Best of · UK · Field of 2
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Illustration · Vivid RepairsCpu / 2026
Our pick
AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor
AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor (Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU, 4 cores/4 threads, 65W TDP, AM4 socket, 6MB Cache, up to 4.0 Ghz max boost frequency , wraith stealth cooler)
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Ranked on fit for the job in the title, not on raw specification. Tap any one to jump to the argument for it. Prices are the live Amazon UK figure, read today; a pick with no figure is out of stock and says so in its entry.
Prices checked at the times shown · Details
01 / Our pick
Rated 4.7 by 10,083 owners. No editorial score for this one yet.
Amazon confirms the live price, seller, stock and delivery.
02 / Best Budget · Under £100
Where it gives up
No stock cooler included, adding to total build cost. No integrated graphics, requires a discrete GPU for display output.
Rated 4.7 by 3,535 owners. Our review scores it 9.0.
Amazon confirms the live price, seller, stock and delivery. · Read the full AMD Ryzen 5 4500 Processor review
The rules this ranking ran under, in plain sight: what we read, what we weighed and what no merchant can move.
How we picked
Our editors evaluated 2 Cpu options against the criteria readers actually weigh up: price, real-world performance, build quality, warranty, and UK availability. Picks lean toward what we'd recommend to a friend buying today, not specs-on-paper winners.
§ Editorial · The full guide · four proofs, nothing hidden
The shortlist told you what we picked; this zone shows the working. Come in through whichever doubt you’re carrying, or read straight down; we’d rather you checked us than trusted us.
Proof A · The spec sheet
↑ All doubts“Anyone can type a spec table.”
Here’s the sheet the desk works from, kept deliberately factual. Every row is written to be checked against the retailer’s current listing, and you should check. The table scrolls sideways inside its own frame; the page underneath stays still.
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 3 3200G | AMD Ryzen 5 4500 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £60.77 · Details | £67.99 · Details |
| Rating | ★★★★½ (4.7) | ★★★★½ (4.7) |
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12 |
| Architecture | Zen+ (Picasso) | Zen 2 (Renoir) |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost Clock | Up to 4.0 GHz | Up to 4.1 GHz |
| Cache | 6MB | 11MB |
| TDP | 65W | 65W |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Integrated Graphics | Radeon Vega 8 | None |
| Bundled Cooler | Wraith Stealth | Wraith Stealth |
| RGB Lighting | No (cooler) | No (cooler) |
| Memory Support | DDR4-2933 | DDR4-3200 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Proof B · What the numbers mean
↑ All doubts“I can read a spec sheet myself.”
You can, and you should. What follows is the part a sheet can’t do: the working between what these products have and what your desk actually needs, kept word for word.
Finding the best AMD CPUs under £100 in 2026 is genuinely tricky. The sub-£100 bracket has become surprisingly competitive, and AMD's AM4 platform means older chips still hold real value. This comparison puts two chips head to head: the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G with its built-in Vega 8 graphics and the AMD Ryzen 5 4500 with six cores and twelve threads. If you're building or upgrading a budget PC on AM4, this is the comparison you need. Every pound counts here.
Here's the thing: the performance gap between these two CPUs is bigger than the price gap suggests. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 Processor (6 Cores/12 Threads, 65W DTP, AM4 Socket, 11 MB Cache, Up to 4.1 GHz Max Boost, wraith stealth cooler) runs on Zen 2 architecture with 6 cores and 12 threads. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor (Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU, 4 cores/4 threads, 65W TDP, AM4 socket, 6MB Cache, up to 4.0 Ghz max boost frequency, wraith stealth cooler) uses the older Zen+ architecture with just 4 cores and no simultaneous multithreading.
In Cinebench R23 multi-core benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 4500 scores around 8,500 to 9,000 points. The Ryzen 3 3200G manages roughly 4,200 to 4,500. That's approximately double the multi-threaded throughput. Single-core scores are closer, around 1,050 for the 4500 versus 950 for the 3200G, but the multi-core difference is what you'll actually feel day to day.
Say you're compiling code, rendering a short video clip, or running a browser with 20 tabs open alongside a Zoom call. The 4500's 12 threads mean it handles that workload without breaking a sweat. The 3200G's 4 threads will start to struggle. And the 4500 is actually cheaper right now. So on pure CPU performance, this isn't close.
This is where the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor (Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU, 4 cores/4 threads, 65W TDP, AM4 socket, 6MB Cache, up to 4.0 Ghz max boost frequency, wraith stealth cooler) has a genuine, meaningful advantage. It's the only product in this comparison that can actually run a display without a separate graphics card.
The Vega 8 iGPU has 8 compute units running at up to 1250 MHz. It's not going to run Cyberpunk 2077 at Ultra, but it handles CS:GO at 1080p medium settings at around 60 to 80 fps. Minecraft, Rocket League, older titles, and esports games all run acceptably. For a budget build where you genuinely cannot stretch to a discrete GPU right now, this matters enormously.
