Experience the Power of AMD Raven Ridge APUs: Unboxing and Review

Experience the Power of AMD Raven Ridge APUs: Unboxing and Review

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Unboxing the Reviewers' Kit
• Exploring the Ryzen Raven Ridge APUs
  • Ryzen 3 2200G
  • Ryzen 5 2400G
• Comparing Vega Graphics Inside the CPUs
• The Included Motherboard and RAM
• testing the APUs for Gaming
• Utilizing the APUs for HTPC Builds
• Importance of RAM Speeds for Integrated Graphics
• The Wraith Stealth Cooler and Thermal Paste
• FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Introduction

Hey, what's up guys? Joker here today, and we are going to be taking our very first look at Ryzen Raven Ridge. Inside this box is the reviewers' kit that was sent out to me. These APUs are set to release on February 12th, next week, and they are equipped with Vega graphics right inside the CPU. We have Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 3 in here, so let's not waste any more time and dive right into this unboxing.

Unboxing the Reviewers' Kit

As I Mentioned earlier, this is the reviewers' kit, so it's not something you would buy in a store. However, we still have a chance to take a look at the boxes inside and see what to expect. Let's crack open this box and see what's inside.

Upon opening, we can see two different APUs - Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 3. AMD has also included a motherboard and RAM. Although I won't be using this motherboard for testing, I'll keep it for a small form-factor HTPC build. It's good to have an APU for gaming, especially with the soaring prices of graphics cards. Let's explore these APUs further and see what they have to offer.

Exploring the Ryzen Raven Ridge APUs

🚀 Ryzen 3 2200G

First up, we have the Ryzen 3 2200G. This is a quad-core CPU without Hyper-threading. It's geared more towards budget-oriented users, as it provides a cost-effective option. The CPU houses 8 compute units, or Vega 8 graphics. These APUs can be a good buffer for those facing high graphics card prices at the moment. I'm particularly interested in seeing how realistic it is to play modern and popular titles with these APUs.

🚀 Ryzen 5 2400G

Next, we have the Ryzen 5 2400G. This quad-core CPU comes with hyper-threading, offering a boost in performance compared to the Ryzen 3. It packs 11 compute units, or Vega 11 graphics. The Ryzen 5 APUs offer more GPU power and versatility, making them an attractive choice for users looking for a balance between gaming and other tasks.

Comparing Vega Graphics Inside the CPUs

As we discussed earlier, the Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 APUs come with different Vega graphics. The Ryzen 3 2200G features Vega 8 graphics, while the Ryzen 5 2400G boasts Vega 11 graphics. This means that the Ryzen 5 APU will potentially offer better graphics performance due to its additional compute units. It's important to consider your specific needs and budget when deciding between the two APUs.

The Included Motherboard and RAM

The reviewers' kit also includes a motherboard and RAM. We have the MSI B350I Pro AC, a Mini ITX motherboard, which is perfect for my intended HTPC build. The kit also features G.Skill Flare X RAM with a speed of DDR4 3200MHz. Fast RAM is crucial for the Infinity Fabric and for optimal performance when using integrated graphics. The kit includes 16GB of RAM with CL14 latency, ensuring smooth operations and efficient multitasking.

Testing the APUs for Gaming

One of the main interests for many users will be gaming performance. These Ryzen Raven Ridge APUs show promise in providing a decent gaming experience even without a dedicated graphics card. I have carefully selected several games to test these APUs and will be evaluating their performance at various settings. Stay tuned for the full review, where I will provide detailed insights and benchmarks for gaming enthusiasts.

Utilizing the APUs for HTPC Builds

Apart from gaming, these APUs are well-suited for small form-factor HTPC builds. With integrated graphics, utilizing an APU eliminates the need for a dedicated graphics card. This makes it an excellent choice for media centers and living room setups. I plan to build an HTPC using one of these APUs to showcase their capabilities in a small form-factor build.

Importance of RAM Speeds for Integrated Graphics

When using integrated graphics, RAM speeds play a crucial role in overall performance. Faster RAM speeds allow for a smoother connection between the APU and RAM, resulting in improved graphics performance. The 3200MHz G.Skill Flare X RAM included in the reviewers' kit is an ideal choice, as it ensures optimal compatibility and performance for gaming and multimedia tasks.

The Wraith Stealth Cooler and Thermal Paste

For those picking up these APUs on a budget, there's some good news. The Ryzen Raven Ridge APUs come with the Wraith Stealth cooler included in the box. This eliminates the need for an extra investment in a CPU cooler. The Wraith Stealth cooler has proven to be sufficient for cooling 65W TDP parts like these APUs. Moreover, the cooler comes with pre-applied thermal paste, making installation hassle-free.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Which APU should I choose for my HTPC build - Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5? A: It ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. If you don't require hyper-threading, the Ryzen 3 2200G should suffice. However, if you want additional GPU power and the benefits of hyper-threading, the Ryzen 5 2400G is a great choice.

Q: Can these APUs handle modern and popular Game titles? A: Yes, the Ryzen Raven Ridge APUs are designed to handle modern games. I will be testing them extensively to determine their gaming capabilities and performance for different titles.

Q: What RAM speeds are recommended for optimal performance with these APUs? A: For best results with integrated graphics, RAM speeds of 3000MHz or higher are recommended. The included 3200MHz G.Skill Flare X RAM in the reviewers' kit is an excellent choice.

Q: Can these APUs replace the need for a dedicated graphics card? A: Yes, these APUs are designed to provide a decent gaming experience even without a dedicated graphics card. They offer a cost-effective solution for those facing high graphics card prices.

Q: When can we expect the full review and benchmark results? A: The full review, including detailed benchmarks and performance analyses, will be available in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of these Ryzen Raven Ridge APUs.