AMD Athlon 300GE
AMD Athlon 300GE: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
Overview of capabilities, compatibility, and practical use scenarios
Key Specifications: Architecture, Process Technology, and Key Features
The AMD Athlon 300GE processor, released in 2019, remains relevant in 2025 due to its balance of price and energy efficiency. Built on the Zen+ architecture (14 nm), it features 2 cores and 4 threads thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) technology. This allows it to handle basic multitasking scenarios like web browsing and office applications.
Key specs:
- L3 Cache: 4 MB — sufficient for light tasks but limited for complex computations.
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon Vega 3 with 3 cores (192 shader processors) — supports 4K video via HDMI and can handle games at low settings (e.g., CS:GO at 30-40 FPS in 720p resolution).
- TDP 35W: Ideal for compact and silent systems.
- Performance: In the Geekbench 6 test (2025) — 882 points (single-threaded), 1742 (multi-threaded). For comparison, the Ryzen 3 3200G scores around 1100/3300 points.
Practical Example: In 2024, a user built an HTPC with the Athlon 300GE for streaming 4K content on Plex. The system runs smoothly while consuming less than 50W under load.
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
The processor uses the AM4 socket, providing access to a wide range of boards. However, by 2025, newer chipsets (such as A620) no longer support the Athlon 300GE due to BIOS limitations.
Recommended Chipsets:
- A320: A budget option ($45–60). Example: ASRock A320M-HDV — a simple board with HDMI and USB 3.1.
- B450: The best choice for upgrades ($70–90). For instance, the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max supports processors up to Ryzen 9 5950X after a BIOS update.
Important: When purchasing a new motherboard in 2025, ensure the BIOS is updated to a version that supports Zen+. Some manufacturers (ASUS, Gigabyte) still release boards with compatibility "out of the box".
Supported Memory: DDR4 and Limitations
The Athlon 300GE works only with DDR4, with a maximum frequency of 2933 MHz (officially). In the era of DDR5, this seems outdated, but for the processor's tasks, 2400–2666 MHz is sufficient.
Recommendations:
- Optimal volume: 8–16 GB (2×4 GB or 2×8 GB).
- Example: The Patriot Signature Line DDR4-2666 (2×8 GB) for $35 — a reliable option for office PCs.
Tip: Activating the XMP profile in the BIOS can enhance performance, but stability depends on the quality of the memory and the motherboard.
Power Supply: Power Calculation
With a TDP of 35W, the Athlon 300GE is one of the most energy-efficient processors. Even with additional components, a PSU rated at 300–400W is sufficient.
Build Examples:
1. Office PC (without a discrete graphics card): Be Quiet! System Power 10 350W ($40).
2. Mini PC for a media center: FSP FlexGURU 300W ($50) in a Mini-ITX case.
Important: If a graphics card (e.g., GTX 1650) is planned, choose a PSU rated at 450W (EVGA 450 BR, $45).
Pros and Cons: Who is the Athlon 300GE Relevant for in 2025?
Advantages:
- Price: $50–60 (new) — cheaper than most competitors.
- Energy Efficiency: Suitable for passive cooling.
- Integrated Graphics: Vega 3 outperforms Intel UHD 610 (Celeron G5920).
Disadvantages:
- 2 Cores: Multi-threaded applications (video editing, 3D rendering) run slowly.
- Outdated Architecture: Lags behind even budget Ryzen 5000 series.
Example: In 2023, a user tried to run Cyberpunk 2077 on low settings — the game outputted 10–15 FPS, which is unacceptable.
Use Scenarios: Where Does Its Potential Unfold?
1. Office Tasks: Working with a browser (10+ tabs), MS Office, Zoom.
2. Multimedia: Watching 4K on YouTube, streaming via Plex/Jellyfin.
3. Light Gaming: Minecraft, Dota 2, console emulators (PSP, PS1).
4. Home Server: NAS based on OpenMediaVault with low power consumption.
Real Case: A cafe owner built a sales accounting terminal on Athlon 300GE — the system runs 24/7, consuming $2 in electricity per month.
Comparison with Competitors
- Intel Celeron G5920 ($55): 2 cores/2 threads, UHD 610. Lacks multi-threading and graphics capabilities.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200G ($80 used): 4 cores, Vega 8 — better in gaming and multitasking but more expensive.
- Intel Pentium Gold G7400 ($75): 2 cores/4 threads, UHD 710. Comparable performance but higher price.
Conclusion: The Athlon 300GE only wins in the budget segment under $60.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Case Selection: Mini-ITX (Cooler Master Elite 110) for compactness.
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but replace it with a Noctua NH-L9a ($45) for silence.
3. Storage: An SSD is essential (Kingston A400 240 GB, $20) — an HDD will slow down the system.
4. Upgrade: If you later want to improve the PC, a B450 motherboard will allow you to install a Ryzen 5 5600G.
Sample Build (Price ~$250):
- Processor: $60
- Motherboard: ASRock A320M-HDV — $55
- Memory: 8 GB DDR4-2666 — $20
- SSD: 240 GB — $20
- PSU: 400W — $40
- Case: $35
Final Conclusion: Who is the Athlon 300GE Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for those looking for a low-budget solution for:
- Office PCs.
- Media centers.
- Simple home systems.
- Energy-efficient servers.
Why is it still relevant in 2025? Its low price, availability of components, and adequate performance for basic tasks make it a worthwhile option despite its age. However, for gaming or professional workloads, it's better to consider Ryzen 3 4100 or Intel Core i3-12100.
Tip: If your budget allows for an additional $30-40, the Ryzen 3 3200G offers significantly more capabilities. But if the goal is minimal expenses, the Athlon 300GE remains a reliable "workhorse."