AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4355G
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4355G: A Budget APU for Office and Home
Updated: March 2025
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance
Zen 2 on 7nm: A Balance of Price and Efficiency
The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4355G processor is built on the Zen 2 architecture and manufactured using TSMC's 7nm FinFET process. Although Zen 2 is no longer an innovative platform (with Zen 4 and Zen 5 dominating by 2025), this chip remains relevant due to its low cost and optimized power consumption.
Key Parameters:
- 4 cores / 8 threads (SMT enabled).
- Base frequency: 3.7 GHz, max up to 4.2 GHz.
- L3 cache: 4 MB, L2—2 MB.
- TDP: 65 W (can be configured down to 35 W in energy-efficient builds).
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon Graphics (Vega 6, 6 CU, 1700 MHz).
Performance:
- In Cinebench R23 benchmarks, the chip scores ~6200 points in multi-threaded mode and ~1100 in single-threaded mode. This is adequate for office tasks, streaming video, and light editing.
- The Vega 6 graphics handle gaming at low settings: Fortnite (1080p, 40-50 FPS), CS2 (720p, 60+ FPS), GTA V (1080p, 35-45 FPS).
PRO Series Features:
- Support for AMD PRO Technologies (security, remote management).
- PCIe 3.0 (16 lanes for GPU + 4 for NVMe).
- Energy efficiency: Even under load, the chip rarely exceeds 70°C with the stock cooler.
Price: $130–150 (new, without a cooler included).
2. Compatible Motherboards
AM4: Availability and Limitations
The Ryzen 3 PRO 4355G uses the AM4 socket, giving access to a vast array of motherboards. However, due to the Zen 2 architecture, not all models support the chip "out of the box."
Recommended Chipsets:
- B550: Best choice. Supports PCIe 4.0 (for SSDs), memory overclocking, USB 3.2 Gen 2. Examples: ASRock B550M Pro4 ($90–110), MSI B550-A PRO ($120).
- A520: Budget option without overclocking. Suitable choice: Gigabyte A520M S2H ($70).
- X570: Excessive for this processor but relevant for future upgrades.
Important:
- Update the BIOS to a version that supports Zen 2 (for example, AGESA 1.2.0.7 and newer).
- To enable HDMI 2.0/DisplayPort, check if the motherboard has the required outputs.
3. Memory: DDR4-3200 and Dual-Channel Mode
The Ryzen 3 PRO 4355G officially supports DDR4-3200, but it can be overclocked to 3600 MHz on most boards.
Recommendations:
- Use two modules for dual-channel mode (GPU performance boost of up to 15–20%).
- Optimal capacity: 16 GB (2×8 GB). Example: Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200 MHz ($45).
- Avoid memory with latencies higher than CL18.
DDR5 is not supported—this is a limitation of the AM4 platform.
4. Power Supply: Power Calculation
With a TDP of 65 W and no discrete graphics card, a system with the Ryzen 3 PRO 4355G consumes ~120–150 W under load.
Recommendations:
- Basic Option: A power supply rated at 450–500 W (for example, EVGA 450 BR — $50).
- For compact PCs, low-power models (300–350 W) are suitable, but choose reputable brands—Be Quiet! SFX Power 3 ($60).
Tip: Don’t skimp on the PSU—unstable power can reduce the APU's lifespan.
5. Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Energy efficiency: Ideal for mini PCs and office systems.
- Low price: Cheaper than the Intel Core i3-13100 ($150–170) for similar tasks.
- Vega 6 Graphics: Superior to Intel UHD 730.
- Long-term support: AM4 remains relevant until 2025.
Disadvantages:
- 4 cores: Limited multitasking capabilities (streaming + gaming—not for this chip).
- PCIe 3.0: Slower than modern NVMe SSDs.
- No future upgrade paths: Upgrading to Zen 3/Zen 4 requires a motherboard replacement.
6. Usage Scenarios
Office and Study
- Working with documents, browsing (20+ tabs), Zoom conferences.
- Virtualization: Running lightweight Linux environments in VirtualBox.
Multimedia
- Streaming 4K video (HDR supported).
- Editing in DaVinci Resolve (1080p, proxies mode).
Gaming
- Emulators: RPCS3 (Persona 5—30 FPS), Yuzu (Super Mario Odyssey—45 FPS).
- Indie games: Hades, Stardew Valley—60 FPS on maximum settings.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Core i3-14100 (4 cores/8 threads, UHD 730)
- Intel Advantages: Higher IPC, PCIe 5.0.
- Disadvantages: Weaker graphics, more expensive ($160–180).
AMD Ryzen 5 4600G (6 cores/12 threads, Vega 7)
- Ryzen 5 Advantages: More cores, better graphics.
- Disadvantages: 20–30% more expensive ($170–190), higher TDP.
Conclusion: The Ryzen 3 PRO 4355G excels in the budget segment if multi-threading is not needed.
8. Assembly Tips
- Motherboard: Choose models with HDMI 2.0 (for 4K 60 Hz).
- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, consider the DeepCool AG400 ($20).
- Storage: NVMe SSD (for instance, WD Blue SN580 — $45 for 500 GB).
- Case: Mini-ITX options like Cooler Master MasterBox NR200 ($80).
9. Conclusion: Who is the Ryzen 3 PRO 4355G Suitable For?
This processor is an ideal choice for:
1. Office PCs requiring reliability and low power consumption.
2. Home media centers (4K HDR, Netflix, Plex).
3. Budget gaming systems for kids or casual gamers.
4. Mini PCs (like builds in console-sized cases).
If you don't need maximum performance but prioritize a balance of price and functionality, the Ryzen 3 PRO 4355G remains one of the best APUs on the market in 2025.