AMD Ryzen 3 3100
AMD Ryzen 3 3100: Budget Processor for Gaming and Everyday Tasks
April 2025
Key Features: Architecture and Performance
The AMD Ryzen 3 3100, released in 2020, remains a popular choice for budget builds thanks to its excellent balance of price and performance. Its codename is Matisse, and it is based on the Zen 2 architecture, which was a breakthrough for AMD at the time.
Manufacturing Process and Energy Efficiency
The chip is manufactured using TSMC's 7nm FinFET technology, which ensures low power consumption (TDP — 65W) and a good margin for overclocking. Even in 2025, the 7nm process looks capable for basic tasks, although competitors have already moved to 5nm.
Performance
- 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) technology.
- Base clock speed — 3.6 GHz, with the possibility of boosting up to 3.9 GHz in Turbo mode.
- 16 MB of L3 cache — double that of many competitors in its class.
- Geekbench 6 scores: 1470 points (single-threaded) and 5033 (multi-threaded).
Key Features
- Support for PCIe 4.0 (relevant for fast NVMe drives and graphics cards).
- Compatibility with AMD technologies Precision Boost 2 and StoreMI.
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
The Ryzen 3 3100 uses the AM4 socket, supported by most motherboards released from 2017 to 2024. However, it's important to pay attention to the chipset when choosing a motherboard:
1. B550 — the optimal choice. Examples:
- ASRock B550M-HDV ($75–90): a basic model with PCIe 4.0 support.
- MSI B550-A Pro ($110–130): improved power delivery for overclocking.
2. A520 — a budget option without overclocking. For instance, Gigabyte A520M S2H ($60–70).
3. B450 — requires a BIOS update (check the version before purchasing!).
Choosing Recommendations
- It makes no sense to choose high-end X570/X670 boards for the Ryzen 3 3100 — their potential will remain unutilized.
- Make sure the board has M.2 slots for NVMe and USB 3.2 Gen2 if you plan to use modern peripherals.
Supported Memory
The processor works with DDR4, supporting frequencies up to 3200 MHz (without overclocking). In 2025, DDR4 remains relevant, but keep in mind that new AMD (AM5) and Intel platforms have moved to DDR5.
RAM Recommendations
- Optimal capacity — 16 GB (2×8 GB). For example, a set of Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200 MHz costs about $50.
- For overclocking, choose modules with low timings (CL16 or lower).
Power Supplies: How to Choose Correctly
With a TDP of 65W, the Ryzen 3 3100 is one of the most "economical" processors. However, the power supply (PSU) should be selected considering the graphics card and other components:
- Minimum PSU power: 450W (for example, EVGA 450 BR — $45).
- Recommended: 500–550W (for example, Corsair CX550M — $65).
Tips
- Don't skimp on 80 PLUS certifications (Bronze or higher).
- If you plan to upgrade to a more powerful CPU or GPU, get a PSU with some headroom.
Pros and Cons of the Ryzen 3 3100
Pros:
- Price: in 2025, the processor can be found for $80–100 (new).
- Multithreading (8 threads) for working with applications like Blender or Photoshop.
- Energy efficiency — suitable for compact builds.
Cons:
- No integrated graphics — a discrete graphics card is required.
- DDR4 — not the most modern standard.
- 4 cores may be insufficient for heavy workload tasks (e.g., 4K editing).
Usage Scenarios
1. Gaming: Paired with a graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super or AMD RX 6600, the processor handles games at Full HD on medium to high settings:
- Cyberpunk 2077: 50–60 FPS.
- Fortnite: 100–120 FPS.
2. Work Tasks: Office applications, a browser with a dozen tabs, light editing in DaVinci Resolve.
3. Multimedia: Streaming (1080p), viewing 4K videos.
Comparison with Competitors
1. Intel Core i3-12100F (4 cores/8 threads, $95–110):
- Higher single-threaded performance (Geekbench 6: ~1600 points), but less cache (12 MB L3).
- Requires LGA 1700 platform (motherboards are pricier).
2. AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (6 cores/12 threads, $120–140):
- Better for multitasking, but 30–40% more expensive.
Conclusion: The Ryzen 3 3100 excels in the budget segment if maximum FPS in games is not required.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Motherboard: Go for B550 — it will allow for an upgrade to the Ryzen 5 5600X.
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for overclocking, consider the DeepCool GAMMAXX 400 V2 ($20).
3. Graphics Card: Don't pair the processor with a GPU costing more than $250 (e.g., RTX 3060) — you will encounter a "bottleneck".
Final Conclusion: Who is the Ryzen 3 3100 Suitable For?
This processor is an excellent choice for:
- Budget gamers playing in Full HD.
- Users who need a stable system for work and study.
- Enthusiasts building a PC with an eye on future upgrades on AM4 (for example, to Ryzen 7 5800X3D).
Price/Quality: For $80–100 in 2025, the Ryzen 3 3100 remains one of the best options for entering the PC world. However, if the budget allows, consider the Ryzen 5 5500 for greater future-proofing.