AMD Ryzen 3 3100 vs AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data splits cleanly along generational lines. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 and the AMD Ryzen 3 3100 belong to different AMD architectural families, and the benchmark results reflect that separation. Out of the two shared head-to-head tests, the Ryzen 3 3100 wins both: Cinebench R15 multi-core and Cinebench R15 single-core. The R2544 has zero wins in the direct comparison.

This is not a subtle margin. The Ryzen 3 3100 is 26.7% ahead in multi-core and 42.7% ahead in single-core. The single-core gap is especially telling, as it points to a fundamental IPC advantage for the newer design. The Ryzen 3 3100 uses the Zen 2 architecture, while the R2544 uses Zen+. The data suggests the newer core design delivers substantially more work per clock, even when both processors have identical core and thread counts (4 cores, 8 threads each).

However, the R2544 has a separate set of benchmarks in the database that are not directly compared. Its Cinebench R20 multi-core score is 3029, and its R23 multi-core score is 7213. Its single-core R20 score is 427, and R23 single-core is 1018. These scores place the R2544 at the 46th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 2086. The Ryzen 3 3100 also sits at the 46th percentile, but its average benchmark score is 2055. The R2544 actually holds a slight edge in average score (about 1.5% higher), which is curious given its loss in the direct Cinebench R15 comparison.

The R2544 also has a unique advantage: integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics. The Ryzen 3 3100 has no integrated graphics at all. This makes the R2544 a more complete system-on-chip solution. The R2544 also supports ECC memory, which the Ryzen 3 3100 does not. These features are not captured in the raw CPU benchmarks, but they matter for specific workloads.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split in intended use cases. For raw computational performance in CPU-bound tasks, the Ryzen 3 3100 is the stronger processor. Its 42.7% lead in single-core Cinebench R15 and 26.7% lead in multi-core Cinebench R15 are decisive. Users running applications that depend on single-threaded responsiveness, such as older games or lightly threaded productivity software, would see a measurable improvement with the Ryzen 3 3100.

The R2544, however, is not without merit. Its integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics and ECC memory support make it a candidate for embedded or compact systems where a discrete GPU is impractical or where data integrity is critical. The database shows the R2544 has a slightly higher average benchmark score (2086 vs 2055), indicating that across its full benchmark suite, it performs on par with or marginally better than the Ryzen 3 3100 in aggregate.

The Ryzen 3 3100 also carries a launch MSRP of $99, which the database records. The R2544 has no recorded launch MSRP. The Ryzen 3 3100 is unlocked for overclocking, while the R2544 is locked. For enthusiasts who want to extract additional performance through tuning, the Ryzen 3 3100 is the only option of the two.

In summary: choose the Ryzen 3 3100 for performance, overclocking, and socket flexibility (AM4). Choose the R2544 for embedded designs, ECC memory, and integrated graphics.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The direct comparison consists of two Cinebench R15 tests. The Ryzen 3 3100 wins both, and the margins are substantial.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Ryzen 3 3100 scores 991, while the R2544 scores 726. That is a difference of 265 points, or 26.7% in favor of the Ryzen 3 3100. Both processors have 4 cores and 8 threads, so the performance gap cannot be attributed to core count. The Zen 2 architecture in the Ryzen 3 3100 simply executes the workload more efficiently than the Zen+ architecture in the R2544. The Ryzen 3 3100 also has a higher base clock (3.60 GHz vs 3.35 GHz) and boost clock (3.90 GHz vs 3.70 GHz), which contributes to the multi-core advantage.

In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Ryzen 3 3100 scores 178, while the R2544 scores 102. That is a 42.7% lead for the Ryzen 3 3100. This is a large gap, far larger than the clock speed difference would suggest on its own. The Zen 2 core design delivers significantly higher instructions per clock (IPC) compared to Zen+. The single-core test is particularly sensitive to IPC improvements because it cannot rely on additional threads to hide inefficiencies.

The R2544 has additional benchmark data in the database, though not in the direct head-to-head set. Its Cinebench R20 multi-core score is 3029, and single-core is 427. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score is 7213, and single-core is 1018. These numbers show the R2544 scales reasonably well across Cinebench versions, but there is no equivalent R20 or R23 data for the Ryzen 3 3100 in the shared comparison set.

