AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE vs Intel Core i3-7350K Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents an unambiguous picture: the AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE wins all six head-to-head comparisons against the Intel Core i3-7350K. The most decisive margin appears in Cinebench R15 multi-core, where the Ryzen scores 503 against Intel's 417, a 17.1% advantage. Single-core performance in the same test shows a similar gap, with the Ryzen posting 71 versus Intel's 58, an 18.3% lead. These are not marginal differences; they represent consistent, across-the-board superiority in every measured workload.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the pattern holds. The Ryzen 3 2200GE achieves 2097 multi-core points, while the i3-7350K manages 1740, a 17% delta. In single-core, the Ryzen scores 296 against Intel's 245, again a 17.2% advantage. The consistency of these deltas—all hovering near 17-18%—suggests a fundamental performance gap rather than test-specific anomalies.

Cinebench R23 confirms the trend with near-identical margins. The Ryzen's 4993 multi-core score outstrips Intel's 4144 by 17%. Single-core results show 705 versus 585, a 17% difference. Notably, the Ryzen also holds an edge in Geekbench, though this test was not part of the head-to-head array; the i3-7350K's Geekbench multi-core score of 3018 and single-core of 1488 place it in the 38th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 1462.

The Ryzen 3 2200GE's average benchmark score of 1444 places it in the same 38th percentile, but its nearest rival data reveals a tighter competitive field. Its closest competitor, the Intel Xeon E3-1505L v5, trails by just 0.1% in average score (1446 vs. 1444). The i3-7350K's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200GE at a 0.1% advantage (1461 vs. 1462) and the Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 at a 0.2% deficit (1465 vs. 1462). These proximity scores indicate that while the Ryzen wins the head-to-head outright, both processors sit in a crowded mid-pack of similar-performing CPUs.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The Intel Core i3-7350K uses the Kaby Lake architecture, built on Intel's 14 nm process at Intel's own foundry. It packs 2 cores with 4 threads, a base clock of 4.20 GHz, and no boost clock—the frequency is fixed. The AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE employs the Zen architecture under the Raven Ridge codename, also on a 14 nm node but fabricated by GlobalFoundries. It offers 4 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz.

Cache configurations differ notably. The i3-7350K provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, with 4 MB of shared L3. The Ryzen 3 2200GE doubles the per-core L1 to 96 KB and L2 to 512 KB, while matching the 4 MB shared L3. The Ryzen's larger transistor count—4,950 million versus unspecified for Intel—and die size of 210 mm² reflect its more complex integrated design.

The integrated graphics also diverge sharply. Intel pairs the i3-7350K with HD 630 graphics, while AMD equips the Ryzen 3 2200GE with Radeon Vega 8. Memory bandwidth favors AMD at 46.9 GB/s versus Intel's 38.4 GB/s, though both support DDR4 in dual-channel mode. Neither supports ECC memory. PCIe lane allocation differs: Intel provides 16 Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, while AMD offers 8 Gen 3 lanes.

Power efficiency is a major differentiator. The Ryzen 3 2200GE draws a 35 W TDP, while the i3-7350K consumes 60 W. This nearly two-fold difference in thermal design power, combined with the Ryzen's higher performance, makes the AMD part particularly compelling for power-constrained builds. Both CPUs have unlocked multipliers, and both target the desktop segment with active production status.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core benchmarks?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE wins all multi-core tests. It leads by 17.1% in Cinebench R15 (503 vs. 417), 17% in R20 (2097 vs. 1740), and 17% in R23 (4993 vs. 4144).

Q: Does the Intel i3-7350K have any single-core advantage?

A: No. The Ryzen 3 2200GE wins every single-core test by similar margins to multi-core: 18.3% in R15 (71 vs. 58), 17.2% in R20 (296 vs. 245), and 17% in R23 (705 vs. 585).

Q: How do their TDPs compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE has a 35 W TDP, while the Intel i3-7350K has a 60 W TDP. This makes the Ryzen substantially more power-efficient.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: The i3-7350K has 2 cores and 4 threads. The Ryzen 3 2200GE has 4 cores and 4 threads. The Ryzen offers double the physical cores.

Q: Do both processors support overclocking?

A: Yes, both have unlocked multipliers, indicated by the "multiplierUnlocked" field being true for each.

Q: What integrated graphics do they feature?

