AMD Ryzen 3 2200U vs AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 3 2200U and AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G are both 14 nm Zen-based dual-core processors with integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics, yet the benchmark data shows a clear performance gap between the two. The Ryzen Embedded R1606G takes the lead in every head-to-head comparison available, though the margin varies significantly depending on the workload. The Ryzen 3 2200U, designed for mobile systems from the 2000 series, sits at the 22nd percentile of all CPUs, while the Embedded R1606G, part of the 1000 series, sits just one percentile lower at 21st, despite winning the direct comparisons.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data covers two Cinebench R15 tests, and the Ryzen Embedded R1606G wins both. In the multicore test, the R1606G scores 317 against the 2200U’s 312, a delta of -1.6% from the perspective of the 2200U. This is a narrow margin, representing less than a 2% advantage for the Embedded part. The single-core test tells a different story: the R1606G scores 139 versus 117 for the 2200U, a delta of -15.8%. That is a substantial 22-point gap, indicating the Embedded chip has a notably stronger single-threaded performance profile.

Looking at the broader benchmark suite, the 2200U has four recorded scores: 312 in Cinebench R15 multicore, 117 in Cinebench R15 single-core, 1880 in Geekbench multicore, and 911 in Geekbench single-core. The R1606G also has four scores, but only one overlaps directly with the 2200U’s tests: 317 and 139 in the same Cinebench R15 tests. The R1606G additionally has Cinebench R23 scores of 1842 multicore and 888 single-core, which the 2200U does not have. The average benchmark score for the 2200U is 805, while the R1606G averages 797, meaning the 2200U holds a slight overall average advantage despite losing the direct comparisons.

The nearest rivals for the 2200U include the Intel Xeon X5482 (matching 805 average score, 0% delta), the AMD Athlon X4 850 (806, -0.1%), the Intel Core i5-3320M (803, 0.3%), and the Intel Core i7-870S (809, -0.4%). For the R1606G, nearest rivals include the AMD A10-7850K (796, 0.1%), AMD A6-9400 (794, 0.3%), AMD A10-5800B (794, 0.4%), and Intel Pentium Silver J5040 (801, -0.5%). These rival comparisons show both chips are clustered around the same performance tier, with deltas of less than 1% against their nearest competitors.

Where Each One Wins

From the head-to-head data, the Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the clear winner in both tested categories: Cinebench R15 multicore and single-core. The single-core win is particularly decisive, with a 15.8% advantage, making it the stronger choice for workloads that rely on single-threaded performance, such as lightly threaded applications or tasks with high per-core demands. The multicore win, while smaller at 1.6%, still indicates the R1606G handles multi-threaded workloads slightly better.

The Ryzen 3 2200U does not win any head-to-head benchmark in the provided data, with a wins tally of 0 against the R1606G’s 2. However, the 2200U has a higher average benchmark score of 805 versus 797, suggesting that across a broader range of tests, it may perform more consistently. The 2200U also has Geekbench scores (1880 multicore, 911 single-core) that are not directly compared, but these numbers indicate a strong showing in that benchmark suite. For users prioritizing Cinebench performance, the R1606G is the better pick; for overall average performance, the 2200U edges ahead.

In terms of use cases, the R1606G’s higher boost clock of 3.50 GHz compared to 3.40 GHz, and higher base clock of 2.60 GHz versus 2.50 GHz, likely contribute to its single-core advantage. This makes it suited for embedded applications where predictable, fast single-threaded execution matters. The 2200U, with its lower TDP of 15 watts against 25 watts, is more power-efficient, making it a better fit for mobile devices where thermal and power constraints are tighter. The data does not include power efficiency benchmarks, but the TDP figures alone suggest the 2200U is the more frugal option.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the Zen architecture and use a 14 nm process node from GlobalFoundries, but they come from different codenames and generations. The Ryzen 3 2200U is part of the 2000 series with the codename Raven Ridge, classified as Ryzen 3 (Zen (Raven Ridge)). The Ryzen Embedded R1606G is part of the 1000 series with the codename Zen, classified as Ryzen Embedded (Zen (Banded Kestrel)). This difference in codename reflects their distinct market positioning, even though the underlying architecture is the same.