The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 Processor (6 Cores/12 Threads, 65W DTP, AM4 Socket, 11 MB Cache, Up to 4.1 GHz Max Boost, wraith stealth cooler) has zero integrated graphics. None. If you buy it without a GPU, you cannot connect a monitor. Full stop. That's not a criticism exactly, it's just a design choice AMD made to keep costs down, but it's a critical consideration for budget builders.
So if you're building a PC in stages and need something to work from day one without a graphics card, the 3200G is the only sensible option in this comparison.
Cache is one of those specs that gets glossed over in budget CPU discussions, but it genuinely affects real-world responsiveness. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 Processor (6 Cores/12 Threads, 65W DTP, AM4 Socket, 11 MB Cache, Up to 4.1 GHz Max Boost, wraith stealth cooler) carries 11MB of combined cache. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor (Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU, 4 cores/4 threads, 65W TDP, AM4 socket, 6MB Cache, up to 4.0 Ghz max boost frequency, wraith stealth cooler) has 6MB. That's nearly double on the 4500.
More cache means the CPU can hold more frequently accessed data closer to the cores, reducing the time it spends waiting on slower system RAM. In gaming, this shows up as more consistent frame times. In productivity work, it helps with tasks like large spreadsheet calculations or database queries where the same data gets accessed repeatedly.
Memory speed support also differs. The 4500 officially supports DDR4-3200, while the 3200G tops out at DDR4-2933. If you're buying new RAM anyway, faster kits will work better with the 4500. And for the 3200G specifically, faster RAM actually improves iGPU performance since the Vega 8 shares system memory bandwidth. So ironically, the 3200G benefits more from fast RAM but officially supports slower speeds.
Both the Ryzen 3 3200G and Ryzen 5 4500 bundle a Wraith Stealth cooler in the box. The Wraith Stealth is a basic, no-frills cooler. It does the job for stock operation at 65W TDP, but it's not particularly quiet and has no RGB lighting. Neither chip gets an edge here, so this category is a draw.
Both CPUs use AM4, which is a positive. AM4 has been AMD's primary consumer platform since 2016 and supports a massive range of motherboards. But there are differences worth knowing about.
The AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor (Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU, 4 cores/4 threads, 65W TDP, AM4 socket, 6MB Cache, up to 4.0 Ghz max boost frequency, wraith stealth cooler) is based on Zen+ (12nm), which is two generations behind current AMD architecture. It launched in 2019. It works on virtually every AM4 board without a BIOS update, which is handy for older systems.
The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 Processor (6 Cores/12 Threads, 65W DTP, AM4 Socket, 11 MB Cache, Up to 4.1 GHz Max Boost, wraith stealth cooler) uses Zen 2 (7nm), which is a more modern process node. It launched in 2021 and offers better instructions-per-clock performance. Most B450 and X570 boards support it with a BIOS update. Some older B350 or X370 boards may not. Check your board's CPU support list before buying.
In terms of longevity, the 4500's 6 cores and 12 threads will stay relevant for longer. Games and applications are increasingly built around 6-core or more CPUs as a baseline. The 3200G's 4 cores with no hyperthreading is already behind the curve for gaming in 2026. You'll likely feel the need to upgrade sooner.
This is the most important category for anyone shopping the best AMD CPUs under £100. And honestly, the answer is pretty clear.
The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 Processor (6 Cores/12 Threads, 65W DTP, AM4 Socket, 11 MB Cache, Up to 4.1 GHz Max Boost, wraith stealth cooler) costs £67.99 · Details. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor (Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU, 4 cores/4 threads, 65W TDP, AM4 socket, 6MB Cache, up to 4.0 Ghz max boost frequency, wraith stealth cooler) costs £60.77 · Details. The 4500 is actually cheaper right now, and it delivers roughly double the multi-threaded performance. That's an extraordinary value proposition.
The only scenario where the 3200G offers better value is if you genuinely cannot afford any discrete GPU and need integrated graphics. In that specific situation, the 3200G's Vega 8 iGPU saves you from needing to spend anything extra on graphics. But if you already have a GPU or can stretch to even a budget card like an RX 6500 XT, the 4500 paired with a discrete GPU will massively outperform the 3200G plus its iGPU.
According to AMD's official product page, the Ryzen 5 4500 is positioned as a mainstream productivity and gaming processor, and at its current street price, it punches well above that positioning.
Both CPUs come in AMD's standard retail box with the processor and bundled Wraith Stealth cooler. The packaging is proper and protective. The CPUs themselves are, as you'd expect, solid silicon dies in an AM4 PGA (pin grid array) package. Pins are on the motherboard socket, not the CPU, so there's less risk of damage during installation compared to Intel's LGA approach.
Owner feedback on Amazon for both CPUs is broadly positive. The Ryzen 3 3200G has a large number of reviews given its longer time on the market, with most users praising the iGPU capability and easy installation. The Ryzen 5 4500 has gathered strong reviews more recently, with users consistently impressed by the performance relative to price.
No major quality control complaints across either chip. This is a draw because both CPUs are essentially the same in terms of physical build quality.
