
Ryzen 3 1200
AMD
PassMark
6,407
MSRP
$109
AVG Price
$50
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Overview
The Ryzen 3 1200 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Summit Ridge (Zen) (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,407 points. Launch price was $109.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 3 1200
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Ryzen 3 1200 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Baldur's Gate 3

Call of Duty: Warzone

Counter-Strike 2

Dead by Daylight

League of Legends

Minecraft

Monster Hunter Wilds

Overwatch 2

Path of Exile 2

Red Dead Redemption 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Ryzen 3 1200 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 3 1200 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Summit Ridge (Zen) (2017) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512K (per core) of L2 cache and 96K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,407, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,000, while multi-core reaches 3,000. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 3,013.
| Specification | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.1 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Summit Ridge (Zen) (2017) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 96K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 192 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 4,800 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 × 8 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 95 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 6,407 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 3,013 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,000 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 3,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 3 1200 fits into the AM4 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 24 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers.
| Specification | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD Ryzen 3 |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | AM4 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 24 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 64 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | A320,B350,X370,B450,X470 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Advanced Features
The Ryzen 3 1200 is primarily designed for Budget. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Budget |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | ✅ Unlocked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | AMD-V |
Power & Cooling
The Ryzen 3 1200 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Wraith Stealth stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.
| Specification | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 65 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 95 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | Wraith Stealth |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $109), the Ryzen 3 1200 delivers 128 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1663 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $109 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $50 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $109 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1663 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 27 July 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | GlobalFoundries |
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