AMD Ryzen 3 3250U

The AMD Ryzen 3 3250U is a mobile processor positioned at the 30th percentile of all CPUs in the benchmark database, with an average benchmark score of 1098. This places it in the entry-level performance tier, suitable for basic computing tasks rather than demanding workloads. The data indicates a dual-core, four-thread design based on the Zen architecture, built on a 14nm process with integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics, targeting thin-and-light laptops where efficiency and cost are prioritized over raw performance.

Who Should Consider It

The Ryzen 3 3250U is appropriate for users whose primary workloads are light, everyday productivity tasks. Its benchmark results show a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 3185 and a single-core score of 449, which suggests it can handle office applications, web browsing, and document editing without significant strain. The Geekbench multi-core score of 1456 and single-core score of 751 reinforce this positioning, indicating that the processor is adequate for sequential tasks like spreadsheet manipulation or word processing.

For gaming, the integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics and the modest CPU scores mean this is not a processor for modern 3D titles. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 1337 and single-core score of 188 indicate that it would struggle with CPU-intensive game logic or physics simulations. However, older or less demanding 2D games, casual titles, or indie games with low system requirements could run at playable frame rates, though the data does not support specific performance claims for any given game.

Content creation workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, or large-scale photo manipulation are not recommended for this processor. The Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 320 is notably low, reflecting the limitations of a dual-core design in multi-threaded rendering tasks. Users who periodically perform light photo editing or audio processing may find it acceptable, but sustained heavy workloads would expose the processor's constraints. The 3250U is best suited for students, office workers, or home users who need a dependable machine for web-based tasks, streaming video, and basic productivity, with the understanding that performance will be modest compared to higher-tier processors.

Platform and Compatibility

The Ryzen 3 3250U uses the AMD Socket FP5, which is a mobile-specific socket designed for thin and light laptops. The processor is built on the Zen architecture with the codename Dali, and it is part of the 3000 series family. The platform supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, so users must stick to standard non-ECC DDR4 modules.

PCIe connectivity is limited to Gen 3, which is sufficient for typical mobile use cases such as NVMe SSDs or discrete GPUs, though the integrated graphics are the primary display output. The processor includes Radeon Vega 3 integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is optional. The 14nm process node from GlobalFoundries results in a die size of 148 mm² and a transistor count of 3,500 million, which reflects the older manufacturing technology compared to more recent nodes.

The upgrade path is effectively non-existent for end users, as FP5 is a soldered mobile socket, and the processor is not multiplier unlocked. The production status is listed as active, but the release date of 2020-01-05 means this is a mature platform. Users considering this processor should view it as a complete, sealed system component rather than part of a build-your-own upgradeable desktop. The memory support is limited to DDR4, with no mention of DDR5 compatibility, and the dual-channel bus is standard for the mobile segment.

How It Compares

The Ryzen 3 3250U has an average benchmark score of 1098, which is identical to the AMD PRO A10-8850B, showing a 0% delta. This means the two processors perform at exactly the same level in the aggregate benchmark, making them functionally interchangeable for the tasks measured. The PRO A10-8850B is a desktop processor, so users comparing the two should expect similar compute performance, though the 3250U offers integrated graphics where the PRO A10 may require a discrete GPU.

Against the Intel Core i5-3470S, the 3250U shows a delta of -0.1%, with the Intel part scoring 1099. This is a negligible difference, effectively a statistical tie. The i5-3470S is an older desktop processor, and the data indicates that the 3250U's mobile design does not sacrifice performance relative to this desktop part, though the i5 may have different power characteristics not reflected in the benchmark scores.

The comparison to the Intel Xeon E5-1603 v3 is similarly close, with a delta of -0.1% and an average score of 1099. This Xeon is a server-oriented processor, yet the 3250U matches it in aggregate performance. This is notable because the Xeon typically runs on a completely different platform with registered memory, but the benchmark data shows the 3250U holds its own in the measured workloads.

Finally, the Ryzen 3 3250U is 0.1% ahead of the Intel Core i7-2710QE, which scores 1096. This is the only rival where the 3250U has a positive delta, though the margin is minuscule. The i7-2710QE is a mobile processor from an older generation, and the data suggests that the 3250U offers comparable or slightly better performance, making it a competitive option in the legacy mobile segment.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the AMD Ryzen 3 3250U?

A: The average benchmark score is 1098, which places it at the 30th percentile of all CPUs in the database.

Q: How does the Ryzen 3 3250U perform in Cinebench R23?

A: It scores 3185 in multi-core and 449 in single-core, indicating entry-level performance for multi-threaded and single-threaded tasks.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth and type supported?

A: The processor supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with a maximum bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, and ECC memory is not supported.

Q: Is the Ryzen 3 3250U faster than the Intel Core i5-3470S?

A: The data shows a delta of -0.1% against the i5-3470S, meaning the 3250U is effectively at parity, with the Intel part scoring 1099 versus 1098.

Q: Does the Ryzen 3 3250U have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, it includes Radeon Vega 3 integrated graphics, which is suitable for basic display output and light graphical tasks.

Q: What socket does the Ryzen 3 3250U use?

A: It uses AMD Socket FP5, which is a mobile socket, and the processor is not multiplier unlocked.

Power and Thermals

The Ryzen 3 3250U has a TDP of 15 watts, which classifies it as a low-power mobile processor designed for thin and light laptops. This TDP level implies that a basic cooling solution, such as a small heat pipe and fan, is sufficient to maintain thermal stability under sustained load. The 14nm process node from GlobalFoundries contributes to the efficiency, though it is older compared to more recent nodes, which may affect thermal density.

Given the 15-watt TDP, the processor can be passively cooled in some ultra-portable designs, though active cooling is more common to manage burst loads during boost clock operation up to 3.50 GHz. The base clock of 2.60 GHz ensures a moderate performance floor, but the low TDP means that sustained multi-core workloads will likely result in clock throttling to stay within power limits. Users should expect the processor to run warm but not hot, and the integrated Vega 3 graphics share the same thermal budget, so extended gaming or GPU-intensive tasks could cause thermal throttling.

The benchmark scores, such as the Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 1337, suggest that the processor can sustain short bursts of activity, but the thermal design point is clearly aimed at efficiency over sustained performance. In practical terms, a laptop with this processor should be able to operate without excessive fan noise under normal office workloads, but heavy multi-threaded tasks will likely trigger fan ramp-up. The data does not specify a cooling tier, but the 15-watt TDP aligns with standard ultrabook-class cooling solutions, which are typically adequate for the processor's performance envelope.