AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE

AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE: Budget APU for Office and Multimedia

Overview of a low TDP processor with integrated graphics — relevant as of April 2025.

1. Key Specifications: Zen+ on 12 nm and Modest Yet Practical Performance

The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE, released in 2019, remains a popular choice for budget PCs due to its balance of price and functionality.

Architecture and Manufacturing Process:

- Based on the Zen+ microarchitecture (not to be confused with Zen 2 or Zen 3), manufactured using GlobalFoundries' 12-nm process.

- 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) technology.

- Base frequency — 3.3 GHz, maximum in turbo mode — 4.0 GHz.

- L3 cache — 4 MB, which is less than modern counterparts, but sufficient for basic tasks.

Integrated Graphics:

- Radeon Vega 11 with 11 CUs (704 stream processors) and a frequency of up to 1300 MHz. This is one of the most powerful iGPUs in the Ryzen PRO lineup.

Performance:

- In the Geekbench 6 test (2025):

- 1091 points (single-threaded) — comparable to Intel Core i5-8400.

- 3302 points (multi-threaded) — close to Ryzen 5 2400G.

- Sufficient power for everyday tasks (office, browsing, 4K video) with a comfortable margin.

Key Features:

- Support for AMD PRO technologies: Secure Boot, Memory Guard for corporate security.

- Low TDP (35 W), allowing for compact systems without active cooling.

2. Compatible Motherboards: AM4 Socket and Chipset Limitations

The processor uses the AM4 socket, but care is needed when choosing a motherboard:

Chipsets:

- A320 — basic option without overclocking (for example, ASUS Prime A320M-K, ~$60).

- B450 — optimal choice with overclocking support and PCIe 3.0 (MSI B450 Tomahawk Max, ~$90).

- X470 — for enthusiasts, but excessive for 3400GE.

Selection Features:

- BIOS Update: Boards released before 2020 may require an update for correct operation.

- Form Factor: Mini-ITX (e.g., ASRock B450 Gaming-ITX, ~$120) is suitable for compact builds.

3. Memory: DDR4 and Dual-Channel Mode

Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE supports only DDR4 (up to 2933 MHz in JEDEC mode, but can be overclocked to 3200 MHz).

Recommendations:

- Use two modules (e.g., 2x8 GB DDR4-3200) to activate dual-channel mode.

- Avoid high-latency memory (CL18+): bandwidth is crucial for Vega 11.

Example: Kingston Fury DDR4-3200 16GB (2x8) kit — ~$55.

4. Power Supply: 350–450W Is More Than Enough

With a TDP of 35W, even a modest PSU is sufficient:

- Without a discrete graphics card: A 300–350W PSU is enough (e.g., be quiet! Pure Power 11 350W, ~$60).

- With a GTX 1650 level graphics card: Choose a 450W supply (Corsair CX450, ~$65).

Tip: Don’t skimp on certification. Units with 80+ Bronze are more reliable and efficient.

5. Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Energy Efficiency: Ideal for mini PCs and office systems.

- Vega 11 Graphics: Can run CS:GO and Dota 2 at medium settings (1080p, 40–60 FPS).

- Multi-threading: 8 threads are beneficial for rendering in Blender or photo editing.

Cons:

- Outdated Manufacturing Process: 12 nm compared to 7 nm in Ryzen 5000/7000.

- No PCIe 4.0: Maximum storage speeds are limited to 3.0.

- Weak Upgrade Path: On AM4, it’s better to choose Ryzen 5 5600G (6 cores, Zen 3).

6. Use Cases

Office and Study:

- Working with documents, Zoom conferences, multitasking (10+ Chrome tabs).

Multimedia:

- Streaming 4K video, editing in DaVinci Resolve (with basic effects).

Gaming:

- eSports: League of Legends (100+ FPS), Overwatch 2 (720p, medium settings).

- Indie Games: Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight — without issues.

Home Server:

- Low power consumption makes it suitable for a NAS based on Proxmox or TrueNAS.

7. Comparison with Competitors

AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (2021):

- Pros: Zen 3, 6 cores, Vega 7 (less powerful but higher IPC).

- Cons: Higher price (~$130), TDP 65W.

Intel Core i3-12100 (2022):

- Pros: Faster in single-threaded tasks, PCIe 5.0.

- Cons: Only 4 threads, UHD 730 graphics are weaker than Vega 11.

Conclusion: 3400GE excels in budget builds focused on iGPU performance.

8. Practical Assembly Tips

1. Case: Choose a compact Mini-ITX (Fractal Design Node 304, ~$90).

2. Cooling: The stock cooler suffices, but for silence, consider Noctua NH-L9a (~$45).

3. Storage: An SSD NVMe is essential (WD Blue SN580 500GB, ~$50).

4. Network Capabilities: Add a Wi-Fi 6 adapter (if not integrated).

9. Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE?

Consider this processor if:

- Budget is limited (~$100 for CPU in 2025).

- You need a quiet system (media center, office).

- Integrated graphics are required for light gaming.

- Priority is on energy efficiency (HTPC, home server).

Alternative: If the budget allows, it’s better to opt for Ryzen 5 5600G or Intel i3-13100. However, for minimal tasks, the 3400GE remains a cost-effective option.

Prices are current as of April 2025. Listed for new devices in retail stores in the USA.