AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I

AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I

AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I: Power and Efficiency for Specialized Solutions

Overview of the processor for embedded systems, industrial tasks, and compact PCs


Key Features: Architecture and Key Attributes

The AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C18I processor, released in 2024, is part of the embedded solutions line based on the Zen 3+ architecture (codename Rembrandt). It is manufactured using TSMC's 6nm process, providing a balance between energy efficiency and performance.

- Cores and Threads: 8 cores, 16 threads.

- Cache: 16 MB L3.

- TDP: 15 W — a record low for an 8-core CPU.

- Performance: In the Geekbench 6 test, the processor scores 1602 points in single-threaded and 7114 points in multi-threaded mode. For comparison, the Intel Core i5-1245U (10 cores, 12 threads, 15 W) shows around ~1450 (Single) and ~5800 (Multi).

Key Features:

- Support for DDR5-4800 and LPDDR5-6400 — ideal for high-bandwidth tasks.

- Integrated graphics Radeon 680M (12 cores, 2.2 GHz) — sufficient for 4K video or light gaming.

- AMD PRO Security technologies — hardware encryption and attack protection.

- cTDP energy-saving modes (10–25 W) — flexible adjustment according to system needs.


Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets

The Ryzen Embedded V3C18I utilizes a specialized FP7 socket, designed for embedded systems and industrial solutions.

Recommended Chipsets:

- AMD B3A — basic option with PCIe 4.0 support, USB 3.2 Gen2, SATA III.

- AMD X3A — advanced capabilities: 4 USB4 ports, 8 PCIe 4.0 lanes.

Popular Boards:

- ASUS EMB-B3A ($220–$270) — compact Mini-ITX form factor, 2 DDR5 slots.

- GIGABYTE MA10-X3A ($300–$350) — supports 10 GbE, 4x SATA.

Selection Features:

- For passive cooling, choose boards with enhanced VRM (e.g., with heat sinks on MOSFETs).

- Check ECC memory support if the system is intended for critical tasks.


Supported Memory: DDR5 and LPDDR5

The processor works with:

- DDR5-4800 (up to 64 GB, dual-channel mode).

- LPDDR5-6400 (soldered memory, up to 32 GB).

Recommendations:

- For desktop builds: Kingston Fury Impact DDR5-4800 32 GB (2x16 GB, ~$130).

- For industrial systems: soldered Samsung LPDDR5X-7500 modules (available through OEM).

Important: The LPDDR5 mode reduces latency but requires specialized boards.


Power Supply: Power Calculation

With a TDP of 15 W, the processor is compatible with even low-power PSUs. However, the total system requires consideration of other components:

- Without discrete graphics: A 150–200 W unit (e.g., Seasonic SSP-200SU, $45).

- With NVIDIA RTX A2000 level GPU: 300–400 W (Be Quiet! SFX Power 3, 400W, $80).

Tip: For 24/7 operation in industrial environments, choose a PSU with an 80 Plus Platinum certification and voltage surge protection.


Pros and Cons of the Processor

Advantages:

- High multi-threaded performance at 15 W.

- Support for modern standards (PCIe 4.0, USB4).

- Reliability for embedded systems (operating temperature range: -40°C to +105°C).

Disadvantages:

- Limited upgrade options: the FP7 socket is rarely found on consumer boards.

- Price: the processor costs $450–$550, which is more expensive than desktop counterparts.


Use Case Scenarios

1. Industrial PCs: Machine control, IoT gateways. Example: A system based on V3C18I processes data from 20+ sensors in real-time.

2. Media Centers: 4K HDR streaming via Radeon 680M (AV1 support).

3. Compact Workstations: Virtualization, code compilation. Test: Building a project on Docker (16 threads) finishes 25% faster than on Intel i7-1260P.

4. Gaming: In Dota 2 (1080p, low settings) — stable 60 FPS; with an external GPU (RTX 4060) — Cyberpunk 2077 on high settings.


Comparison with Competitors

- Intel Core i7-1265U (10 cores, 12 threads, 15 W):

- Pros: Better integration with Thunderbolt 4.

- Cons: Weaker in multi-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Multi ~6500).

- Qualcomm QCS8490 (8 ARM cores, 5 nm):

- Pros: Energy efficiency (7 W).

- Cons: No support for x86 programs.

Conclusion: V3C18I excels in hybrid scenarios where both performance and low power consumption are required.


Practical Assembly Tips

1. Case: For passive cooling, the Streacom DB4 is suitable (price: $200).

2. Storage: Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB PCIe 4.0 (~$90) — maximum speed for an M.2 slot.

3. Network: Add an Intel X550-T2 card (10 GbE, $300) if the motherboard does not support high-speed connections.


Conclusion: Who is the Ryzen Embedded V3C18I for?

This processor is the ideal choice for:

- Engineers designing industrial systems with long lifespans.

- Enthusiasts of compact PCs wanting to build powerful mini-computers.

- IT companies deploying low-power cloud computing servers.

The price of $500 is justified for niche tasks where reliability and performance are crucial. For average users, it might be cheaper to opt for the Ryzen 5 8600G ($250), but in the embedded segment, AMD's V3C18I has few rivals.

Basic

Label Name
AMD
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
September 2022
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 Embedded V3C18I
Code Name
Rembrandt
Generation
Ryzen Embedded (Zen 3+ (Rembrandt))

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).
8
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
16
Basic Frequency
1900 MHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
up to 3.8 GHz
L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
512 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
16 MB (shared)
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
19.0x
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
AMD Socket FP7
Multiplier Unlocked
No
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.
6 nm
TDP
15 W
Max. Operating Temperature
?
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.
105°C
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only)

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.
DDR5
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
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.
N/A

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6
Single Core Score
1602
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
7114
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
1323
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
8158
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
2818
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
15541

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core
1727 +7.8%
1659 +3.6%
1545 -3.6%
1489 -7.1%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
8054 +13.2%
7552 +6.2%
6687 -6%
6324 -11.1%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
1444 +9.1%
1377 +4.1%
1277 -3.5%
1235 -6.7%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
9241 +13.3%
8674 +6.3%
7779 -4.6%
7380 -9.5%
Passmark CPU Single Core
2970 +5.4%
2896 +2.8%
2759 -2.1%
2718 -3.5%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
16833 +8.3%
16242 +4.5%
14879 -4.3%
14335 -7.8%