AMD PRO A12-9800E vs AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Comparison

# AMD PRO A12-9800E vs AMD Ryzen 3 3200U: Benchmark Analysis

The database records two AMD processors from different generations and market segments. The AMD PRO A12-9800E is a Bristol Ridge era desktop part built on the Excavator architecture, while the AMD Ryzen 3 3200U is a Raven Ridge mobile APU using the Zen core. Their benchmark profiles diverge sharply across multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data shows a clear split based on workload type. In the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, the Ryzen 3 3200U scores 334, while the PRO A12-9800E scores 266. This gives the Ryzen processor a 20.4% advantage in heavily threaded rendering tasks. The gap reverses dramatically in single-threaded tests. In the Cinebench R23 single-core test, the Ryzen 3 3200U scores 765, while the PRO A12-9800E scores 373. Here the PRO chip leads by 51.2%. The same pattern appears in the Cinebench R20 single-core test: the PRO A12-9800E scores 156, the Ryzen 3 3200U scores 129, a 20.9% edge for the AMD PRO part.

The multicore results are not uniform either. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the PRO A12-9800E posts 2646, which beats the Ryzen 3 3200U's 1786 by 48.2%. However, in the Cinebench R15 multicore test, the Ryzen 3 3200U wins with 334 against 266, a 20.4% lead. This inconsistency suggests the two chips respond differently to the specific workload characteristics of each benchmark version.

Overall, the Ryzen 3 3200U wins two of the three head-to-head records. It takes the Cinebench R15 multicore test and the Cinebench R23 single-core test. The PRO A12-9800E wins the R23 multicore test.

Architecture Differences

The architectural split between these two chips is fundamental. The PRO A12-9800E uses the Excavator architecture, the last evolution of the Steamroller-based design, built on the Bristol Ridge codename. It has four cores and four threads. The Ryzen 3 3200U is a Zen-core processor, code named Raven Ridge, and it also has two cores and four threads. Both processors are produced by GlobalFoundries, but at different production nodes: the PRO part is on a 28nm process, the Ryzen part on a 14nm process. The PRO chip integrates 3,100 million transistors on a 250mm² die, while the Ryzen has 4,940 million transistors on a slightly smaller 210mm² die.

Cache arrangements differ. The PRO A12-9800E comes with 320KB of L1 cache and 2MB of L2 cache. The Ryzen 3 3200U has a smaller L1 partition, 96KB per core, but a larger L2 partition, 512KB per core. The Ryzen also adds a third level 4MB shared L3 cache, which the PRO part completely lacks. The Ryzen's L3 cache is a substantial extra resource for workloads with data reuse.

Both chips support DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Ryzen's official memory bandwidth is 38.4GB/s, the PRO A has no publicly recorded bandwidth. The integrated graphics also differ: the PRO A-9800E includes the Radeon R7 graphics, while the Ryzen 3 3200U uses the Radeon Vega 3.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-threaded rendering workloads?

A: Multi-threaded results are mixed. The Ryzen 3 3200U is 20.4% ahead in Cinebench R15 multicore (334 vs 266). However, in Cinebench R23 multicore, the PRO A12-9800E is 48.2% ahead, scoring 2646 vs 1786. Which chip wins depends on the specific rendering test.

Q: Is the single-core performance gap as large as the numbers suggest?

A: Yes. Not a single-core test where the Ryzen 3 3200U does not lead. The PRO chip wins the Cinebench R23 single-core by 51.2% (765 vs 373) and the Cinebench R20 single-core by 20.9% (373 vs 129).

Q: Does the Ryzen 3 3200U have a cache hierarchy advantage?

A: Yes. The Ryzen has a two-level cache hierarchy with a 4MB shared L3, while the PRO A lacks the L3. This matters for multi-threaded data reuse.

Q: Are these processors from the same generation?

A: No. The PRO A12-9800E is a Bristol Ridge generation part (A12, Bristol Ridge) released on 2017-07-26. The Ryzen 3 3200U belongs to the Raven Ridge generation (Zen) and was released on 2019-01-05.

Q: Which part has the higher average benchmark in the database?

A: The PRO A12-9800E has an average benchmark score of 910, and the Ryzen 3 3200U has a score of 893. The difference is 0.2% within the database's CPU percentile distributions.

Specification Differences

Both chips share several basic characteristics: four threads, dual-channel DDR4 memory, and an unlocked multiplier. Differences appear in several places:

| Specification | AMD PRO A12-9800E | AMD Ryzen 3 3200U |

|---|---|---|

| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 2 / 4 |

| Base Clock | 3.10 GHz | 2.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.80 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 15 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 | AMD Socket FP5 |

| Process Node | 28 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | 250 mm² | 210 mm² |

| Transistors | 3,100 million | 4,940 million |

| L1 Cache | 320 KB | 96 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 512 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | None | 4 MB (shared) |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon R7 | Radeon Vega 3 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3 |

The PRO A12 has a higher base and boost clock: 3.10GHz base and 3.80GHz boost, against the Ryzen's 2.60GHz base and 3.50GHz boost. The PRO's TDP is also much higher at 35W, while the Ryzen sits at 15W. This reflects the desktop design of the PRO part against the mobile focus of the Ryzen.

The Verdict

The data directs a clear split. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U is the pick for single-threaded applications. It holds a 51.2% advantage in Cinebench R23 single-core and a 20.9% advantage in Cinebench R20 single-core. For users whose tasks are dominated by lightly threaded workloads, the Ryzen 3 3200U is the better match.

The AMD PRO A12-9800E is the choice for specific multi-threaded workloads. It wins the Cinebench R23 multi-core test by 48.2%. The Ryzen's multi-threaded result is inconsistent: it loses by 20.4% in Cinebench R15 multi-core, but wins by 48.2% in Cinebench R23 multi-core. This suggests the PRO part is better suited to workloads that align with the R23 multi-thread pattern.

Where Each One Wins

AMD Ryzen 3 3200U wins:

• Cinebench R15 multicore (334 vs 266, 20.4% ahead)
• Cinebench R23 single-core (765 vs 373, 51.2% ahead)

AMD PRO A12-9800E wins:

• Cinebench R23 multicore (2646 vs 1786, 48.2% ahead)

The Ryzen 3 3200U is the safer general-purpose pick for everyday responsiveness and single-thread apps. The PRO A12-9800E should be considered when the target workload is the Cinebench R23 multi-core pattern, where its lead is substantial.