AMD Updates Ryzen 3 1200 CPU with Zen+ Architecture

[AleksandarK]

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".


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[Deleted member 67555]

So it's a 3200g with failed IGP.
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.

 

[pbm86]

So it's a 3200g with failed IGP.
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.

I don't think so. 3200G has only 8x PCI-E. This is probably a Zen+ CPU with 2 CCX with only 4 cores enabled.

 

[ShurikN]

AF strikes again

 

[kapone32]

Good I want something like this for budget non gaming builds. I just built a system using the 3000G, I noticed some interesting caveats to that CPU that make it less desirable to fill the sub $100 market in Canada.

 

[silentbogo]

Already in-stock here (~$60). Just like with 1600AF, it's a tiny bit cheaper than 14nm predecessor. May get me a couple of those as sAM4 spares.

 

[Berfs1]

peep the B550 has been confirmed

 

[notb]

So, since this is a Zen+ APU, it needs an updated BIOS on pretty much all board other than X570.

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?

 

[Vayra86]

So, since this is a Zen+ APU, it needs an updated BIOS on pretty much all board other than X570.

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?

I reckon pricing plays a major part in this overall reception of AMD products, that and the usual underdog love.

 

[R0H1T]

So, since this is a Zen+ APU, it needs an updated BIOS on pretty much all board other than X570.

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?

Here we go again, it's like you hate (virtually) free stuff

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

Try harder next time

 

[notb]

I reckon pricing plays a major part in this overall reception of AMD products, that and the usual underdog love.

I meant the production cost.
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?

 

[silentbogo]

So, since this is a Zen+ APU, it needs an updated BIOS on pretty much all board other than X570.

You need to do some research first.
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.

 

[Vayra86]

I meant the production cost.
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?

Perhaps segmentation of product lines, much like how Intel had its Celerons and all. But yeah.

 

[notb]

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.

What I (obviously?) mean was: everyone who bought an AMD board for the 1st gen Ryzen will have to update BIOS to use another chip named to suggest it's from the same generation.

I mean: what's the f... point? Why not Ryzen 3 2200?
Does anyone have sensible answer?

 

[Raven Rampkin]

No rubber duckies given what others think. In cost-conscious markets (read former Bloc), this will be a banger. Like the 1600 AF. 4+ GHz on a budget here we go.
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.

What I (obviously?) mean was: everyone who bought an AMD board for the 1st gen Ryzen will have to update BIOS to use another chip named to suggest it's from the same generation.

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 nvm they did, at the bottom of the page 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 compatibility

 

[Assimilator]

What a world we live in, where the difference between a 4c/4t and a 6c/12t chip is a measly $25.
What 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.

Does anyone have sensible answer?

The real, honest answer is "nope".

 

[silentbogo]

Why not Ryzen 3 2200?

Because R3 2200G already exists, and the old R3 1200 is no longer manufactured. It's confusing, but I'm sure there's a team of smart people at AMD that decided this is the least confusing way or something.

everyone who bought an AMD board for the 1st gen Ryzen will have to update BIOS to use another chip

I was just writing a long and boring rant about how small and insignificant is going to be that fraction of users in need of BIOS update, but apparently it's much simpler: none of the users need an update.
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.

 

[Caring1]

I reckon pricing plays a major part in this overall reception of AMD products, that and the usual underdog love.

Don't forget actual improvements, not just a bump in clock speed and price.

What I (obviously?) mean was: everyone who bought an AMD board for the 1st gen Ryzen will have to update BIOS to use another chip named to suggest it's from the same generation.

I mean: what's the f... point? Why not Ryzen 3 2200?
Does anyone have sensible answer?

If they copied Intel's naming scheme, it would be the R3 1200+

 

[silentbogo]

What a world we live in, where the difference between a 4c/4t and a 6c/12t chip is a measly $25.

1600AF was a short-lived adventure. Few days after release, when the news broke out, everyone started bumping prices. Now it's pretty much $100+, if you can find it.

What a world we live in, where 4c/4t chips are still produced in 2020.

And why not? There are still millions of people fully content with their dual-core laptops as daily drivers.
Also, this little thing is adequate for approximately 95% of my steam library.

 

[Nihilus]

Why can't they just make the missing 1200 as they did originally? Too expensive?

Are you glad you got that out of your system? Watch as AMD sticks plummet as they called their product a R3 1200AF and not a R3 2200.

I know there is a quarantine and but damn dude.

1600AF was a short-lived adventure. Few days after release, when the news broke out, everyone started bumping prices. Now it's pretty much $100+, if you can find it.


And why not? There are still millions of people fully content with their dual-core laptops as daily drivers.
Also, this little thing is adequate for approximately 95% of my steam library.

The 1600af has been back in stock for several weeks for $85 - enough to hit #1 shortly and it is #2 right now.

 

[notb]

Oh my. So much indulgence - going through creating excuses for AMD to even praising them. Also coming from people who can't memorize a few lakes.
I'm disappointed.

I was just writing a long and boring rant about how small and insignificant is going to be that fraction of users in need of BIOS update, but apparently it's much simpler: none of the users need an update.
Microcode requirements are exactly the same as for the original R3 1200 and R3 1200 PRO (AGESA 1.0.0.1a ).

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?

Same for R5 1600AF.

Which is obviously incorrect. Just check any mobo CPU support list.
Asrock:
1600:
https://www.asrock.com/support/cpu.asp?s=AM4&u=540
1600AF:
https://www.asrock.com/support/cpu.asp?s=AM4&u=628

 

[ironwolf]

Only the AEBOX showing up on Newegg right now. Not sure when they will get them.

 

[notb]

Only the AEBOX showing up on Newegg right now. Not sure when they will get them.

Stores in Poland added 1200 AF yesterday and it's available immediately. Maybe AMD shipped them to less wealthy countries first.
Do gamers in USA really need a $60 CPU?

 

[Bones]

Gamers would be irrelevant with it since any real gamer already knows this isn't the chip for them and frankly AMD didn't have gamers in mind when they made it.
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.

 

[silentbogo]

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.

Seems like the data gets adjusted on the daily basis. Yesterday Gigabyte had it listed as F2, and today fixed to F20. MSI and AsRock did the same, while ASUS doesn't have it listed in QL at all.
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.