AMD Ryzen 5 3501U

The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is a mobile processor from the 3000 series, built on the 12 nm Picasso architecture (Zen+) by GlobalFoundries. It features 4 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz, operating within a 15 W TDP class. The chip integrates Radeon Vega 8 graphics and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory, positioning it as a mainstream option for thin-and-light laptops. Benchmark data places it at the 69th percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 14320, indicating it sits slightly above the median in overall performance.

Benchmark Performance

The Ryzen 5 3501U delivers a multi-threaded PassMark score of 7071, which is a solid result for a 4-core/4-thread part. This score anchors its overall average of 14320, placing it just below the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546, which scores 14336. The delta here is a mere -0.1%, meaning the 3501U trails that embedded chip by only 0.1% — effectively a statistical tie in aggregate performance. In single-threaded workloads, the chip scores 2136 on PassMark, which is a competitive figure for its class, though it lacks the simultaneous multithreading (SMT) that some rivals employ.

Looking at specific workload scores, the 3501U shows notable strengths in integer math, scoring 26321, and floating-point math, at 12707. These figures suggest the processor handles arithmetic-heavy tasks reasonably well for its segment. The data compression score of 87380 is particularly impressive, indicating strong throughput in compression algorithms, which often benefit from cache and memory bandwidth. Conversely, the find prime numbers score of 21 is quite low, reflecting the absence of advanced vector extensions or higher core counts that accelerate such workloads.

Compared to the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C (avg score 14277), the 3501U is ahead by 0.3%, a narrow margin that suggests the two are nearly interchangeable in aggregate benchmarks. Against the Intel Core 7 160UL (avg score 14232), the 3501U leads by 0.6%, and versus the Intel Core i5-10400F (avg score 14185), it is 1% faster. These deltas are small, but they consistently favor the 3501U in overall average scores, even though the i5-10400F is a desktop part with a different power envelope. The data shows that the 3501U competes at the edge of its performance tier, neither dominating nor being overwhelmed by its nearest rivals.

The encryption score of 5580 and extended instructions score of 3274 are moderate, suggesting that AES-NI and similar instruction sets are present but not exceptional. The random string sorting score of 10414 indicates decent memory subsystem performance, while the physics score of 483 is low, hinting that the 4-thread limitation hampers heavily parallel physics simulations. Overall, the benchmark results paint a picture of a balanced, entry-level mobile CPU that punches at its weight class, with the average score placing it in the 69th percentile globally.

Who Should Consider It

For users whose primary workload is office productivity, the Ryzen 5 3501U is a capable choice. The multi-threaded score of 7071 and integer math score of 26321 support smooth performance in document editing, spreadsheet calculations, and web browsing with multiple tabs. The 4 cores and 4 threads handle these tasks without issue, and the 15 W TDP class means it fits into power-efficient laptops that prioritize battery life over raw speed.

Gamers on a budget, however, should temper expectations. The integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics is present, but the CPU’s low physics score of 483 suggests that gaming performance, particularly in CPU-bound titles, will be limited. The 4-thread configuration is a bottleneck for modern games that utilize more than four threads, so casual or older games are more realistic targets. The single-thread score of 2136 is adequate for basic gaming, but it won’t drive high frame rates in demanding esports titles at high settings.

Content creators and those working with media should look elsewhere unless their tasks are light. The floating-point math score of 12707 and data compression score of 87380 are respectable for photo editing or file archiving, but the lack of SMT and only 4 threads mean video rendering or 3D modeling will be slow. The Ryzen 3 7320C, which is only 0.3% slower in average score, offers a similar experience, so the 3501U doesn’t have a clear edge for creation workloads. Office users and students who need a reliable, low-power laptop for everyday tasks will find the 3501U sufficient, but those needing heavy multi-threaded performance should consider higher-tier options.

Platform and Compatibility

The Ryzen 5 3501U uses the AMD Socket FP5, which is a BGA (ball-grid array) socket, meaning the processor is soldered to the motherboard and not user-upgradable. This is typical for mobile parts, so buyers should choose their laptop configuration carefully, as the CPU cannot be swapped later. The chip supports DDR4 memory via a dual-channel bus, with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. This bandwidth is sufficient for the integrated graphics and general tasks, though it is not exceptional compared to newer platforms.

PCIe support is Gen 3, which is the previous generation standard, but still adequate for NVMe SSDs and discrete GPUs if the laptop has such options. The memory bus is dual-channel, which is essential for getting the most out of the Radeon Vega 8 iGPU, as single-channel configurations would halve memory bandwidth and hurt performance. ECC memory is not supported, which is expected for a consumer mobile chip.

The upgrade path is essentially non-existent due to the FP5 socket, so the platform’s longevity depends on the laptop’s other components, such as RAM and storage, being expandable. The chip’s production status is listed as "Active," and its release date is noted as 2026-05-31, though this seems to be a placeholder or late listing. The part number is YM3501C4T4MFG, and the multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not possible. For users considering this platform, the key takeaway is that it’s a closed system — what you buy is what you get, with no CPU upgrades available.

FAQ

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U support ECC memory?

A: No, the FACT PACK indicates that ECC memory support is false, so the processor does not support Error-Correcting Code memory.

