AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400G
AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400G: A Budget Processor for Office and Multimedia in 2025
Despite the release of new generations of processors, the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400G remains a popular choice for budget builds. In this article, we will examine its strengths and weaknesses, compatibility, and relevance in 2025.
Key Specifications: Zen+ and Vega 11 Graphics
The processor, released in 2019, is built on the Zen+ architecture with a 12nm manufacturing process. While this is not the most modern solution (5nm and 6nm chips dominate in 2025), its power is sufficient for basic tasks.
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
- Frequency: Base — 3.7 GHz, maximum turbo mode — 4.2 GHz.
- Cache: L3 — 4MB.
- TDP: 65W — low power consumption even for compact systems.
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon Vega 11 (704 stream processors, frequency up to 1400 MHz).
Performance:
- In Geekbench 6 (2025): 1138 points (single-core), 3587 points (multi-core). For comparison, the Ryzen 5 5600G (Zen 3) scores around ~1500/5500 points.
- Vega 11 handles games at low settings: CS:GO — 60-80 FPS, GTA V — 40-50 FPS (1080p).
Key Features:
- Support for AMD PRO technologies (security, remote management).
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking (requires a motherboard with B450/X470 chipset).
Compatible Motherboards: AM4 Socket
The processor uses the AM4 socket, which is supported by many motherboards, but with some nuances:
- Chipsets: A320, B450, X470.
- Important: To work with the Ryzen 5 PRO 3400G on newer motherboards (released after 2020), a BIOS update may be required.
Examples of Motherboards:
- ASRock B450M Pro4 ($75–$90): An optimal choice for overclocking.
- Gigabyte A320M-S2H ($60–$70): A budget option without overclocking support.
Tip: If you plan to upgrade to newer processors (e.g., Ryzen 5000), choose motherboards with BIOS Flashback (e.g., MSI B450 Tomahawk Max).
Memory: DDR4 and Dual-Channel Mode
The processor supports DDR4 with a maximum frequency of 2933 MHz (without overclocking). For better performance:
- Use two memory modules (e.g., 2x8 GB) in dual-channel mode.
- Recommended frequencies: 3200 MHz (with overclocking).
Example: The Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2x8 GB) DDR4-3200 kit ($45–$55) will improve the performance of Vega 11, as the graphics use system RAM as video memory.
Power Supply: Minimum Requirements
With a TDP of 65W, the processor does not require a powerful PSU:
- For a system without a discrete graphics card: a 300–400W PSU is sufficient (e.g., EVGA 400 W1, $35–$40).
- With a graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1650: choose a PSU in the 450–500W range (e.g., Corsair CX550M, $60–$70).
Important: Don’t skimp on the power supply — low-quality models can damage components.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price ($120–$150 in 2025).
- Integrated graphics for light gaming and video editing.
- Energy efficiency (suitable for compact PCs).
- Support for multithreading (8 threads).
Cons:
- Only 4 cores — weak multi-threaded performance compared to the Ryzen 5 5600G (6 cores).
- Outdated manufacturing process (12nm vs. 7nm from competitors).
- No support for PCIe 4.0.
Use Cases
1. Office Tasks: Document work, browsing, Zoom — the processor handles it easily.
2. Multimedia: Watching 4K video, streaming — no issues thanks to Vega 11.
3. Light Gaming: Dota 2, Fortnite, Overwatch at low settings.
4. Home Server: Low power consumption makes it a good choice for NAS.
Limitations: 4K video editing in DaVinci Resolve is possible but may have lags.
Comparison with Competitors
- Intel Core i5-10400 ($130–$160):
- Pros: 6 cores, higher performance in multi-threaded tasks.
- Cons: Integrated graphics UHD 630 is weaker than Vega 11.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G ($170–$190):
- Pros: Zen 3 architecture, 6 cores, Vega 7 graphics (performance close to Vega 11).
- Cons: Higher price.
Conclusion: The Ryzen 5 PRO 3400G is only advantageous in a tight budget or if AMD PRO features are necessary.
Practical Building Tips
1. Case: Choose compact models (e.g., Fractal Design Core 500) for HTPC setups.
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for overclocking, a Cooler Master Hyper 212 ($30) would be appropriate.
3. Storage: Always use an SSD (e.g., Crucial P3 500 GB, $40) for quick OS loading.
4. Upgrade: If planning to install a discrete graphics card, choose a PSU with some headroom.
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose the Ryzen 5 PRO 3400G?
This processor is a good choice if:
- Budget is limited to $300–$400 for the entire build.
- You need a PC for office work, studying, or a media center.
- Integrated graphics are needed for light gaming.
- AMD PRO technologies for business are important.
In 2025, the Ryzen 5 PRO 3400G is a compromise solution for those not willing to overpay for the latest technologies but who value reliability and low power consumption. For gaming or professional tasks, it’s better to consider the Ryzen 5 5600G or Intel Core i3-13100.