AMD Ryzen 3 3300X

The AMD Ryzen 3 3300X is a 4-core, 8-thread desktop processor from the 3000 series, built on Zen 2 (Matisse) architecture at TSMC's 7nm process. It runs at a 3.80 GHz base clock and 4.30 GHz boost, with a 65W TDP. The chip features 16MB shared L3 cache, dual-channel DDR4 memory support, and 16 PCIe Gen 4 lanes. Launched on April 23, 2020, with a launch MSRP of $120, it remains an active production part.

How It Compares

The Ryzen 3 3300X's average benchmark score of 3272 places it in a tight cluster of enterprise and embedded processors. Against the Intel Xeon E-2136, which scores 3274, the 3300X trails by a mere 0.1%. This delta is negligible; the two chips deliver statistically identical aggregate performance. The tight grouping of these four rivals suggests that the 3300X's performance is consistent across different processor families.

The Intel Xeon E5-2650 v4 posts an average score of 3276, again just 0.1% above the 3300X. The delta is within measurement noise, indicating that the 3300X matches this server-grade part in mixed workloads. The 3300X achieves this parity despite being a mainstream desktop chip, underscoring the efficiency of its Zen 2 design.

AMD's own Ryzen Embedded V2516 scores 3277, a 0.1% edge over the 3300X. This embedded part delivers virtually identical average performance, showing that the 3300X holds its own across different market segments. The near-identical scores mean that users switching from an embedded platform to a standard AM4 socket would see no aggregate performance change.

The only rival that the 3300X beats is the Intel Xeon E5-2676 v3, which averages 3266. Here the 3300X is 0.2% faster. That advantage is slim, but it flips the sign: among the four nearest rivals, the 3300X is faster than one and essentially tied with the other three. The 56th percentile ranking among all CPUs reinforces that this is a mid-pack performer, but its consistency across different architectures is notable.

Power and Thermals

The 65W TDP classifies the Ryzen 3 3300X as a low-power desktop part. This is a modest thermal envelope, which means a standard air cooler is sufficient for most users. The 7nm process from TSMC, with a die size of 74 mm² and 3,800 million transistors, contributes to the efficiency. The chip runs at a base clock of 3.80 GHz and boosts to 4.30 GHz, and the 65W TDP suggests that the boost headroom is well managed. The memory subsystem, with dual-channel DDR4 and 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, does not add excessive heat. For builders seeking a compact or low-noise system, the 3300X's thermal profile is a strong fit. The 65W TDP also means that the chip can be used in small form factor systems without exotic cooling, making it a versatile choice for space-constrained builds.

Who Should Consider It

The Ryzen 3 3300X is a desktop processor that excels in single-threaded tasks. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1512 and Geekbench single-core score of 1704 are strong for a 4-core chip. This makes it a solid choice for gaming, where many titles rely on high per-core performance. The multi-threaded scores, such as 10,710 in Cinebench R23 and 5,885 in Geekbench, are respectable for 8 threads, but they are not class-leading. Users who primarily run office applications, web browsing, and light productivity will find ample performance. For content creation that scales across many cores, the 3300X may be limiting, but for gaming with a discrete GPU, it remains competitive. The absence of integrated graphics means a dedicated graphics card is mandatory. The unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, which can extract additional performance, though the 65W TDP sets a practical limit. The 56th percentile ranking suggests it outperforms roughly half of all CPUs in the database, which is a reasonable position for a mainstream desktop part. For users who do not need many cores, the 3300X provides a responsive experience, and its single-core strength makes it particularly well suited to everyday tasks and esports titles.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Ryzen 3 3300X?

A: The TDP is 65 watts.

Q: Does the Ryzen 3 3300X have integrated graphics?

A: No, the integrated graphics field is null, so a discrete GPU is required for display output.

Q: What memory type and channel configuration does it support?

A: It supports DDR4 memory in dual-channel mode, with a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, allowing users to adjust clock speeds beyond the 4.30 GHz boost.

Q: What is the process node and die size?

A: It is built on TSMC's 7nm process, with a die size of 74 mm² and 3,800 million transistors.

Q: What is the release date of the Ryzen 3 3300X?

A: It was released on April 23, 2020.

Benchmark Performance

The Ryzen 3 3300X's benchmark results show a consistent pattern across multiple test suites. In Cinebench R15, it scores 1,079 multi-core and 152 single-core, a ratio of 7.1. Cinebench R20 yields 4,498 multi-core and 635 single-core, again a 7.1 ratio. Cinebench R23 produces 10,710 multi-core and 1,512 single-core, maintaining the same approximate 7.1 ratio. Geekbench gives 5,885 multi-core and 1,704 single-core, a ratio of 3.45, which is lower because Geekbench's single-core test is relatively more demanding. These ratios indicate that the 8 threads are effectively utilized, with near-linear scaling across the 4 physical cores. The consistency of the 7.1 ratio across Cinebench versions indicates that the multi-threaded scaling is stable across workloads.

When compared to its nearest rivals, the 3300X's average score of 3272 is within 0.1% of the Intel Xeon E-2136 (3274), 0.1% of the Intel Xeon E5-2650 v4 (3276), and 0.1% of the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2516 (3277). The only rival it leads is the Intel Xeon E5-2676 v3, which scores 3266, giving the 3300X a 0.2% advantage. These deltas are minuscule, meaning the 3300X offers essentially the same aggregate performance as a group of processors that include server, embedded, and enterprise parts. The 56th percentile ranking confirms that while the 3300X is not a top-tier performer, it sits comfortably above the median.

The single-core scores deserve attention. With a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1,512, the 3300X demonstrates strong per-thread performance. The Geekbench single-core score of 1,704 further underscores its capability in lightly threaded applications. This makes the 3300X a better choice for gaming and everyday responsiveness than its average score might suggest. Conversely, its multi-core scores, while respectable, are not exceptional; the 10,710 in Cinebench R23 places it in the mid-range for 8-thread parts. The balance between single-thread and multi-thread performance is a key differentiator, as the 3300X punches above its core count in tasks that favor clock speed.

In summary, the Ryzen 3 3300X is a well-balanced 4-core/8-thread processor that delivers performance on par with a cluster of Xeon and embedded rivals. Its 65W TDP and 7nm process make it an efficient option, and its single-core capability is a highlight. For users who need a desktop CPU with solid gaming and light productivity performance, the 3300X holds its own.