Q: What is the TDP of the Ryzen 5 3501U, and what does it imply for cooling?

A: The TDP is 15 watts, which is a low-power class typical for ultraportable laptops. This implies that a basic, passive or low-profile active cooler is sufficient, as the chip does not generate excessive heat.

Q: How many cores and threads does the Ryzen 5 3501U have?

A: The processor has 4 cores and 4 threads, meaning it does not support simultaneous multithreading (SMT). Each core handles one thread at a time.

Q: What integrated graphics does the Ryzen 5 3501U include?

A: It includes Radeon Vega 8 integrated graphics, which is suitable for light gaming and multimedia tasks but not for high-end gaming.

Q: What is the difference between the Ryzen 5 3501U and the AMD Ryzen 3 7320C in benchmark scores?

A: The Ryzen 5 3501U has an average benchmark score of 14320, while the Ryzen 3 7320C scores 14277. This means the 3501U is 0.3% faster, a negligible difference in real-world performance.

Q: Is the Ryzen 5 3501U overclockable?

A: No, the multiplier is unlocked, according to the FACT PACK, so overclocking is not supported.

Power and Thermals

The Ryzen 5 3501U is designed for a 15 W TDP class, which is a hallmark of ultra-low-power mobile processors aimed at extending battery life in thin laptops. This TDP means the chip consumes minimal power under load, allowing manufacturers to use smaller batteries or pack more cells for longer runtime. The 12 nm process node from GlobalFoundries is not the most efficient by modern standards, but the low TDP compensates, keeping thermals manageable.

Given the 15 W TDP, cooling requirements are modest. A typical ultrabook can cool this chip with a single heat pipe and a small fan, or even a passive heatsink in some chassis designs. The benchmark scores, such as the multi-threaded 7071, are achieved under this power limit, so performance is consistent without thermal throttling in well-designed laptops. The die size is 210 mm², and the transistor count is 4,940 million, which is relatively large for a low-power chip, but the power envelope keeps heat output low.

The lack of a launch MSRP in the FACT PACK means no pricing information is available, but the power characteristics suggest the 3501U is aimed at value-oriented laptops where efficiency is prioritized. The 1% performance delta over the Intel Core i5-10400F, a desktop chip, highlights how the 3501U achieves competitive aggregate scores while consuming far less power, though the i5-10400F likely runs at a much higher TDP. For users who value battery life over raw performance, the 15 W TDP class is a strong selling point.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Ryzen 5 3501U scores 2136 in single-threaded PassMark tests, which is a moderate result for a 2.10 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost clock. This single-thread performance is crucial for everyday tasks like opening applications, web browsing, and responding to input, as these are often limited by single-core speed. The score indicates the chip can handle these tasks snappily, though it won’t match higher-clocked desktop parts.

In multi-threaded workloads, the score jumps to 7071, but this is only about 3.3 times the single-thread score, which is lower than ideal for a 4-core chip. With 4 cores and 4 threads, the scaling is limited because there’s no SMT to add extra threads. The nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546, has a similar average score, but the 3501U’s multi-thread performance is constrained by its thread count. For example, the data compression score of 87380 is strong, but the find prime numbers score of 21 is abysmal, showing that the chip excels in some parallel tasks while failing in others that require more complex instruction handling.

The split between single-thread (2136) and multi-thread (7071) scores suggests a processor that is balanced for light multitasking but not for heavy parallel processing. In real-world terms, the 3501U will feel responsive in office apps and web use, but video encoding or 3D rendering will be slow. The 0.3% lead over the Ryzen 3 7320C in average score indicates that the 3501U’s single-thread advantage is offset by similar multi-thread capabilities, making it a wash in most scenarios. Users who rely on multi-threaded applications should note the 4-thread limitation, as it caps performance in tasks like compiling code or batch image processing.

How It Compares

AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546: The 3501U trails this rival by 0.1% in average benchmark score, with the V2546 scoring 14336 versus 14320. This is an insignificant gap, meaning the two processors perform nearly identically in aggregate. The V2546 is an embedded part, but the 3501U matches it in overall throughput, though the V2546 may have different power characteristics or feature sets that aren’t captured in the average score.

AMD Ryzen 3 7320C: The 3501U leads this rival by 0.3%, with the 7320C scoring 14277. This is a narrow margin, so the 3501U offers a slight edge, but it’s unlikely to be noticeable in real-world use. Both are low-power mobile chips, and the 3501U’s higher boost clock of 3.70 GHz likely contributes to its small advantage, though the 7320C may have a newer architecture.

Intel Core 7 160UL: The 3501U is 0.6% faster than this Intel part, which scores 14232. The Core 7 160UL is a low-power chip, but the 3501U still manages to outperform it in average benchmarks. This delta is small, but it shows the 3501U is competitive against Intel’s low-power offerings, with the 1% lead over the i5-10400F reinforcing that position.

Intel Core i5-10400F: The 3501U leads this desktop processor by 1%, with the i5-10400F scoring 14185. This is surprising given the i5-10400F likely has more cores and threads, but the 3501U’s higher average score suggests that the i5-10400F’s aggregate performance is dragged down by specific workloads. The 1% delta is still marginal, so the 3501U is not dramatically faster, but it demonstrates that the mobile chip holds its own against a desktop part in synthetic benchmarks.