Look, it's worth being direct about the audience for each of these products because they serve genuinely different needs.
The AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor (Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU, 4 cores/4 threads, 65W TDP, AM4 socket, 6MB Cache, up to 4.0 Ghz max boost frequency, wraith stealth cooler) is for the builder who needs a complete, self-contained computing solution on the smallest possible budget. Think: a kid's first PC, a home office machine, a media centre, or a stepping-stone build where a GPU comes later. The iGPU is the whole point.
The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 Processor (6 Cores/12 Threads, 65W DTP, AM4 Socket, 11 MB Cache, Up to 4.1 GHz Max Boost, wraith stealth cooler) is for anyone building a proper gaming or productivity PC who already has or will buy a discrete GPU. It's the better processor in almost every measurable way, and it costs less. The use case is broader and the performance ceiling is higher.
The 4500 wins this category because its use case is the most common and the value proposition is the strongest for the widest range of buyers looking at the best AMD CPUs under £100.
We don't fabricate hands-on test results. What we do is dig into the actual specs, cross-reference published benchmark data from trusted sources like TechPowerUp and Tom's Hardware, and analyse real owner feedback from verified Amazon UK purchases. For the Ryzen 3 3200G, there's a substantial body of owner reviews given its age, which gives us good signal on real-world reliability. The Ryzen 5 4500 has accumulated strong feedback since its 2021 launch. We compare specs directly, flag where numbers translate into meaningful real-world differences, and call out where the marketing doesn't match reality. Price data is pulled dynamically so what you see reflects current UK pricing, not figures from months ago.
Proof C · Method & disclosure
↑ All doubts“You’re paid to say this.”
This page carries affiliate links; they never set the order. We don’t lab-test: rankings come from published specifications, the owner ratings on the UK listings and our own reviews.
Proof D · The verdict
↑ All doubts“Every guide crowns something.”
A crown that can’t be argued with isn’t proof of quality; it’s proof nobody checked. So rather than restate the winner’s virtues, we defend the crown against the strongest cases to take it.
AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor
Cross-examination · One challenger, taken seriously
It’s £67.99 on the live listing today. Owners rate it 4.7 from 3,535 ratings. Our review scores it 9.0. The crown holds on the ranking rules: the order above was set before any link was attached, and its case is argued in full in the write-up above.
Price checked (this pick) · Details
The original verdict, preserved in full
The AMD Ryzen 5 4500 Processor (6 Cores/12 Threads, 65W DTP, AM4 Socket, 11 MB Cache, Up to 4.1 GHz Max Boost, wraith stealth cooler) is the standout pick among the best AMD CPUs under £100 in 2026. It wins five of eight categories, costs less than the Ryzen 3 3200G at current prices, and delivers roughly double the multi-threaded performance. The only reason to choose the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G processor (Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU, 4 cores/4 threads, 65W TDP, AM4 socket, 6MB Cache, up to 4.0 Ghz max boost frequency, wraith stealth cooler) is if you genuinely need integrated graphics and cannot add a discrete GPU to your build. If you're building fresh and want the best performance per pound in the sub-£100 bracket, the Ryzen 5 4500 is the clear recommendation.
We read everything, we hide nothing, and we sign what we publish. Corrections are welcome and printed when we’re wrong.
The Vivid Repairs desk
Vivid Repairs · 30 September 2026
End of the full guide · Back to the doubt index ↑ · The FAQ is next ↓
The Ryzen 5 5600 provides the best gaming performance under £100, delivering strong frame rates at 1080p and 1440p with excellent single-threaded performance. For budget-conscious gamers prioritising value, the Ryzen 5 5500 offers slightly better price-to-performance with virtually identical gaming capability.
The Ryzen 7 3700X excels for streaming and content creation with eight cores providing sufficient multi-threaded performance for simultaneous gaming and streaming or video editing tasks. The additional cores justify accepting slightly lower gaming performance compared to six-core alternatives.
Most budget AMD processors ship with adequate stock coolers included, managing 65W thermal output reliably in average systems. The 4600G's 35W TDP requires minimal cooling even passively, whilst gamers seeking noise reduction or improved thermal headroom benefit from aftermarket solutions.
The Ryzen 5 3600 remains capable for gaming at 1080p and can be excellent value when discovered at genuine clearance prices, particularly for upgraders with existing AM4 motherboards. However, the newer Ryzen 5 5600 offers better single-threaded performance and efficiency when available at similar pricing.
Budget AMD processors under £100 use the AM4 socket, compatible with B450, B550, X470, and X570 motherboards. Older B350 boards require BIOS updates before recognising newer Ryzen chips. Budget B450 boards offer excellent value whilst providing all features most users require.
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That’s the field: two amd cpus under £100, ranked for the job in the title and nothing else. We read the published specifications, the owner ratings and our own reviews; we haven’t handled these products, and no maker moves the order. Figures checked against the live Amazon UK listings, page updated 30 September 2026.
The Vivid Repairs desk
