Monday, April 20th 2020
AMD Updates Ryzen 3 1200 CPU with Zen+ Architecture
AMD has reportedly updated its Ryzen 3 1200 CPU with Zen+ architecture and is now offering it to consumers. Featuring a configuration of 4 cores with 4 threads, this CPU can operate anywhere from 3.1 GHz (base) to 3.4 GHz in boost frequency. Having originally launched in July of 2017, just under three years ago, AMD decided to refresh this CPU with Zen+ architecture, which brought improvements like a tiny IPC increase, better turbo boost speeds, faster caches and better memory controller for better support of faster DDR4 modules.
The new "Zen+" revision has the same specifications as the older model, however, the only difference is the newer 12 nm manufacturing process and some of the architecture changes of Zen+. The rest of the specifications like clock speeds are the same. The CPU is listed by a German supplier for €54.73 or about $60. This revision carries a different part number, under the code "YD1200BBM4KAFBOX", where the older 14 nm model was "YD1200BBM4KAEBOX".
Source:
Tom's Hardware
The new "Zen+" revision has the same specifications as the older model, however, the only difference is the newer 12 nm manufacturing process and some of the architecture changes of Zen+. The rest of the specifications like clock speeds are the same. The CPU is listed by a German supplier for €54.73 or about $60. This revision carries a different part number, under the code "YD1200BBM4KAFBOX", where the older 14 nm model was "YD1200BBM4KAEBOX".
26 Comments on AMD Updates Ryzen 3 1200 CPU with Zen+ Architecture
But still with the pricing of the Athlons this is seriously well priced.
I could see this going into a decent $300 1080p gaming PC.
LOL. When another company updates a product with RAM and adds a suffix to name, we have a whole thread of moaning.
When AMD replaces a CPU with something significantly different, the reaction is somewhere between neutral and "good".
Why can't they just make the missing 1200 as they did originally? Too expensive?
Do you also hate those who unlocked their Phenoms to quad or hexa cores, how about those who unlocked their Radeons?
Intel on the other hand takes away their free stuff, non Z boards losing their oc ability for instance over 3 or 4 separate gens. I know because I had half a dozen boards rendered useless because of them, and before you say but but but - Intel allowed this for each gen at leat 3-12 months before shutting it down. For me, x97 boards for instance, they had OC killed well over a year after the fact through ucode updates & that also botched Windows into senseless boot loops:nutkick:
Try harder next time :shadedshu:
To offer proper replacements for Ryzen 3 1200, they'd have to build an inventory of chips - probably refilling it on the way.
Instead, they're offering Zen+ dies that didn't make it to any existing product.
It's still a different CPU. Why not call it a Ryzen 3 2200?
Only 300-series boards bought before Q1 2018 may require an update, which is a specific fraction of users which by now already has R3 1200 or better.
Most new A320/B350 boards(e.g. the ones you buy in stores) support Zen+ and Zen2 out of the box.
I mean: what's the f... point? Why not Ryzen 3 2200?
Does anyone have sensible answer?
This also breaks the theory (some people had) that consumer Zen AF parts were only made possible by the sustained demand for PRO series Ryzens. They have an excuse here tbh. Supported CPUs on support lists are named in full, up to small details like revision/stepping and model code.
Doesn't help much that Asrock could never be bothered to add the 1600 AF to the list for my board, for one :Dnvm they did, at the bottom of the page :kookoo: on AGESA Combo-1.0.0.4B which I'm sure is a massive overkill statement ...and well, Steve from HWU confirmed that it repeats the 2600 in terms of compatibilityWhat a world we live in, where 4c/4t chips are still produced in 2020. Even if they're die-harvested... ugh. 6c/6t or 4c/8t, or GTFO. The real, honest answer is "nope".
Microcode requirements are exactly the same as for the original R3 1200 and R3 1200 PRO (AGESA 1.0.0.1a ). Same for R5 1600AF.
Also, this little thing is adequate for approximately 95% of my steam library.
I know there is a quarantine and but damn dude. The 1600af has been back in stock for several weeks for $85 - enough to hit #1 shortly and it is #2 right now.
I'm disappointed. Seriously...?
I mean... on logical level - before we get into details - how is that even making sense to you?
Boards launched in 2017 for Ryzen 1000-series (Zen) had to be updated for 2000-series (Zen+, 2018). Normal stuff.
1200AF is a Zen+ CPU. You've just said it magically doesn't need the BIOS update every other Zen+ CPU required - because it has a "1" in name.
Man... you're an experienced user. Why? Why? Why? Which is obviously incorrect. Just check any mobo CPU support list.
Asrock:
1600:
www.asrock.com/support/cpu.asp?s=AM4&u=540
1600AF:
www.asrock.com/support/cpu.asp?s=AM4&u=628
Do gamers in USA really need a $60 CPU?
It's a basic chip for basic use, that's why you won't see gamers flocking to it.
As for BIOS updates, I have to agree it could be required since the chip ID in the BIOS would be different than the older variant, possibly making the system reject the chip and simply not work. That's possible but the only real way to know is to have one onhand and try it.
The price is good for someone needing a good chip for the more basic stuff, you could build a nice little system cheap and best of all, even though it's not a gamers chip it's still capable of some light gaming anyway.
Note I said light gaming here.
All in all it's a chip worth noting if one has plans for a web surfer in mind.
Just did such a build with a cheap chip (220GE - 35W chip), board (Gigabyte A320M) and so on, it's working quite well and the onboard graphics are getting it done with ease running Ubuntu.
So, it does require an update and after all I'll have to write that lengthy rant about how small and insignificant is the portion of users in need of a BIOS update.
Also, no one is defending AMD here. They've released a better version of a product for less money. A win-win.
Not sure why you get pissy about it, since you won't be buying one anyway. I, on the other hand, will probably have at least a dozen orders for "cheap gaming PC for my 12y.o." post-quarantine, when everyone goes back to work.