AMD Athlon Gold PRO 3150G
AMD Athlon Gold PRO 3150G: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks
Overview and Practical Recommendations for Building a PC (April 2025)
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Key Features
Codename and Process Technology
The AMD Athlon Gold PRO 3150G, known by the codename Dali, is manufactured on a 12nm process technology. By 2025 standards, this technology is considered outdated, but it helps to keep the chip's cost down. The architecture is Zen+, which ensures stable performance for office and multimedia tasks.
Performance
- 4 cores / 4 threads — sufficient for light multitasking (browsing, office applications, streaming video).
- L3 Cache: 4 MB — a minimum for quick data access, but inadequate for complex computations.
- Geekbench 6: Single-Core — 1080, Multi-Core — 3407. Comparable to the Intel Core i3-9100 but inferior to the Ryzen 3 5300G (Multi-Core ~4500).
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon Vega 3 (or similar) — handles Full HD video and low-settings games (e.g., CS:GO — 40-50 FPS).
Key Features
- Energy Efficiency: TDP 65W — does not require powerful cooling.
- PRO Security: Supports enterprise features (remote management, extended warranty).
2. Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
AM4 Socket
The processor utilizes the AM4 socket, providing access to a wide range of motherboards, including models released between 2017 and 2023.
Recommended Chipsets:
- A520/B550 — optimal choice (PCIe 3.0/4.0, USB 3.2). Examples of motherboards:
- Gigabyte A520M S2H ($75–90) — basic model with HDMI.
- ASRock B550M-HDV ($95–110) — memory overclocking support.
- B450/X470 — require BIOS updates. Suitable for upgrading older systems.
Important: Avoid X570 chipsets — they are excessive for the Athlon 3150G.
3. Supported Memory: DDR4 and Dual-Channel Mode
- Memory Type: Only DDR4 (up to 3200 MHz). DDR5 is not supported.
- Configuration: Always use two modules (e.g., 2×8 GB) to activate dual-channel mode. This will improve graphics performance by 15–20%.
- Examples:
- Crucial DDR4-2666 16GB ($45) — budget option.
- Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200 16GB ($55) — optimal balance.
4. Power Supplies: Power Calculation
With a TDP of 65W, a system without a discrete graphics card consumes up to 120–150W. Recommendations:
- Without a graphics card: PSU rated 350–450W (e.g., EVGA 450 BR, $40).
- With a graphics card (e.g., GTX 1650): PSU rated 500–600W (e.g., Corsair CV550, $60).
Tip: Choose power supplies with an 80+ Bronze certification for stability.
5. Pros and Cons of the Athlon Gold PRO 3150G
Advantages:
- Low price ($85–100).
- Integrated graphics for basic tasks.
- Energy efficiency and quiet operation.
Disadvantages:
- Only 4 threads — weak multitasking performance.
- Outdated 12nm process technology.
- Limited upgradeability: AM4 socket replaced by AM5.
6. Use Cases: Where the Processor Will Shine
- Office PCs: Document work, Zoom conferences, multitasking in a browser (10+ tabs).
- Home Media Center: Streaming 4K video, Netflix, YouTube.
- Light Gaming: Dota 2, Minecraft, Overwatch 2 (Low/Medium, 720p–1080p).
- Educational Tasks: Python programming, working with virtual machines (1–2 light OS).
Real Example: A user built a PC with the Athlon 3150G for remote work — browsing, Excel, Slack. Energy consumption — 80W, noise — 25 dB.
7. Comparison with Competitors
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300G ($130): 4 cores / 8 threads, Zen 3, Vega 6. Multi-Core performance is 30% higher.
- Intel Core i3-13100F ($110): 4 cores / 8 threads, but no integrated graphics. Better for single-threaded tasks.
- Intel Pentium Gold G7400 ($75): 2 cores / 4 threads, UHD 710. Cheaper but weaker in gaming and multitasking.
Conclusion: The Athlon 3150G is only advantageous for budgets under $100 and the need for integrated graphics.
8. Practical Building Tips
- Cooler: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, consider the Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 V2 ($20).
- Storage: Always include an SSD (e.g., Kingston A400 480GB, $35).
- Case: Micro-ATX with ventilation (e.g., Cooler Master Q300L, $55).
- Assembly:
1. Install the processor in the AM4 socket.
2. Connect the dual-channel memory.
3. Configure XMP profile for DDR4-3200.
9. Final Recommendation: Who Should Choose the Athlon Gold PRO 3150G
This processor is suitable for:
- Budget Users: Building a PC for under $300.
- Offices and Educational Institutions: Reliability and low operating costs.
- Backup Systems: Media servers, thin clients.
Why this one? A combination of price, integrated graphics, and adequate performance for basic tasks. However, for gaming or professional applications, it’s better to consider the Ryzen 3 or Core i3.
Prices are current as of April 2025. When building, verify the compatibility of components!