The Ryzen 3 3100 also has 3DMark results: 3001 for 16 threads, 2972 for 8 threads, 2970 for max threads, 2214 for 4 threads, 1267 for 2 threads, and 660 for single thread. It also has Geekbench scores of 4898 multi-core and 1395 single-core. These additional metrics paint a picture of a well-rounded performer that maintains strong scaling from single-threaded to multi-threaded workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock speed?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 has a base clock of 3.60 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 has a base clock of 3.35 GHz.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the R2544 supports ECC memory. The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 does not support ECC memory.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 has integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics. The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 has no integrated graphics.

Q: What is the process node difference between the two?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 is manufactured on a 12 nm process by GlobalFoundries. The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 is manufactured on a 7 nm process by TSMC.

Q: Which processor is unlocked for overclocking?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 has an unlocked multiplier. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 does not.

Q: How much larger is the L3 cache on the Ryzen 3 3100?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 has 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 has 4 MB of shared L3 cache, which is four times smaller.

Architecture Differences

The two processors belong to different architectural generations. The R2544 is built on Zen+, codenamed Picasso, and belongs to the 2000 series. The Ryzen 3 3100 is built on Zen 2, codenamed Matisse, and belongs to the 3000 series.

The process node difference is significant. The R2544 uses a 12 nm process from GlobalFoundries, while the Ryzen 3 3100 uses a 7 nm process from TSMC. The smaller process node allows the Ryzen 3 3100 to fit more transistors in a smaller area: 3,800 million transistors on a 74 mm² die, compared to 4,940 million transistors on a 210 mm² die for the R2544. The Ryzen 3 3100 achieves higher transistor density despite having fewer total transistors.

Cache architecture differs substantially. The R2544 has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 cache per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The Ryzen 3 3100 has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, the same 512 KB of L2 cache per core, but 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The fourfold increase in L3 cache on the Ryzen 3 3100 likely contributes to its performance advantage in workloads that benefit from larger cache footprints.

Memory support is similar in bandwidth (both dual-channel DDR4 at 51.2 GB/s), but ECC support differs. The R2544 supports ECC memory, while the Ryzen 3 3100 does not. PCIe support also differs: the R2544 offers PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Ryzen 3 3100 offers PCIe Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The newer PCIe standard on the Ryzen 3 3100 provides higher bandwidth for compatible devices.

The R2544 includes Radeon Vega 8 integrated graphics, making it a complete APU solution. The Ryzen 3 3100 has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output.

Specification Differences

The two processors share several specifications: both have 4 cores, 8 threads, dual-channel DDR4 memory support, and a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. Both are classified as desktop market segment and are currently in active production.

The differences are as follows:

• Base clock: R2544 at 3.35 GHz, Ryzen 3 3100 at 3.60 GHz
• Boost clock: R2544 at 3.70 GHz, Ryzen 3 3100 at 3.90 GHz
• TDP: R2544 at 45 W, Ryzen 3 3100 at 65 W
• Socket: R2544 uses AMD Socket FP5, Ryzen 3 3100 uses AMD Socket AM4
• Process node: R2544 at 12 nm (GlobalFoundries), Ryzen 3 3100 at 7 nm (TSMC)
• Transistors: R2544 at 4,940 million, Ryzen 3 3100 at 3,800 million
• Die size: R2544 at 210 mm², Ryzen 3 3100 at 74 mm²
• L1 cache: R2544 at 96 KB per core, Ryzen 3 3100 at 64 KB per core
• L3 cache: R2544 at 4 MB shared, Ryzen 3 3100 at 16 MB shared
• ECC memory: Supported on R2544, not supported on Ryzen 3 3100
• PCIe: R2544 at Gen 3 (16 lanes CPU only), Ryzen 3 3100 at Gen 4 (16 lanes CPU only)
• Integrated graphics: Radeon Vega 8 on R2544, none on Ryzen 3 3100
• Multiplier unlocked: No on R2544, yes on Ryzen 3 3100
• Release date: R2544 released 2022-09-29, Ryzen 3 3100 released 2020-04-23
• Launch MSRP: Ryzen 3 3100 at $99, R2544 has no recorded launch MSRP

The TDP difference is notable: the R2544 draws 45 W while the Ryzen 3 3100 draws 65 W. Despite the lower power envelope, the R2544 produces lower benchmark scores, indicating the Zen+ architecture is less power-efficient than Zen 2. The Ryzen 3 3100 delivers more performance at a higher power cost, but its performance-per-watt may still be better given the large performance gap.