AMD Ryzen 3 3300U
AMD Ryzen 3 3300U: Budget Processor for Everyday Tasks
April 2025
Budget laptop processors remain in demand among students, office workers, and users in need of a reliable workhorse without unnecessary frills. The AMD Ryzen 3 3300U, despite its age (it was released in 2019), can still be found in new devices priced under $600. Let's figure out who this chip will suit in 2025 and what to pay attention to when purchasing.
Architecture and Technology Process: Zen+ on 12nm
Codename Picasso: What Lies Beneath the Hood
The Ryzen 3 3300U is built on the Zen+ microarchitecture, which served as a transitional link between the first generation Zen (14nm) and Zen 2 (7nm). The 12nm technology process from GlobalFoundries allowed AMD to improve energy efficiency and slightly raise clock speeds compared to its predecessors.
- 4 cores and 4 threads: Unlike the more advanced Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 models, this chip does not feature Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT), so the number of threads equals the number of cores.
- Frequencies: Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with a maximum Turbo mode frequency of 3.5 GHz.
- Cache: 4 MB of L3 cache — a standard size for budget APU in the 3000 series.
- Integrated Vega 6 Graphics: 6 compute units (CU) with a frequency of up to 1200 MHz.
iGPU Features
Vega 6 appears modest in 2025, but it's adequate for basic tasks:
- Supports 4K video via HDMI 2.0;
- Hardware decoding acceleration for H.265 and VP9;
- Compatible with DirectX 12 and Vulkan.
Power Consumption and TDP: A Balance Between Power and Longevity
With a TDP of 15W, the Ryzen 3 3300U is ideal for ultrabooks and thin laptops. Unlike chips with TDPs of 25–35W, here the cooling system can be compact and quiet.
Power Consumption Optimization Technologies
- Precision Boost 2: Dynamically increases core frequency depending on the load and temperature.
- SenseMI: A set of algorithms that adapt the CPU's operation to current tasks.
- Power Modes in Windows: In "Battery Saver" mode, CPU and GPU frequencies are reduced, extending battery life.
Performance: What You Can Do with Ryzen 3 3300U in 2025
Office Work and Multimedia
- Office Suites: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace — no problems.
- Web Browsing: 10–15 tabs in Chrome + YouTube at 1080p — occasional slight stuttering may occur.
- Photo Editors: Lightroom and Photoshop work, but with noticeable delays when applying filters.
Gaming
Vega 6 only handles undemanding titles:
- CS:GO — 40–50 FPS on low settings (720p);
- Fortnite — 30–35 FPS (720p, low detail);
- Older games (Skyrim, GTA V) — up to 60 FPS at 768p.
Turbo Mode: When the Processor Gets the Most Out of It
When under load on 1–2 cores, the frequency rises to 3.5 GHz, but in multi-threaded scenarios (rendering, archiving), Turbo rarely activates due to TDP limitations.
Use Cases: Who is Ryzen 3 3300U Suitable For
- Students: Working with texts, presentations, Zoom conferences.
- Office Workers: Email, Excel sheets, corporate applications.
- Home Users: Watching Netflix, social media, casual gaming.
Not Recommended For:
- Video editing in DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro;
- Running modern AAA games;
- 3D modeling work.
Battery Life: How Long Will a Laptop Last Without a Power Outlet
In devices with a 40–50 Wh battery, the working time is:
- 6–8 hours under moderate load (web browsing, office tasks);
- 3–4 hours in maximum performance mode.
Tips for Increasing Battery Life:
1. Activate "Battery Saver" mode in Windows.
2. Reduce screen brightness to 50–70%.
3. Disable background applications (like cloud storage).
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 3 5300U (2021):
- Zen 2 architecture (7nm), 4 cores/8 threads, Vega 6 (frequency up to 1500 MHz).
- 20–30% faster in multi-threaded tasks.
Intel Core i3-1215U (2022):
- 6 cores (2P+4E), 8 threads, Iris Xe (64 EU).
- Performs better in single-threaded applications, but is more expensive.
Apple M1 (2020):
- Does not compete on price, but demonstrates 2–3 times higher performance at a similar TDP.
Conclusion: The Ryzen 3 3300U in 2025 is relevant only in devices under $500. If your budget is above $600, it's better to choose models with Ryzen 5 5500U or Intel Core i5-1235U.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Low cost of laptops (starting at $400);
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks;
- Support for modern interfaces (USB-C, HDMI 2.0).
Weaknesses:
- Only 4 threads — limited multitasking;
- Outdated 12nm technology process;
- Weak graphics for games released after 2020.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Type of Device: Ultrabooks (Acer Swift 3) or budget models (Lenovo IdeaPad 3).
2. RAM: A minimum of 8 GB (preferably 16 GB for Windows 11).
3. Storage: SSD only (256 GB or more). HDDs in 2025 are an unacceptable option.
4. Screen: Full HD (1920x1080) — a resolution of 1366x768 is outdated.
5. Ports: USB-C with charging support, HDMI for projector use.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- HP 15-ef2025ur: 8 GB/256 GB, 15.6" IPS, $449.
- ASUS Vivobook 15 X1502ZA: 16 GB/512 GB, touchscreen, $579.
Final Conclusion
The Ryzen 3 3300U in 2025 is a choice for those looking for an inexpensive laptop for studying, document work, and web surfing. Its advantages include a low price, decent battery life, and sufficient power for everyday tasks. However, for gaming, video editing, or working with "heavy" applications, it would be better to consider more modern processors.
Who It’s Suitable For:
- Students;
- Office workers;
- Users upgrading old laptops (2015–2018).
Key Benefits:
- Savings of $150–200 compared to models with Ryzen 5;
- Proven reliability of the platform;
- Support for all current operating systems (Windows 11, Linux).
If the budget allows for an additional $100–150, it's better to choose a laptop with a Ryzen 5 5500U or Core i5 — this will extend the device's "lifespan" by 2–3 years.