
Key Features
- Low power consumption (ideal for compact systems).
- Support for AMD SenseMI technologies and Secure Processor for data encryption.
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
The Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G uses the AM4 socket, which provides a wide selection of motherboards.
Recommended Chipsets
1. A320: Budget option (e.g., ASUS Prime A320M-K, $60). No overclocking support.
2. B350/B450: For upgrades (e.g., MSI B450 Tomahawk Max, $90). Supports PCIe 3.0 and memory overclocking.
3. X370/X470: Excessive for this processor but suitable if planning to upgrade to Ryzen 5/7.
Important!
- Motherboards on 300 series chipsets may require a BIOS update (use Flashback feature if available).
- Avoid older revisions of motherboards — check compatibility on the manufacturer’s website.
Supported Memory Types
The processor works only with DDR4.
Recommendations
- Frequency: Optimal — 2666–3200 MHz. At 2933 MHz, Vega 8 shows a performance boost of up to 15% in games.
- Mode: Always use a dual-channel configuration (2×4 GB or 2×8 GB). For example, the Crucial DDR4-3000 kit (2×8 GB) at $45 will enhance iGPU performance.
- Latency: CL16 or lower (sets with timings 16-18-18-36 are preferred).
Limitations
Maximum capacity — 64 GB, but for office tasks, 8–16 GB is sufficient.
Power Supplies: Calculation and Recommendations
With a TDP of 35 W, the processor is not demanding in terms of power supply.
Scenarios
- Without a discrete graphics card: A power supply of 300–400 W is sufficient (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10 400W, $50).
- With a graphics card: For RX 6400 (75 W), choose a power supply of 450–500 W (Corsair CX450, $55).
Tips
- Don’t skimp on the power supply: an 80+ Bronze certification guarantees stability.
- Compact models are suitable for mini-PCs (FSP FlexGURU 300W, $60).
Pros and Cons of the Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G
Pros
- Energy Efficiency: Ideal for systems with limited cooling.
- Integrated Graphics: Replaces budget graphics cards in 2025 (e.g., GT 1030 costs $90, while Vega 8 is "free").
- Price: New units are priced at $80–100 (as of April 2025).
Cons
- 4 Threads: Multitasking is weaker than that of the Ryzen 3 3100 (4C/8T).
- Outdated Process Technology: Competitors on 10 nm (Intel) or 7 nm (AMD Ryzen 5000) are more energy-efficient.
- No PCIe 4.0: A limitation for next-gen SSDs.
Use Cases
Office Tasks
- Document editing, browsing (20+ tabs), video conferencing.
- Example: Build based on ASRock A320M-HDV ($65) + 8 GB DDR4.
Multimedia
- Streaming video (4K HDR via HDMI 2.0), light editing in Shotcut.
- Tip: Add an NVMe SSD (e.g., Kingston A2000 500 GB, $40).
Gaming
- eSports: CS2 — 720p/60 FPS, Overwatch 2 — 1080p/Low/50 FPS.
- Indie Games: Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley — no problems.
Comparison with Competitors
1. Intel Core i3-10100 (4C/8T):
- Pros: Better single-threaded performance (~1100 in Geekbench 6).
- Cons: Integrated UHD 630 graphics are 40% weaker than Vega 8. Price — $120.
2. AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (4C/8T):
- Vega 11 is 25% faster but costs $150 (new).
3. Intel Pentium Gold G7400 (Alder Lake, 2C/4T):
- Higher single-threaded performance, but 2 cores are a bottleneck.
Conclusion: The Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G wins in the budget segment thanks to its iGPU.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. BIOS: Update to the latest version before installing the processor.
2. Cooling: The box cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, take the Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 ($25).
3. Storage: An SSD is a must — even a SATA model (Crucial MX500) will reduce loading times.
4. Case: For HTPC, a Mini-ITX case (Fractal Design Node 202) will work well.
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose the Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G?
This processor is ideal if:
- Budget is limited ($200–300 for the whole build).
- Integrated graphics are needed for gaming or video work.
- Energy efficiency is important (home server, media center).
In 2025, the Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G is a solid compromise for non-demanding users who are not ready to pay extra for new models. Its main advantage is autonomy and minimalism without unnecessary costs.