AMD Ryzen 3 5125C
AMD Ryzen 3 5125C: Compact Power for Everyday Tasks
March 2025
Architecture and Process Technology: A Balance Between Efficiency and Performance
The AMD Ryzen 3 5125C, developed under the codename Cezanne-U, is built on TSMC's 7-nanometer FinFET process technology. This allows it to combine energy efficiency with sufficient performance for basic tasks. The Zen 3 architecture, although not the latest in AMD's lineup (as of 2025), is optimized for mobile devices.
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores and 4 threads thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading). Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.3 GHz.
- Cache: 8 MB of L3 cache, which improves responsiveness in applications with frequent data access.
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon Graphics with 3 compute units (192 stream processors), operating at a frequency of up to 1.6 GHz. This is a variant of the Vega architecture adapted for low TDP.
Despite its modest specifications, the processor demonstrates stability in multitasking due to Zen 3 optimization, for instance, in web browsers with dozens of tabs open or when working on documents while video calling.
Power Consumption and TDP: Ideal for Ultrabooks
With a TDP of 15W, the Ryzen 3 5125C is an excellent candidate for thin laptops and ultrabooks. This level of power consumption:
- Allows for compact cooling systems, which reduces noise (even under load, fans rarely exceed 30 dB).
- Ensures long battery life—up to 10 hours with moderate use (for example, working in Google Docs + watching YouTube).
Power-saving technologies such as AMD Precision Boost 2 and Adaptive Power Management dynamically adjust frequency and voltage, minimizing battery drain during idle mode.
Performance: What Can the Ryzen 3 5125C Do in Practice?
Geekbench 6 results (Single-Core: 957, Multi-Core: 1888) place the processor on par with budget Intel Core i3 13th generation models but lower than the Apple M1 (Single-Core: ~2300).
Office Work:
- Running Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Slack—without delays.
- Video conferencing in Zoom with 15 participants + screen sharing—CPU load does not exceed 70%.
Multimedia:
- Streaming video in 4K (YouTube, Netflix)—playback is smooth, thanks to iGPU decoding.
- Photo editing in Lightroom (basic edits)—acceptable, but exporting a catalog of 100 images takes about 3 minutes.
Gaming:
- CS:GO on low settings (720p)—40-50 FPS.
- Minecraft (without shaders)—60 FPS.
- Modern AAA titles—not recommended, even on the lowest settings.
Turbo Mode: Under load on 1-2 cores, the frequency rises to 4.3 GHz but stabilizes at 3.5 GHz in multi-threaded scenarios (e.g., PDF rendering). Overheating is rare due to the efficient 7nm process.
Usage Scenarios: Who Is This Processor For?
- Students: For studying, writing papers, and online courses.
- Office Workers: Working with email, spreadsheets, and CRM systems.
- Home Users: Internet surfing, social media, and movie watching.
- Travelers: Lightweight laptops weighing from 1.2 kg with all-day battery life.
Not suitable for: gamers, video editors, engineers working with CAD.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Laptop Last?
With a battery capacity of 50 Wh (typical for ultrabooks with the Ryzen 3 5125C):
- Video playback: Up to 12 hours (brightness at 50%, Wi-Fi on).
- Office work: 8-9 hours.
- Gaming: No more than 2 hours.
Power-saving technologies:
- AMD Power Efficiency Management: Disables unused cores.
- Radeon Chill: Reduces frame rates in games when the user is inactive.
Comparison with Competitors: Who Are the Leaders?
- Intel Core i3-1315U (2 cores, 4 threads, Iris Xe): Better for single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 1050) but more expensive (laptops starting at $600).
- Apple M1 (in basic MacBook Air): Much more powerful (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 7500), but macOS isn't for everyone.
- AMD Ryzen 3 5425U (previous generation): Lacks energy efficiency (TDP 25W) with similar performance.
Conclusion: The Ryzen 3 5125C is ideal for Windows laptops priced up to $500.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Low power consumption.
- Sufficient performance for everyday tasks.
- Affordable prices for devices based on it ($400-600).
Weaknesses:
- Only 2 cores: multitasking is limited.
- Weak graphics for modern gaming.
- Inferior to the Apple M1 in performance per watt.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
1. Device Type: Ultrabook or compact laptop (e.g., Lenovo IdeaPad 3 or HP Pavilion Aero).
2. Screen: IPS panel with FHD resolution (1920×1080). Avoid TN screens.
3. RAM: At least 8 GB (preferably 16 GB for future-proofing).
4. Storage: SSD starting from 256 GB (NVMe preferred).
5. Ports: USB-C with charging support, HDMI for projectors.
Example model from 2025: ASUS Vivobook Go 14—14-inch screen, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, weight of 1.3 kg, price $549.
Final Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 3 5125C is a processor for those looking for an affordable, lightweight, and long-lasting laptop. It can handle office work, education, and entertainment, but is not meant for professional workloads. Key advantages:
- Save up to $200 compared to Intel alternatives.
- Possibility to choose an ultrabook with premium design in the budget segment.
If your tasks don't go beyond browsing, office programs, and Netflix—this processor will be a reliable choice. For everything else, there are more powerful solutions.