AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G

AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G: A Budget APU for Office and Multimedia in 2025

An up-to-date review of a processor that still finds its fans

Key Features: Architecture, Process Technology, and Main Characteristics

The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G, released in 2018, remains a popular choice for budget PCs due to its well-balanced combination of price and functionality.

Architecture and Process Technology

- Codename: Raven Ridge.

- Process Technology: 14 nm (GlobalFoundries).

- Cores/Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads (no SMT support).

- Frequencies: Base — 3.5 GHz, turbo mode — up to 3.7 GHz.

- Cache: L3 — 4 MB.

- TDP: 35 W.

Integrated Graphics

Radeon Vega 8 (8 GPU cores, clocked up to 1100 MHz) provides basic performance for gaming and graphic work. For instance, in Dota 2 at Medium settings (1080p), you can achieve 40-50 FPS.

Performance

- Geekbench 6: 1000 (Single-Core), 2822 (Multi-Core).

- For comparison: Ryzen 5 3400G (4C/8T) scores about 1200/4500 in the same test.

Key Features

- Low power consumption (ideal for compact systems).

- Support for AMD SenseMI technologies and Secure Processor for data encryption.

Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets

The Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G uses the AM4 socket, which provides a wide selection of motherboards.

Recommended Chipsets

1. A320: Budget option (e.g., ASUS Prime A320M-K, $60). No overclocking support.

2. B350/B450: For upgrades (e.g., MSI B450 Tomahawk Max, $90). Supports PCIe 3.0 and memory overclocking.

3. X370/X470: Excessive for this processor but suitable if planning to upgrade to Ryzen 5/7.

Important!

- Motherboards on 300 series chipsets may require a BIOS update (use Flashback feature if available).

- Avoid older revisions of motherboards — check compatibility on the manufacturer’s website.

Supported Memory Types

The processor works only with DDR4.

Recommendations

- Frequency: Optimal — 2666–3200 MHz. At 2933 MHz, Vega 8 shows a performance boost of up to 15% in games.

- Mode: Always use a dual-channel configuration (2×4 GB or 2×8 GB). For example, the Crucial DDR4-3000 kit (2×8 GB) at $45 will enhance iGPU performance.

- Latency: CL16 or lower (sets with timings 16-18-18-36 are preferred).

Limitations

Maximum capacity — 64 GB, but for office tasks, 8–16 GB is sufficient.

Power Supplies: Calculation and Recommendations

With a TDP of 35 W, the processor is not demanding in terms of power supply.

Scenarios

- Without a discrete graphics card: A power supply of 300–400 W is sufficient (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10 400W, $50).

- With a graphics card: For RX 6400 (75 W), choose a power supply of 450–500 W (Corsair CX450, $55).

Tips

- Don’t skimp on the power supply: an 80+ Bronze certification guarantees stability.

- Compact models are suitable for mini-PCs (FSP FlexGURU 300W, $60).

Pros and Cons of the Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G

Pros

- Energy Efficiency: Ideal for systems with limited cooling.

- Integrated Graphics: Replaces budget graphics cards in 2025 (e.g., GT 1030 costs $90, while Vega 8 is "free").

- Price: New units are priced at $80–100 (as of April 2025).

Cons

- 4 Threads: Multitasking is weaker than that of the Ryzen 3 3100 (4C/8T).

- Outdated Process Technology: Competitors on 10 nm (Intel) or 7 nm (AMD Ryzen 5000) are more energy-efficient.

- No PCIe 4.0: A limitation for next-gen SSDs.

Use Cases

Office Tasks

- Document editing, browsing (20+ tabs), video conferencing.

- Example: Build based on ASRock A320M-HDV ($65) + 8 GB DDR4.

Multimedia

- Streaming video (4K HDR via HDMI 2.0), light editing in Shotcut.

- Tip: Add an NVMe SSD (e.g., Kingston A2000 500 GB, $40).

Gaming

- eSports: CS2 — 720p/60 FPS, Overwatch 2 — 1080p/Low/50 FPS.

- Indie Games: Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley — no problems.

Comparison with Competitors

1. Intel Core i3-10100 (4C/8T):

- Pros: Better single-threaded performance (~1100 in Geekbench 6).

- Cons: Integrated UHD 630 graphics are 40% weaker than Vega 8. Price — $120.

2. AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (4C/8T):

- Vega 11 is 25% faster but costs $150 (new).

3. Intel Pentium Gold G7400 (Alder Lake, 2C/4T):

- Higher single-threaded performance, but 2 cores are a bottleneck.

Conclusion: The Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G wins in the budget segment thanks to its iGPU.

Practical Assembly Tips

1. BIOS: Update to the latest version before installing the processor.

2. Cooling: The box cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, take the Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 ($25).

3. Storage: An SSD is a must — even a SATA model (Crucial MX500) will reduce loading times.

4. Case: For HTPC, a Mini-ITX case (Fractal Design Node 202) will work well.

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose the Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G?

This processor is ideal if:

- Budget is limited ($200–300 for the whole build).

- Integrated graphics are needed for gaming or video work.

- Energy efficiency is important (home server, media center).

In 2025, the Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G is a solid compromise for non-demanding users who are not ready to pay extra for new models. Its main advantage is autonomy and minimalism without unnecessary costs.