AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE

AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE

AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE: Budget APU for Compact Systems (April 2025)

Updated review of a processor that remains relevant years after its release.


Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance

The AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE, released in 2019, still finds its niche thanks to its balance of price and capabilities. Built on the Zen+ architecture (codename Picasso) and 12nm process technology, it features 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 3.3 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4 GHz. With integrated Radeon Vega 11 graphics (704 stream processors), it is classified as an APU—a hybrid of CPU and GPU.

Key Features:

- Low TDP of 65W — suitable for compact systems.

- Support for Precision Boost 2 technology for automatic overclocking.

- 4MB of L3 cache, which seems modest by 2025 standards but is sufficient for basic tasks.

Performance:

- In the Geekbench 6 test (2025), the 3400GE scores 1009 points in single-threaded and 3013 in multi-threaded modes. This is adequate for office applications, browsing, and light gaming (e.g., Dota 2 on medium settings at 1080p).


Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets

The processor uses the AM4 socket, which AMD supported until 2023. Suitable motherboards include:

- A320/B450 — budget options, but may require a BIOS update.

- B550/X570 — support PCIe 4.0, but the APU operates only with PCIe 3.0.

Examples of motherboards (2025):

- ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 ($65): a compact mATX, suitable for office PCs.

- Gigabyte B550M DS3H ($110): a better option for upgrading to newer processors.

Important: When choosing, check for HDMI/DisplayPort availability for connecting a monitor through the integrated graphics.


Memory Support: DDR4 as the Standard

The Ryzen 5 3400GE works only with DDR4 memory (up to 2933 MHz in dual-channel mode). In 2025, DDR5 dominates the market, but it is not relevant for this processor.

Recommendations:

- Optimal amount: 16GB (2x8GB) with a frequency of 3200 MHz (will automatically downclock to 2933 MHz).

- Popular models: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (3200 MHz) — $45.


Power Supply: Calculations and Examples

With a TDP of 65W, the processor does not require a powerful PSU. However, adding a discrete graphics card (e.g., Radeon RX 6400) increases the minimum power requirement.

Tips:

- For a system without discrete graphics, a 300–400W PSU is sufficient (e.g., EVGA 400 N1, $35).

- With a mid-range GPU (NVIDIA GTX 1650) — 450–500W (Corsair CX450M, $55).

Important: Don’t skimp on certifications (80+ Bronze or higher) — this ensures stability.


Pros and Cons of Ryzen 5 3400GE

Strengths:

- Energy efficiency: ideal for mini-PCs and HTPCs.

- Integrated graphics: replaces budget graphics cards.

- Price: new processor costs around $120 (2025), which is cheaper than the Ryzen 5 5600G ($170).

Weaknesses:

- 4 cores: multi-threaded tasks (rendering, streaming) are challenging.

- Outdated process technology: 12nm versus 7nm for the Ryzen 5000 series.

- No support for PCIe 4.0.


Use Cases: Where is the 3400GE Relevant in 2025?

1. Office PCs and Home Systems:

- Working with documents, browsers, Zoom.

- Example: build based on ASRock A320M-HDV ($60) + 16GB DDR4 — a total of $250.

2. Media Centers (HTPCs):

- 4K video via HDMI 2.0, streaming Netflix.

3. Light Gaming:

- CS:GO, Fortnite, Genshin Impact on low/medium settings (40–60 FPS).

4. Educational Projects:

- Programming, virtual machines (for basic tasks).


Comparison with Competitors

- Intel Core i3-13100F ($110):

4 cores/8 threads, higher IPC, but requires a discrete GPU. Suitable for gaming with a discrete GPU.

- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G ($170):

6 cores/12 threads, Vega 7 graphics is weaker, but the CPU is more powerful. A choice for those needing more performance.

- Intel N100 (NVIDIA) — integrated into mini-PCs ($150–200):

More power-efficient, but has 4 cores without Hyper-Threading. Falls short in multitasking.

Conclusion: The 3400GE wins only when on a tight budget and in need of integrated graphics.


Practical Assembly Tips

1. Case: Choose compact models with good ventilation (e.g., Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L).

2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation consider Arctic Freezer 34 ($30).

3. BIOS: For A320/B450 boards, update the firmware to a version supporting Zen+.

4. Upgrade: Don’t plan to install top-tier GPUs — the processor will become a bottleneck.


Final Conclusion: Who is the Ryzen 5 3400GE For?

This processor is an option for those who:

- Are building a budget PC under $400.

- Need a quiet and compact system (office, media center).

- Do not plan to run AAA games or heavy editing software.

Alternative: If the budget allows, it’s better to opt for the Ryzen 5 5600G or Intel i3-13100 + graphics card. But for “minimal hardware — maximum functionality” tasks, the 3400GE remains a valuable choice even in 2025.


Prices are current as of April 2025. When building, consider regional differences and availability of components.

Basic

Label Name
AMD
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
July 2019
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
Ryzen 5 3400GE
Code Name
Picasso

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
4
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
8
Performance-cores
4
Performance-core Base Frequency
3.3 GHz
Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency
?
Maximum P-core turbo frequency derived from Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.
4 GHz
L1 Cache
96K per core
L2 Cache
2MB per core
L3 Cache
4MB shared
Unlocked Multiplier
Yes
Multiplier
33x
Bus Frequency
100MHz
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
AM4
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
12 nm
TDP
65 W
Max. Operating Temperature
?
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.
95 °C
PCIe Version
?
PCI Express is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard used for connecting high-speed components, replacing older standards such as AGP, PCI, and PCI-X. It has gone through multiple revisions and improvements since its initial release. PCIe 1.0 was first introduced in 2002, and in order to meet the growing demand for higher bandwidth, subsequent versions have been released over time.
3.0
Instruction Set
?
The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.
x86-64

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4-2933
Max Memory Size
?
Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.
64GB
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
2
Max Memory Bandwidth
?
Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).
43.71 GB/s
ECC Memory Support
Yes

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
True
GPU Base Frequency
300 MHz
GPU Max Dynamic Frequency
1300 MHz
Execution Units
?
The Execution Unit is the foundational building block of Intel’s graphics architecture. Execution Units are compute processors optimized for simultaneous Multi-Threading for high throughput compute power.
11
Max Resolution
3840x2160 - 60 Hz
Graphics Performance
1.746 TFLOPS

Miscellaneous

PCIe Lanes
8

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6
Single Core Score
1009
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
3013
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
769
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
3375
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
2303
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
8896

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core
1097 +8.7%
1065 +5.6%
959 -5%
904 -10.4%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
3436 +14%
3204 +6.3%
2802 -7%
2502 -17%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
803 +4.4%
785 +2.1%
745 -3.1%
733 -4.7%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
3625 +7.4%
3506 +3.9%
3251 -3.7%
3146 -6.8%
Passmark CPU Single Core
2366 +2.7%
2335 +1.4%
2271 -1.4%
2243 -2.6%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
9713 +9.2%
9281 +4.3%
8449 -5%
8087 -9.1%