AMD 3015e vs AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B vs AMD 3020e

AMD 3015e

The AMD 3015e is a dual-core, quad-thread processor (APU) of the Pollock product family. Its cores run at 1.2 GHz to 2.3 GHz and it has a low 6 W TDP, making it a good option for use in passively cooled laptops and ultra-small mini-PCs of the more affordable flavour. The processor first saw the light of day in 2020; it has a built-in Vega 3 graphics adapter running at up to 600 MHz.

Architecture & Features

This chip makes use of the rather dated Zen architecture for comparatively poor performance-per-MHz values. It has 4 MB of L3 cache and several PCI-Express 3.0 lanes for connecting NVMe SSDs, discrete graphics cards and other devices; its RAM controller functions in single-channel mode and supports DDR4-1600 memory or slower. AMD 3015e is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 11, and many Linux distros as well. Please note this is not a user-replaceable CPU. It gets soldered permanently to the motherboard (FT5 socket interface).

Performance

While we have not tested a single system built around the 3015e as of August 2023, we have some performance data for the 3050e, a chip that is just slightly superior. Based on that, the 3015e is a low-end option competing with the likes of the Intel N4500 and the Intel 4415U that is good for basic tasks and applications only.

Graphics

The Vega 3 runs at an unusually low clock rate of 600 MHz, or less. It will let you connect several monitors in resolutions as high as UHD 2160p, and it will happily decode AVC, HEVC and VP9-encoded videos, too. The latest AV1 video codec is not supported; such a video will have to be software-decoded, with the limited CPU horsepower putting a hard limit on video resolution that can be played back without stuttering. Expect to see a lot of dropped frames when watching a 1080p30 video.

Gaming is possible to a very limited extent with this iGPU. Even if it's CS:GO or a similarly old game that you want to play, be prepared to set the settings to Low.

Power consumption

This little AMD processor has a low default TDP (also known as the long-term power limit) of 6 W, making it one of the better options for use in a passively cooled laptop, tablet, mini-PC.

The AMD 3015e is manufactured on a 14 nm process leading to poor, as of mid 2023, energy efficiency.

AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B

The AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B is an embedded APU for mini PCs and embedded solutions that was announced in February 2017. Compared to the similar consumer Ryzen 5 2500U, the V1605B offers different support and availability options.

It includes four Zen cores clocked at 2 to 3.6 GHz and offers 4 MB L3-Cache. The integrated graphics card is called Radeon RX Vega 8 and offers 8 CUs (512 Shaders) clocked at up to 1100 MHz. The TDP is configurable between 12 and 25 Watt (15 Watt nominal). More information on Raven Ridge can be found in our launch article.

AMD 3020e

The AMD 3020e (Codename Dali) is a mobile APU that integrates two Zen cores (without SMT, therefore 2 threads) clocked at 1.2 to 2.6 GHz. The TDP is specified at 6 Watt and therefore the chip can be passively cooled. The integrated Radeon graphics card offers 3 CUs at up to 1,000 MHz (Radeon RX Vega 3). The dual channel memory controller supports DDR4-2400.

More information on Raven Ridge product family can be found in our launch article.

Performance

The average 3020e in our database sits close to the Celeron N4100 and the Core m3-8100Y, as far as multi-thread benchmark scores are concerned. Neither of the three is a performance monster, their fairly low power consumption figures being their main advantage.

Much like the two Intel chips, the 3020e will let you binge-watch Netflix and type e-mails but anything tougher than that will bring the APU to its limits quickly.

Your mileage may vary depending on how high the CPU power limits are.

Power consumption

This little APU has a default TDP (also known as the long-term power limit) of 6 W. Which is low and thus good enough for tablets, laptops and mini-PCs featuring no active cooling solution.

The AMD 3020e is built with a 14 nm process leading to low, as of early 2023, energy efficiency.