AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
April 2025
Despite the rapid advancement of technology, budget processors from previous generations remain relevant for users who do not require maximum performance. One such example is the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U. Even though it was released back in 2018, it can still be found in affordable laptops in 2025. Let's explore who this chip is suitable for and what tasks it can handle.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process: First Generation Zen and Vega 6
The Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U belongs to the Raven Ridge family and is based on the Zen microarchitecture (first generation). This 14-nanometer chip features 4 cores and 4 threads (with SMT absent). The base clock is 2.0 GHz, with a maximum clock speed of 3.4 GHz in Turbo Boost mode. The L3 cache size is 4 MB, which is typical for entry-level processors of its time.
Integrated Graphics Radeon Vega 6 is a key advantage of this APU. It includes 6 Compute Units (CUs) with a clock speed of up to 1100 MHz. In comparison, modern integrated GPUs from AMD (for instance, RDNA 3 in Ryzen 8000) demonstrate performance levels 2–3 times higher, but Vega 6 still manages basic tasks effectively.
Architecture Features:
- Support for DDR4-2400 (dual-channel mode is critically important for Vega’s performance).
- Power-saving technologies: Precision Boost 1.0, Cool’n’Quiet.
- No hardware support for AVX-512 and limited AI acceleration capabilities.
Power Consumption and TDP: A Balance Between Power and Battery Life
The processor's TDP is 15 W, which is typical for ultrabooks and thin laptops. This allows the chip to operate without complex cooling systems: even compact devices handle its heat dissipation well.
How It Works:
- In idle mode, the clock speed drops to 1.2–1.5 GHz, and the voltage decreases.
- Under load (for instance, running a browser or office applications), Precision Boost activates, temporarily raising the clock speed to 3.4 GHz.
- Sustained load (rendering, gaming) leads to throttling: the clock speed stabilizes around 2.5–2.8 GHz due to TDP constraints.
Performance: What Can the Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U Achieve in 2025?
Geekbench 6 scores:
- Single-core test: 865 points — comparable to Intel Core i5-7200U (2016).
- Multi-core test: 2437 points — on par with Core i3-10110U (2019).
Real-World Scenarios:
1. Office Work (Word, Excel, browser with 10+ tabs): The processor handles it without delays, but launching Zoom and Chrome simultaneously can cause stutters.
2. Multimedia:
- Playback of 4K video (YouTube, local files) — smooth, thanks to decoding handled by Vega 6.
- Photo editing in Lightroom — acceptable for basic corrections, but exporting will take time (3–4 minutes per 24 MP photo).
3. Gaming:
- CS:GO — 720p, low settings: 40–50 FPS.
- Dota 2 — 720p, medium settings: 35–45 FPS.
- Fortnite — 720p, low settings: 25–30 FPS (requires FSR).
Turbo Mode: The brief speed boost to 3.4 GHz is useful for "spikes" in performance, such as when opening heavy applications. However, for prolonged tasks (like video conversion), the chip hits TDP limits, causing clock speeds to drop.
Use Cases: Who is This Processor Suitable For?
- Students: text work, presentations, online courses.
- Office Workers: email, Excel spreadsheets, video conferences.
- Everyday Users: web surfing, streaming, watching movies.
- Budget Gamers: only non-demanding games or cloud gaming (GeForce NOW).
Not Suitable For:
- 4K video editing.
- Heavy engineering software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
- Modern AAA games (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield).
Battery Life: How Long Will the Laptop Last?
With a battery capacity of 40–50 Wh (typical for budget models), the working time will be:
- 6–8 hours under moderate load (brightness at 50%, Wi-Fi, office tasks).
- 3–4 hours under heavy use (gaming, rendering).
Power-Saving Technologies:
- AMD PowerNow! — dynamic frequency and voltage management.
- Adaptive screen dimming.
- Battery saver mode in Windows 11.
Tip: For maximum battery life, choose laptops with IPS screens (not OLED) and SSDs instead of HDDs.
Comparison with Competitors
1. Intel Core i5-8250U (4 cores/8 threads, UHD 620):
- Better in multi-threaded tasks (+20% in Cinebench R23), but weaker graphics (Vega 6 is 30–40% faster than UHD 620).
2. AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (4 cores/8 threads, Vega 8):
- Higher CPU performance (+35%) and GPU performance (+25%), but the 15 W TDP limits its potential in thin bodies.
3. Apple M1 (8 cores, 7 nm):
- Exceeds Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U in energy efficiency 3–4 times, but macOS is not suitable for everyone.
Conclusion: In 2025, the Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U is a choice for those looking for a device under $400 and willing to accept its limitations.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Low cost of laptops (new models start from $300).
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.
- Good integrated graphics for its class.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of multi-threading (4 threads vs. 8 for competitors).
- Outdated 14-nm manufacturing process (modern chips are 5–7 nm).
- Limited future-proofing (Windows 12 may require more resources).
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Device Type: Ultrabook or budget laptop (e.g., Lenovo IdeaPad 3 or HP ProBook 445).
2. RAM: At least 8 GB (16 GB is better) in dual-channel mode.
3. Storage: An SSD is essential (256 GB or more).
4. Screen: Full HD resolution (1920×1080) for comfortable work.
5. Cooling: Check reviews — even a 15 W processor can overheat in cheap cases.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- Acer Aspire 5 (Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U): $329, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 15.6" IPS display.
- Lenovo V15 Gen 2: $349, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, anti-glare coating.
Final Thoughts
The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U in 2025 is a choice for those who:
- Plan to use the laptop for studying, document work, and surfing the web.
- Are not willing to pay extra for modern processors (Ryzen 5 8600U, Intel Core Ultra 5).
- Value battery life and quiet operation.
Key Benefits:
- Low price.
- Reliability (the chip has proven itself over the years).
- Support for modern operating systems (Windows 11, Linux).
If your budget is limited and your tasks do not require powerful hardware, the Ryzen 3 PRO 2300U is a sensible compromise. However, for professional tasks or gaming, it is better to consider laptops with processors released in 2023–2024.