A: The i3-7350K includes Intel HD 630 graphics. The Ryzen 3 2200GE includes Radeon Vega 8 graphics.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ in several key specification fields. Core count differs: Intel offers 2 cores, AMD offers 4. Thread count matches at 4 each, but the i3-7350K uses Hyper-Threading on 2 cores while the Ryzen relies on native 4 cores. Base clocks diverge significantly: Intel runs at 4.20 GHz with no boost, AMD runs at 3.20 GHz base and 3.60 GHz boost. TDP is a major difference: 60 W for Intel, 35 W for AMD.

Socket compatibility is mutually exclusive: Intel uses Socket 1151, AMD uses Socket AM4. Architecture generation differs—Kaby Lake for Intel versus Zen (Raven Ridge) for AMD. Transistor count is specified only for AMD at 4,950 million, with a die size of 210 mm²; Intel lists neither. L1 cache is 64 KB per core on Intel versus 96 KB per core on AMD. L2 cache is 256 KB per core on Intel versus 512 KB per core on AMD. L3 is identical at 4 MB shared.

Memory bandwidth favors AMD at 46.9 GB/s versus Intel's 38.4 GB/s. PCIe lane count differs: Intel provides 16 CPU lanes, AMD provides 8. Integrated graphics differ: Intel HD 630 versus Radeon Vega 8. Release dates are distinct: Intel launched in January 2017, AMD in April 2018. Part numbers are unique, and the Ryzen's foundry is GlobalFoundries while Intel uses its own fabs. The Ryzen has a larger die and transistor count, reflecting its more complex architecture.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE wins every benchmark category measured. Multi-core workloads show its 4 physical cores delivering a 17% advantage across all three Cinebench versions. Single-core performance also favors AMD, with margins ranging from 17% to 18.3%. This means the Ryzen is the superior choice for rendering, video encoding, and any parallel workload—Cinebench scores confirm this. Its lower 35 W TDP also makes it the better option for compact or energy-conscious systems where thermals and power draw are priorities.

The Intel i3-7350K has no benchmark wins in this comparison. However, its fixed 4.20 GHz clock and 2-core/4-thread design may appeal in scenarios where the data shows no advantage but the platform dictates choice. For users constrained to Socket 1151 motherboards, the i3-7350K remains a functional option, though its 60 W TDP and lower scores suggest it operates at a competitive disadvantage. The Intel part's 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes—double the Ryzen's 8—could benefit setups with multiple discrete GPUs or high-bandwidth expansion cards, a factor not reflected in CPU benchmarks but present in the specification differences.

The Ryzen 3 2200GE also carries stronger integrated graphics with Radeon Vega 8, which may reduce the need for a discrete GPU in basic display tasks. Its higher memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s versus 38.4 GB/s further supports memory-intensive applications. For users prioritizing raw CPU performance, power efficiency, and modern architecture, the Ryzen is the clear choice. For those with legacy Socket 1151 motherboards or needing more PCIe lanes, the i3-7350K remains viable but measurably slower.

The Verdict

The data directs a straightforward conclusion: the AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE is the superior processor in every measured benchmark. It wins all six head-to-head tests with consistent 17-18% margins, offers double the physical cores, consumes nearly half the power (35 W vs. 60 W), and provides more memory bandwidth (46.9 GB/s vs. 38.4 GB/s). Its larger cache per core (96 KB L1, 512 KB L2 vs. 64 KB L1, 256 KB L2) and newer release date (April 2018 vs. January 2017) reinforce its architectural advantage.

The Intel Core i3-7350K retains relevance only in specific platform contexts. Its 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes double the Ryzen's 8, which could matter for multi-GPU or high-bandwidth expansion configurations. Its fixed 4.20 GHz clock may also appeal to users who prefer consistent frequencies over the Ryzen's variable boost behavior. However, these are niche considerations; they do not appear in any benchmark score.

For most users, the Ryzen 3 2200GE is the rational pick. Its benchmark performance, power efficiency, and modern Zen architecture with Radeon Vega 8 graphics make it broadly superior. The i3-7350K, while functional and unlocked for overclocking, trails in every performance metric and consumes more power. The percentile rankings—both at 38th—show they sit in a similar performance class, but the head-to-head deltas reveal the Ryzen consistently occupies the higher end of that class. Choose the Ryzen for performance and efficiency; choose the Intel only if your motherboard socket or PCIe requirements demand it.