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AMD Athlon Silver 3050GE

AMD Athlon Silver 3050GE: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025

Overview of Specifications, Compatibility, and Use Cases

1. Key Features: Architecture, Manufacturing Process, and Performance

Architecture and Manufacturing Process

The AMD Athlon Silver 3050GE, released under the codename Dali, is based on the Zen microarchitecture (first generation) and is manufactured using GlobalFoundries' 12nm process technology. This is a dual-core processor with multi-threading support (4 threads), making it similar to the mobile APUs from the Ryzen 3000 series. Despite the age of the architecture, in 2025, the chip remains relevant for low-demand tasks due to its low power consumption (TDP 35W) and integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics.

Performance

- CPU: In synthetic benchmarks (Cinebench R23), the processor scores around 1800 points in multi-threaded mode and 750 points in single-threaded mode. This is sufficient for working with office applications, web browsers, and lightweight editors like Photoshop (without complex filters).

- GPU: The Vega 3 graphics (3 cores, 1100 MHz) can handle 4K video playback and run older games (e.g., CS:GO at 720p/30 fps).

Key Features

- Energy Efficiency: Ideal for compact PCs and systems with passive cooling.

- Support for Modern Technologies: PCIe 3.0, DDR4-3200, HDMI 2.0.

2. Compatible Motherboards

Socket and Chipsets

The processor uses the AM4 socket, compatible with the following chipsets:

- A320 (budget option, no overclocking).

- B450 (supports PCIe 3.0 and USB 3.1).

- A520 (newer version with improved stability).

Examples of Motherboards:

- ASRock A320M-HDV ($50–60): Minimum features, but stable operation.

- Gigabyte B450M DS3H ($70–80): Best choice for upgrades.

Selection Features

- Ensure the presence of video outputs (HDMI or DisplayPort) for using the integrated graphics.

- Check for processor support in the motherboard's compatibility list (a BIOS update may be required).

3. Supported Memory

The Athlon Silver 3050GE works with DDR4-3200 (dual-channel mode). It is recommended to install two modules (e.g., 2x8 GB) to enhance the performance of the integrated graphics.

- Example: Patriot Viper 4 16 GB kit (2x8 GB, 3200 MHz) — $45.

Important: DDR5 and LPDDR4x are not supported.

4. Power Supply Recommendations

With a TDP of 35W and no discrete graphics card, a power supply between 300–400W is sufficient.

- Basic Option: EVGA 400 N1 (400W, $30).

- With Upgrade Headroom: Corsair CX450 (450W, 80+ Bronze, $55).

Tip: If planning to add a graphics card (e.g., Radeon RX 6400), opt for a PSU of 450–500W.

5. Pros and Cons

Advantages

- Price: $65–75 (new, 2025).

- Low Power Consumption: Suitable for mini-PCs and HTPCs.

- Vega 3 Graphics: Better than Intel UHD 610.

Disadvantages

- 2 Cores: Multitasking is limited (e.g., streaming video + browsing).

- Outdated Manufacturing Process: 12nm compared to 7nm in Ryzen 5000.

6. Use Cases

Office and Multimedia

- Working with documents, Zoom conferences, watching Netflix in 4K.

- Example: Office PC based on Athlon Silver 3050GE + SSD 256 GB + 8 GB RAM.

Light Gaming

- Games from the 2010s: Minecraft, League of Legends (720p, low settings).

Home Server

- NAS or media center based on Linux (e.g., Kodi).

7. Comparison with Competitors

Intel Pentium Gold G7400 ($75)

- Pros: 2 cores, 4 threads, Intel UHD 710, supports DDR4-3200.

- Cons: Weaker graphics compared to Vega 3.

AMD Ryzen 3 3200G ($90, used)

- Pros: 4 cores, Vega 8.

- Cons: Higher price and TDP (65W).

Conclusion: Athlon Silver 3050GE wins in energy efficiency but falls short in multi-threading.

8. Practical Assembly Tips

1. Case: Choose a compact Mini-ITX case (e.g., Cooler Master Elite 110).

2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation, a Noctua NH-L9a ($45) is suitable.

3. Storage: An SSD is essential (e.g., Kingston A400 480 GB — $35).

4. Network: Add a Wi-Fi adapter if the motherboard lacks a wireless module.

9. Final Conclusion: Who is the Athlon Silver 3050GE Suitable For?

This processor is a choice for those who:

- Are building a budget PC for office or educational use.

- Need a quiet and compact system (e.g., for the living room).

- Are looking to upgrade an old PC without replacing the motherboard.

Target Audience: Students, office workers, DIY project enthusiasts.

In 2025, the Athlon Silver 3050GE remains a niche solution, but its price and energy efficiency justify its choice for basic tasks.

Basic

Label Name

AMD

Platform

Desktop

Launch Date

July 2020

Model Name

The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.

Athlon Silver 3050GE

Code Name

Dali

Generation

Athlon (Zen+ (Dali))

CPU Specifications

Total Cores

Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).

Total Threads

Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.

Basic Frequency

3.4 GHz

Max Turbo Frequency

Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.

N/A

L1 Cache

96 KB (per core)

L2 Cache

512 KB (per core)

L3 Cache

4 MB (shared)

Multiplier Unlocked

CPU Socket

The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.

AMD Socket AM4

Multiplier

34.0x

Bus Frequency

100 MHz

Technology

Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.

12 nm

TDP

35 W

PCI Express Version

PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.

Gen 4

Memory Specifications

Memory Type

Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.

DDR4

Memory Channels

The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.

Dual-channel

ECC Memory

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model

An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.

Radeon Vega 3

Benchmarks

Passmark CPU

Single Core Score

2016

Passmark CPU

Multi Core Score

4545

Compared to Other CPU

Passmark CPU Single Core

Core i7-3770

2072 +2.8%

Core i3-1215UL

2046 +1.5%

Athlon Silver 3050GE

2016

Xeon E3-1230 v2

1989 -1.3%

Ryzen 5 3580U

1963 -2.6%

Passmark CPU Multi Core

Core i5-6400

5163 +13.6%

Core i5-3550

4797 +5.5%

Athlon Silver 3050GE

4545

Pentium Gold G6505

4371 -3.8%

Core i5-3570T

4107 -9.6%