The transistor count and die size differ significantly. The 2200U has 4,950 million transistors on a 210 mm² die, while the R1606G has 3,500 million transistors on a 148 mm² die. That is a 1,450 million transistor difference and a 62 mm² die size difference. Despite the smaller die, the R1606G achieves higher clock speeds, suggesting a different binning or power delivery design. Both chips have identical cache hierarchies: 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 4 MB shared L3.

Memory support is the same for both: DDR4 with dual-channel bus and 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, and neither supports ECC memory. PCI Express is also identical at Gen 3 with 8 lanes (CPU only). Both have Radeon Vega 3 integrated graphics and use the AMD Socket FP5. Neither has an unlocked multiplier. The release dates differ, with the 2200U released on January 7, 2018, and the R1606G released on February 24, 2020. The production status for both is Active.

The Verdict

From the data, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G is the stronger performer in direct head-to-head testing, winning both Cinebench R15 tests. For users who rely on Cinebench scores as a proxy for CPU performance, the R1606G is the clear choice, especially in single-core tasks where it leads by 15.8%. Its higher base and boost clocks (2.60 GHz and 3.50 GHz) align with this performance advantage. The R1606G is suited for embedded applications where sustained single-threaded throughput is critical.

The AMD Ryzen 3 2200U, despite losing the head-to-head tests, has a higher average benchmark score of 805 versus 797, indicating it may perform better in other benchmark suites not included in the direct comparison. Its Geekbench scores of 1880 multicore and 911 single-core are strong, though no direct rival scores are provided for these tests. The 2200U’s lower TDP of 15 watts makes it a more power-efficient option for mobile systems, whereas the R1606G’s 25-watt TDP suggests it is designed for more power-tolerant embedded environments.

For a mobile laptop user prioritizing battery life and general performance, the 2200U is the pragmatic choice. For an embedded system designer needing peak single-core performance, the R1606G is superior. Neither chip is unlocked for overclocking, and both lack ECC memory support, so those factors do not differentiate them. The choice ultimately comes down to whether the single-core advantage of the R1606G outweighs the average performance and power efficiency of the 2200U.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the Cinebench R15 multicore test?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G wins with a score of 317, while the AMD Ryzen 3 2200U scores 312, giving the R1606G a 1.6% advantage.

Q: How large is the single-core performance difference?

A: The R1606G scores 139 in Cinebench R15 single-core versus 117 for the 2200U, a 15.8% lead for the Embedded processor.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores for each chip?

A: The 2200U has an average benchmark score of 805, while the R1606G has an average of 797, making the 2200U slightly higher on average despite losing direct comparisons.

Q: Do both processors have the same integrated graphics?

A: Yes, both the Ryzen 3 2200U and the Ryzen Embedded R1606G feature Radeon Vega 3 integrated graphics.

Q: What is the difference in TDP between the two?

A: The 2200U has a TDP of 15 watts, while the R1606G has a TDP of 25 watts, making the 2200U the lower-power part.

Q: Which processor has a larger die and more transistors?

A: The 2200U has a 210 mm² die with 4,950 million transistors, while the R1606G has a 148 mm² die with 3,500 million transistors.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 3 2200U | AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606G |

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

| Series | 2000 series | 1000 series |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 2.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.40 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 25 W |

| Codename | Raven Ridge | Zen |

| Generation | Ryzen 3 (Zen (Raven Ridge)) | Ryzen Embedded (Zen (Banded Kestrel)) |

| Transistors | 4,950 million | 3,500 million |

| Die Size | 210 mm² | 148 mm² |

| Release Date | 2018-01-07 | 2020-02-24 |

| Part Number | YM2200C4T2OFB | YE1606C4T2OFG |

| Percentile vs All CPUs | 22 | 21 |

| Avg Benchmark Score | 805 | 797 |

| Cinebench R15 Multicore | 312 | 317 |

| Cinebench R15 Single-core | 117 | 139 |