Athlon Silver 3050U
AMD
PassMark
2,950
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 Athlon Silver 3050U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,950 points. Launch price was $149.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon Silver 3050U is positioned at rank #456 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Athlon Silver 3050U
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Athlon Silver 3050U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Athlon Silver 3050U specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Athlon Silver 3050U is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 96 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,950, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 873, while multi-core reaches 1,524. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 900.
| Specification | Athlon Silver 3050U |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.2 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Dali (Zen) (2020) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 512 kB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 96 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 148 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 3,500 million |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 95 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 2,950 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 900 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 873 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 1,524 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon Silver 3050U fits into the FP5 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 8 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon Vega 3 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Athlon Silver 3050U |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD Picasso (Ryzen 3000 APU) |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FP5 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 8 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 32 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Radeon Vega 3 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Mobile |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Athlon Silver 3050U is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium Gold 7505.
| Specification | Athlon Silver 3050U |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Budget |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | AMD-V |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Pentium Gold 7505 |
Power & Cooling
The Athlon Silver 3050U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.
| Specification | Athlon Silver 3050U |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 15 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 95 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock |
Value Analysis
It currently holds Rank #456 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2271 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Athlon Silver 3050U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #456 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2271 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2009-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2020 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | GlobalFoundries |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Athlon Silver 3050U
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Athlon Silver 3050U with other popular CPUs
Compare Athlon Silver 3050U
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
