Steve Smith talks about Ryzen processors and the mainboard platforms you might be interested in.
Episode #8-32 released on April 1, 2018
Finally, AMD gives consumers a reason to switch over, but there are a few details we need to talk about before you all run out and buy a new platform, like how does each level translate to usability under various circumstances.
Building a computer with AMD can be a little more complicated, if you are unaware of the differences between processors, and requirements of each. For this reason, while each series of Ryzen processors will be discussed on a general basis, we will explicitly indicate which processors can be used without a discreet graphics card.
Processors
Let's start off with the AMD Ryzen 3 series. These are quad core processors, with only 4 threads each. They have clock speeds starting at 3.1ghz and have a max boost as high as 3.7ghz. At this level of performance, you can already start gaming, with a discreet graphics card, of course. You can, also, overclock, provided you have a superior cooling option, and a power supply with enough overhead wattage. You can, also, create a basic computer to do some light tasks such as media consumption, office work, light gaming, if you opt for the Ryzen 3 2200G, which is a quad core, with 8 Vega 8 graphics cores on the processor die. However, the other processors in this line require a discreet graphics card to be installed.
The Ryzen 5 family, is the mid-tier level of processors from AMD for average consumers. This line is a little more confusing though, so I will have to talk a bit more in detail. You have two 6-core 12 thread processors being the AMD Ryzen 5 1600X and 1600. The AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, 2400G and 1400 are quad cores with 8 threads each. You get clock rates of 3.2GHZ up to 3.6ghz, and they boost as high as 4.0GHZ using precision boost. Did I say they are overclockable, too? All, but the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G, require discreet graphics cards. The 2400G comes with 11 GPU cores on the die and has Vega 11 graphics onboard. While, not ideal, you can do everything you need, even play some games, but high-end games will still not be playable on a platform without a discreet graphics card solution. However, if you are a builder with a budget, you can, at least, have a working system while you wait for the budget to buy a graphics card.
The Ryzen 7 family of processors is a lot less confusing. First, you will need a graphics card. Second, you get 8-cores, 16 threads of performance. Base clocks start at 3GHZ, and boost, using precision boost, to as high as 4GHZ. You can, overclock them, too. You can game, and do some higher end tasks, even stream your game play with no issues, on this platform.
Mainboards
As for mainboard platforms that support the AM4 socket-based Ryzen Series 3, 5 or 7, you have 6 possibilities. You have 3 levels of boards that you can expect, with 2 ITX dedicated chipsets for Ryzen, too.
For no frills basic or economy builds, you can opt for the A320 platform, includes everything every basic home user could possibly need, however, you cannot overclock on this platform. Perfect for the conventional user on a budget who simply needs to be able to use the computer, and, also, has onboard graphics.
B350 boards are the middle ground, and where most users will choose to setup camp. Overclocking is possible on this platform, but multi GPU support is not available on this platform. There are some boards that support crossfire, but you must read the fine print, and the platform itself isn't supporting it.
Then you have the one percenter board, the cream of the crop, the X370 where everything is unleashed and possible. Overlocking, multi-GPU support and more is supported on this board. It is the enthusiast platform, and likely to have features that the other platforms don't have.
Then there is the ITX platform chipsets.
A300/B300 chipset is your option if you need a computer that simply works, without any extra features. If you don't require a lot of features, and are looking for a small form factor computer, this is the platform for you.
However, if you are a gamer, or enthusiasts, want the small form factor and the features, and only need a single graphics card, then the X300 platform is for you. Keep in mind, you only have a single X16 PCIE connector on the board.
Host : Steve Smith | Music : | Editor : Steve Smith | Producer : Zed Axis Dot Net