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AMD Ryzen 5 8500G vs AMD Ryzen 3 3100

Buy the Ryzen 5 8500G for a new build: it is a current AM5 chip with six cores, twelve threads, DDR5 and built-in graphics that can drive a display without a video card. The Ryzen 3 3100 is a 2020 AM4 part with four cores and no integrated graphics, so it only makes sense as a cheap drop-in upgrade for an existing AM4 board with a GPU. The 8500G's lowest recorded price is $146.99 as of November 1, 2026; no current price was given for the 3100, so compare live listings before deciding.

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AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 8500G

AMD Ryzen 5 8500G Processor

4.8(196 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the Ryzen 5 8500G if you are building a new AM5 system, want integrated graphics, or need six cores and DDR5 support for years of upgrades.

Pros
  • Six cores and twelve threads handle gaming plus streaming and light editing
  • Integrated graphics means no video card needed for a basic or media PC
  • AM5 socket and DDR5 give a clear upgrade path
  • 65 W TDP keeps cooling and power needs modest
  • Drives up to four monitors at 8K resolution
Cons
  • Needs DDR5 memory and an AM5 motherboard, which cost more than DDR4/AM4
  • No overclocking support listed
  • No stock cooler stated, so budget for one
  • Integrated graphics are fine for everyday use but weak for serious gaming
AMD
AMD Ryzen 3 3100

AMD Ryzen 3 3100

See all prices and details

Choose the Ryzen 3 3100 if you already own an AM4 motherboard and DDR4 memory and have a discrete graphics card to pair with it.

Pros
  • Cheap way to upgrade an existing AM4 system
  • Stock cooler included
  • Unlocked for overclocking
  • Low 65 W TDP
Cons
  • Only four cores and eight threads
  • No integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is mandatory
  • DDR4 only, on a platform with no future CPU upgrades
  • Released in May 2020 and well behind current chips in speed

What separates them

AMD Ryzen 5 8500GAMD Ryzen 3 3100
Socket and platformAM5, current platform with a long upgrade pathAM4, older platform at end of new-CPU releases
Cores and threads6 cores, 12 threads4 cores, 8 threads
Boost clock5.0 GHz3.9 GHz
Integrated graphicsYes, supports up to 4 monitors and 7680x4320 at 60HzNo, requires a discrete GPU
Memory supportDDR5, up to 256 GB, ECC with platform supportDDR4 at 3200 MHz, dual channel
OverclockingNot listed as supportedYes, unlocked multiplier
Included coolerNot statedYes, stock air cooler included
Release dateRecent AM5 generationMay 2020

Price history

$146.99$135.99
Nov 1Nov 3
  • AMD Ryzen 5 8500G: lowest $146.99 on Nov 1 at AAAwave; $146.99 on Nov 3.
  • AMD Ryzen 3 3100: lowest $135.99 on Nov 3 at eBay.

Prices at every store

AMD Ryzen 5 8500G

  • AAAwaveCheck price at AAAwave
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
  • DirectDialCheck price at DirectDial
Prices and history →

AMD Ryzen 3 3100

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Megabyte ComputersCheck price at Megabyte Computers

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Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecAMD Ryzen 5 8500GAMD Ryzen 3 3100
Socket TypeAM5AM4
ManufacturerAMDAMD
Clock Speed3.5 GHz3.6 GHz
Number Of Cores64
Boost Clock Speed5 GHz3.9 GHz
Number Of Threads128
Thermal Design Power (TDP)65 W65 W
RAM TypeDDR5DDR4
RAM SpeedDDR5-5200 (2x2R), DDR5-3600 (4x1R), DDR5-3600 (…3200MHz
Discrete GraphicsNoYes
Integrated GraphicsYesNo
Memory TypeDDR5DDR4
Show all 34 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAMD Ryzen 5 8500GAMD Ryzen 3 3100
Memory SpeedDDR5-5200 (2x2R), DDR5-3600 (4x1R), DDR5-3600 (…3200MHz
Memory Channel SupportDual ChannelDual Channel
RAM Maximum Capacity256 GB—
RAM ECC SupportYes (Requires platform support)—
GPU TypeIntegrated—
Output Resolution7680x4320 @ 60Hz—
VR ReadyYes—
Max Monitors Supported4—
Max Memory Capacity256 GB—

What reviewers say

AMD Ryzen 5 8500G

  • 4.8 / 5196 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 196 ratings, buyers treat the 8500G as a solid value chip for general desktop use and graphics-free builds. Enthusiasts note it is not a gaming part and that its cut-down cores and cache show in heavier tasks.

What people mention
  • ValuePraisedBuyers see it as a cheap way onto the AM5 platform with six cores.
  • Power and heatPraisedThe 65 W rating keeps it easy to cool and quiet in small builds.
  • Integrated graphicsMixedFine for displays and media, but not for demanding games.
  • Gaming performanceCriticisedZen 4c cores and a small cache hold it back in games compared with full Zen 4 parts.

AMD Ryzen 3 3100

Owners treat the Ryzen 3 3100 as a solid entry-level chip that handles 1080p gaming and daily tasks well for the money. Most criticism centers on its four cores and the need for a separate graphics card.

What people mention
  • ValuePraisedBuyers say it delivers strong performance per dollar for budget builds.
  • GamingPraisedOwners report smooth 1080p gaming when paired with a mid-range GPU.
  • Core countCriticisedReviewers note four cores limit heavy multitasking and streaming.
  • GraphicsCriticisedBuyers point out there is no integrated GPU, so a discrete card is mandatory.

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming?
The Ryzen 5 8500G, paired with a discrete GPU, wins on core count and clock speed. The 3100 can game but will bottleneck modern titles sooner, and it cannot output video without a graphics card.
Can I use the Ryzen 5 8500G without a graphics card?
Yes. It has integrated graphics with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 output, enough for desktop work, media and light games. The Ryzen 3 3100 has no integrated graphics and needs a discrete GPU.
Will the Ryzen 3 3100 fit my motherboard?
Only if you have an AM4 board with a BIOS that supports 3rd-gen Ryzen. The 8500G uses AM5 and will not fit an AM4 socket.
Is the Ryzen 5 8500G worth the extra money?
For a new build, yes: you get two more cores, DDR5, integrated graphics and a platform that takes future CPUs. For a cheap upgrade to an existing AM4 PC, the 3100 is the lower-cost path.
Which uses less power?
Both are rated at 65 W TDP, so power draw is similar. The 8500G does more work per watt thanks to its newer architecture.
Do both include a cooler?
The Ryzen 3 3100 ships with a stock air cooler. No cooler is listed for the Ryzen 5 8500G, so plan to buy one.

More comparisons

  • AMD Ryzen 5 8500G Processor vs HPE 654420-B21 Intel Xeon 6-Core 2.0 GHz Processor
ECC Support
Yes (Requires platform support)
—
Display Output TypeHDMI® 2.1, DisplayPort™ 2.1, USB Type-C® Displa…—
Max Display Resolution7680x4320 @ 60Hz (SDR)—
Supports Overclocking—Yes
Power Connectors—EPS12V cables (CPU-only power plus VRM efficien…
CPU Model—Ryzen 3 3100
CPU Series—Ryzen 3
CPU Generation—3rd generation Ryzen
CPU For Use With—Desktop
CPU Release Date—May 2020
Cooling Type—Air cooling (stock)
Included Cooler—Yes
Color—multi-coloured