Today, we are reviewing these AMD Ryzen processors with Radeon Vega graphics (previously codenamed Raven Ridge). The Ryzen 3 2200G and Ryzen 5 2400G are designed to replace 2 models from the current lineup, the Ryzen 3 1200 and Ryzen 5 1400.
PRICE
You’ll be glad to know that AMD is keeping the price low for these new APUs. The Ryzen 3 2200G is actually 10 USD cheaper than the older Ryzen 3 1200.
5 Differences – Ryzen APUs VS Their Predecessors
1. 14nm+FinFET
Raven Ridge uses the density optimized version of the GlobalFoundries 14nm+FinFET process. This allows for smaller die sizes and better power to performance ratio.
2. 4+0 CPU Complex (CCX) configuration from the 2+2 CCX
While testing the “Summit Ridge” Ryzen CPUs, some games were found to favor the extra cache from the 2 CCX configuration. Others responded better to the lower latency of the 1 CCX approach regardless of the cache.
3. 4MB L3 cache from 8MB
According to AMD, this was largely offset with higher clock speeds so it shouldn’t affect CPU performance.
4. x8 PCIe Lanes instead of x16
- Compatible midrange GPUs and workloads tend to not use the extra PCIe lanes.
- It simplifies the manufacturing process, thus making the processors cheaper.
- A smaller and more efficient uncore leads to better temperatures.
5. Revised CPU package
This allows support for RAM speeds up to 2933Mhz. Also, they transitioned to a conventional non-metallic Thermal Interface Material (TIM) to keep costs low. Hopefully, this does not limit overclocking headroom.
SPECIFICATIONS
iGPU Specifications
Video Encoding and Decoding Capabilities
BENCHMARKS
CONCLUSION
Final thoughts? I think not only has AMD improved on the performance of these new processors, they’ve even managed to throw in the best iGPUs in the market without increasing the price. This is really good news for people who just wanna build a PC to play E-Sports titles without breaking the bank. While they still have some ways to go, AMD has taken another big step towards making APUs viable for serious gaming. For now though, they have somewhat rendered entry level discrete GPUs irrelevant.
