AMD Ryzen 3 2300U
AMD Ryzen 3 2300U: A Budget Processor for Everyday Tasks in 2025
Despite being released in 2018, the AMD Ryzen 3 2300U remains a popular choice for budget laptops in 2025. This processor offers a balance between performance, energy efficiency, and price, making it relevant for users who do not require extreme power. Let’s take a closer look at who this chip is suitable for, how it performs in modern conditions, and what to consider when choosing a device.
Architecture and Process Technology: Zen on 14nm and Vega 6
Raven Ridge: Hybrid CPU and GPU
The Ryzen 3 2300U is part of the Ryzen Mobile 2000 series, code-named Raven Ridge. It is AMD's first hybrid processor for laptops, combining 4 Zen CPU cores and integrated Vega graphics on a single chip. The manufacturing process is based on GlobalFoundries' 14nm FinFET technology.
CPU: 4 Cores, 4 Threads
Unlike higher-end models (e.g., Ryzen 5 2500U), the 2300U does not support multi-threading (SMT). This means that each of the four cores handles one thread, limiting its performance in tasks that require parallel processing. The base clock speed is 2.0 GHz, with a maximum Turbo mode of 3.4 GHz. Cache memory: L2 is 2 MB (512 KB per core), and L3 is 4 MB.
iGPU: Radeon Vega 6
The integrated Vega 6 graphics include 6 compute units (384 stream processors) with a frequency of up to 1100 MHz. This performance is 1.5 times stronger than the Intel UHD Graphics 620 found in modern Intel Core i3 processors. However, Vega 6 still falls short compared to even budget discrete graphics cards like the NVIDIA MX150.
Power Consumption and TDP: 15W for Thin Laptops
The processor’s TDP (Thermal Design Power) is 15W, which is typical for ultrabooks and compact devices. This allows the chip to fit into cases with passive or low-power active cooling. However, under load, the chip can briefly consume up to 25W, necessitating a quality cooling system.
Power-saving Technologies
- Precision Boost 2: Dynamically adjusts core frequencies based on workload and temperature.
- C-State Management: Disables unused cores to reduce power consumption during idle periods.
- Radeon Chill (for iGPU): Optimizes frame rates in games to lessen GPU load.
Performance: Office Work, Multimedia, and Light Gaming
Office Tasks
Modern applications like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and browsers (Chrome with 10+ tabs) run smoothly. For instance, rendering a 30-page PDF in Adobe Acrobat takes 2-3 seconds. However, when running Zoom, Slack, and Excel simultaneously, occasional stutters may occur.
Multimedia
- Video: Streaming 4K (Netflix, YouTube) plays smoothly, thanks to hardware decoding for VP9 and H.265.
- Photo Editors: In Lightroom, processing a 24 MP RAW file takes 5-7 seconds (compared to 3-4 seconds for the Ryzen 5 5500U).
- Editing: In DaVinci Resolve, rendering a 5-minute 1080p video takes about 15 minutes (compared to 8 minutes with a Core i5-1135G7).
Gaming
- CS:GO (1080p, low settings): 45-55 FPS.
- Fortnite (720p, low settings): 30-40 FPS.
- Genshin Impact (720p, minimum settings): 25-30 FPS.
Turbo Mode: In single-threaded tasks (e.g., file compression), the frequency can rise to 3.4 GHz, but due to the limited TDP, this lasts no more than 10-15 seconds. In multi-threaded scenarios (rendering), the frequency stabilizes around 2.6-2.8 GHz.
Use Cases: Who is the Ryzen 3 2300U For?
- Students: Working with texts, presentations, online courses.
- Office Employees: Email, spreadsheets, video conferencing.
- Home Users: Web surfing, streaming, casual gaming.
- Travelers: Compact laptops with a battery life of 6-8 hours.
Not Suitable For:
- Gamers needing ultra settings in AAA titles.
- Video editors working with 4K material.
- Engineers using CAD applications (AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
Battery Life: 6-8 Hours in Mixed Use
With a battery capacity of 45-50 Wh, the operational time is:
- Video Playback (local file, 50% brightness): 8-9 hours.
- Office Tasks (Wi-Fi on): 6-7 hours.
- Gaming: 1.5-2 hours.
Tip: Choose laptops with fast charging features (50% in 30 minutes), such as models from Lenovo IdeaPad or HP Pavilion.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 3 5300U (2021):
- 6nm manufacturing process, 4 cores/8 threads, Vega 6 (up to 1500 MHz).
- CPU performance is 40% higher, GPU performance is 25% higher.
- Laptops with 5300U start from $500 (compared to $350-450 for 2300U).
Intel Core i3-1115G4:
- 10nm process, 2 cores/4 threads, Iris Xe (48 EU).
- Better in single-threaded tasks (+15% in Geekbench 6 Single-Core), but weaker in multi-threaded tasks (-30%) and in gaming (-20% FPS).
Apple M1 (MacBook Air 2020):
- 5nm manufacturing process, 8 cores (4+4), 7-core GPU.
- CPU performance is 2-3 times higher, battery life up to 18 hours.
- Prices start at $800 (used from $500).
Pros and Cons of Ryzen 3 2300U
Strengths:
- Low laptop prices (starting from $350).
- Sufficient performance for everyday tasks.
- Good integrated graphics for light gaming.
- Energy efficiency.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of multi-threading (SMT).
- Outdated 14nm manufacturing process.
- Limited upgrade potential (memory is often soldered on).
Recommendations for Laptop Selection
1. Device Type:
- Ultrabooks (Acer Swift 3, ASUS VivoBook) — weight up to 1.5 kg, screen size 13-14".
- Budget Laptops (Lenovo IdeaPad 3, HP 15) — 15.6" diagonal, HDD + SSD.
2. Configuration:
- RAM: Minimum 8 GB (better 16 GB for multitasking).
- Storage: SSD 256 GB (NVMe preferred over SATA).
- Screen: IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920×1080.
3. Additional Options:
- USB-C with Power Delivery support.
- M.2 SSD slot.
- 720p/1080p webcam.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15ADA05: $399, 8GB/256GB, 15.6" IPS.
- ASUS VivoBook X415EA: $429, 8GB/512GB, 14" FHD.
Final Conclusion
The Ryzen 3 2300U in 2025 is an option for those looking for an affordable laptop for basic tasks. It is suitable for:
- Students for studying.
- Office workers.
- Users needing a device for internet and movies.
Key Benefits:
- Price below $450.
- Reliable performance in everyday scenarios.
- Capability to play less demanding games.
However, if the budget allows, it's better to consider models with Ryzen 5000/7000 series or Intel's 12th generation — they will provide more future-proof performance.