AMD Ryzen 7 3780U
AMD Ryzen 7 3780U: Review of the Processor for Thin Laptops in 2025
April 2025
Architecture and Process Technology: Zen+ and Vega in a Compact Format
The AMD Ryzen 7 3780U processor, released in 2019, is still found in budget ultrabooks and mid-range devices. It is built on the Zen+ microarchitecture (codename Picasso) with a 12 nm process from GlobalFoundries. Although by 2025, 12 nm is considered outdated (in the face of 5 nm and 4 nm chips), this platform remains a reliable solution for less demanding tasks.
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads. Base clock speed is 2.3 GHz, with a maximum turbo boost of 4.0 GHz.
- Cache Memory: 4 MB L3 cache. This is sufficient for office applications and light multitasking but is somewhat limited for heavy workloads.
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon Vega 11 with 11 CUs (704 stream processors) and speeds up to 1400 MHz. Its performance is comparable to discrete GPUs like the NVIDIA MX150 but falls behind modern iGPUs in Ryzen 6000/7000 series processors.
A feature of the Zen+ architecture is improved energy efficiency compared to the first generation Zen, along with support for DDR4-2400 memory. However, the lack of PCIe 4.0 and limitations in RAM speed could be drawbacks for tasks that require high bandwidth.
Power Consumption and TDP: Balance Between Power and Battery Life
The processor's TDP is 15 W, which is typical for ultrabooks. This allows manufacturers to create thin and lightweight devices without bulky cooling systems.
- Thermal Output: Even under load, the chip rarely exceeds 70–75°C in well-designed laptops (e.g., Lenovo IdeaPad 5).
- Operating Modes: AMD has implemented Precision Boost 2 and Adaptive Power Management, which dynamically adjust frequencies and voltages to minimize power consumption during idle periods.
However, under prolonged loads (e.g., video rendering), the processor may reduce its clock speeds due to overheating, particularly in compact cases.
Performance: Office, Multimedia, and Light Gaming
Geekbench 6:
- Single-Core: 1160 — comparable to Intel Core i5-10210U (Comet Lake).
- Multi-Core: 4414 — similar to Core i7-1065G7 (Ice Lake).
Real-World Scenarios:
- Office Tasks (Word, Excel, browser with 10+ tabs): The processor handles these without delays.
- Multimedia: 4K video on YouTube or Netflix plays smoothly, but editing in DaVinci Resolve will be slow (rendering a 1080p clip takes about 30–40 minutes).
- Gaming: In Dota 2 or CS:2 on low settings — 40–50 FPS in Full HD. GTA V — 25–30 FPS. For modern AAA games (2024–2025), the processor is weak even at minimum settings.
- Turbo Mode: Under short bursts of load (e.g., opening a heavy PDF), clock speed reaches 4.0 GHz, but drops to 3.2–3.5 GHz after 20–30 seconds due to TDP limitations.
Use Cases: Who is the Ryzen 7 3780U Designed For?
This processor is ideal for:
- Students: Working with texts, online courses, Zoom conferences.
- Office Workers: Excel spreadsheets, email, CRM systems.
- Users Who Value Battery Life: Laptops based on the 3780U often come with 50–60 Wh batteries, providing 7–9 hours of work under moderate load.
- Casual Gamers: Older and indie games, cloud gaming (GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud).
Not suitable for:
- Professional video editing/3D modeling.
- Modern games with high demands.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?
In laptops with the Ryzen 7 3780U, battery life depends on battery capacity and optimization:
- 60 Wh + power-saving mode: Up to 10 hours of web surfing.
- Screen brightness at 50%: Video playback — 6–7 hours.
Power-saving technologies:
- AMD Cool’n’Quiet: Reduces frequencies during idle.
- Power management algorithms in Windows/Linux: OS integration to minimize background loads.
Tip: Disable Turbo Boost in power settings to extend battery life by 15-20%.
Comparison with Competitors: AMD, Intel, Apple
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (Zen 2, 7 nm): 20–30% faster in multi-threaded tasks but more expensive.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7 (Tiger Lake): Better single-threaded performance (+15%) but weaker iGPU.
- Apple M1: Significantly surpasses in energy efficiency and speed but limited compatibility with Windows.
- Predecessor: Ryzen 7 3700U — nearly identical but with lower clock speeds.
In 2025, the Ryzen 7 3780U is relevant only in devices priced $400–$600, where it competes with budget Intel Core i3 12th generation processors.
Pros and Cons of the Ryzen 7 3780U
Strengths:
- Good integrated graphics for less demanding gaming.
- Support for multi-threading (8 threads).
- Low cost of laptops based on it.
Weaknesses:
- Outdated 12 nm process technology.
- Limited performance in single-threaded applications.
- No support for PCIe 4.0 and DDR5.
Recommendations for Laptop Selection
- Type of Device: Ultrabook (Acer Swift 3, HP Envy x360) or budget laptop (Lenovo IdeaPad 5).
- What to Look For:
- Display: IPS panel with brightness of at least 250 nits.
- Battery: At least 50 Wh.
- Cooling: Two fans or copper heat pipes.
- Memory: 16 GB DDR4 (8 GB may not be sufficient for multitasking).
- Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD.
Avoid models with TN displays and HDDs — they undermine the advantages of the processor.
Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the Ryzen 7 3780U in 2025?
This processor is a choice for those seeking a budget laptop that balances performance and battery life. It is suitable for:
- Document work and internet surfing.
- Movie watching and light gaming.
- Users who do not need a "fresh" platform.
Key Benefits:
- Low device prices (from $450).
- Sufficient power for everyday tasks.
- Compactness and long battery life.
If you are willing to pay an additional $200–$300, consider laptops with Ryzen 5 6600U (Zen 3+, 6 nm) or Intel Core i5-1240P — they will offer a more future-proof solution. However, for basic needs, the Ryzen 7 3780U remains a worthy option even in 2025.