When selecting a CPU for gaming, the most important characteristics are the frequency (clock speed), core/thread count, cache size, and supported memory type. Additional considerations, such as integrated graphics and overclocking needs, may also influence your selection.
In addition to discussing the characteristics of the 2200GE for gaming, this article will discuss recommendations for compatible motherboards, CPU coolers, and memory.
Is the 2200GE Good for Gaming?
When using AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU for gaming, you can expect poor game performance with either a high-performance CPU cooler or a stock CPU cooler. This performance is based on the following characteristics of the CPU and their relevance to the latest graphics-intense games:
- 4 MB of L3 cache is poor for performance
- 4 cores allow for mediocre performance
- 3.2 GHz base frequency is mediocre for performance (when not boosting)
- 3.6 GHz single-core max boost frequency is good for performance (requires a high-end cooler)
- Max stock DDR4 speed of 2933 MHz can be mediocre for performance
- Lack of overclocking support cannot benefit performance
- PCIe 3.0 support can be poor for performance (limits potential of fastest SSDs and GPUs)
The 2200GE has integrated graphics support, but this performance assessment assumes you will use a graphics card. Integrated graphics support is mediocre or worse with the latest graphics-intense games.
Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE
, for recommended coolers that can maintain these boost frequencies.
Is the Cache Size of the 2200GE Good for Gaming?
A CPU's cache is a small amount of memory, close to the CPU cores, containing recently used data.
Games performance can improve as cache size increases, as it will reduce delays when retrieving commonly used game assets from memory.
An L3 cache capacity of at least 20 MB is ideal for game performance.
The AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE has an L3 cache capacity of 4 MB.
The 2200GE's lackluster 4 MB of L3 cache is poor for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Is the Core Count of the 2200GE Good for Gaming?
Increased core counts can improve the performance of games that use them, but most modern games don't benefit from having more than 6–8 cores. Remember that cache sizes often increase along with core counts, so if you want to increase your L3 cache, you may need to get a CPU with more cores.
AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE CPUs have 4 cores.
The 2200GE's 4 cores allow for mediocre performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Is the Clock Speed of the 2200GE Good for Gaming?
Single-core performance is essential for some games, as many don't take full advantage of multiple cores.
Boost frequencies are only achieved under ideal circumstances. The safest strategy for consistent gaming performance with a basic cooler is to get a higher base clock speed processor. However, with adequate cooling, you may be able to maintain speeds near the max boost frequency.
The 2200GE CPU's lack of support for overclocking cannot benefit performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
The processor has a 3.2 GHz base frequency and supports a 3.6 GHz single-core max boost frequency.
The 2200GE's 3.2 GHz base frequency is mediocre for performance with the latest graphics-intense games, when not boosting. You can reach these base frequencies even without a high-end cooler.
With a high-end cooler, the 2200GE's 3.6 GHz single-core max boost frequency is good for performance with the latest graphics-intense games. You can maintain these frequencies with a high-end cooler.
Check out my article, Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE, for recommended coolers that can maintain these boost frequencies.
Is the DDR Support of the 2200GE Good for Gaming?
The 2200GE CPU's support for DDR4 with a max stock speed of 2933 MHz can be mediocre for performance with the latest graphics-intense games.
Faster PC memory can improve game performance and frame rates, but using the fastest RAM may not have as much of an impact as upgrading your CPU and graphics card or adding more RAM.
Learn about our recommended RAM for the 2200GE in Choosing the Best RAM for AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU.
What Does the GE Suffix in 2200GE Mean?
| Processor Name Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| G | "G" means it contains integrated graphics (basically a GPU built into the processor), thus doesn't require a standalone graphics card. A combined CPU and GPU is sometimes referred to as an APU (accelerated processing unit). |
| E | "E" means it is a efficiency-optimized CPU. Theze are lower-power CPUs designed to not generate as much heat. These CPUs are ideal for lower-performance small form factor PCs and are often sold as part of a pre-built system. |
The 2200GE model name has a G suffix. G-suffexed CPUs contain integrated graphics, and a separate graphics card isn't required if your motherboard includes video-output connectors (e.g., HDMI).
Cooling the 2200GE
A CPU cooler's TDP (Thermal Design Power) rating indicates how much heat it can dissipate in watts. If the cooler can't keep your CPU cool enough, your CPU may throttle (slow down), and your cooler will constantly run at full speed.
AMD CPU specifications indicate this power dissipation number as "TDP."
The Ryzen 3 2200GE has a TDP of 35 watts.
A CPU cooler can still work with a lower TDP rating than the TDP of a CPU. However, the CPU will eventually throttle itself to a lower frequency to allow itself to cool.
The CPU may not achieve or maintain maximum boost speeds without adequate cooling.
Learn more in What is the Best Type of CPU cooler for a Gaming PC?
Motherboard Requirements for Ryzen 3 2200GE Processors
For AMD's Zen-based Ryzen 3 2200GE processor, you'll need a motherboard with an AM4 socket and a compatible chipset.
Motherboards for AMD processors are made with chipsets provided by AMD. Each chipset offers a unique set of capabilities. However, motherboards must explicitly support features and capabilities for you to use them. Verify that a motherboard supports the features and capabilities you desire.
Ryzen 2000-series CPUs, which includes the Ryzen 3 2200GE, are compatible with all 300 and 400-series consumer chipsets. Supported chipsets include the X470, B450, X370, B350, and A320.
The X470 and B450 are our recommended chipsets for the Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU, as they provide the most functionality among compatible chipsets.
Note that the Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU only supports PCIe 3.0.
For a detailed comparison of these chipsets and PCIe speeds, check out my article Which Chipsets Work With AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU?.
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Find Zen X470 Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
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Find Zen B450 Motherboards on Amazon (affiliate link).
Recommended Motherboards for the Zen 2200GE
B450 Motherboard: GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi
- Our recommended B450 motherboard to pair with the Ryzen 3 2200GE is GIGABYTE's B450 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi Motherboard:
GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
- PCIe 3.0 graphics card support
- One Gb Ethernet port is faster than most Internet speeds.
- Two NVMe M.2 slots both run at PCIe 3.0 speeds.
- 802.11AC Wi-Fi provides support for a wireless network setup.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 offers 10 Gbps USB speeds.
- Check the latest price of the GIGABYTE B450 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi on Amazon (affiliate link).
Recommended AM4 Coolers
Best AIO Liquid Cooler: Enermax Liqmax III 360
- This Enermax liquid cooler has an excellent cooling capability with a 360-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).
- Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 2066, 2011-3, 2011, 1700, 1200, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150 and AMD AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1.
- Quiet operation at 14-27 dBA.
- Make sure your computer case dimensions support this, as it will take up a decent amount of space!
Enermax Liqmax III 360 Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Best Dual-Fan Air CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15
- Dual 140 mm fans provide 220-watt TDP (183 NSPR) of cooling capability.
- Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150, 2011, 2066 and AMD AM4, AM3, AM3+, AM2, AM2+, FM2, FM2+.
- Quiet operation at 24.6 dBA.
Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Runner Up - Dual-Fan Air CPU Cooler: Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510
- This CPU cooler doesn't have any fancy LED lights, but the dual 120 mm fans do a great job of cooling AM4 CPUs.
- Supports a variety of CPU sockets, including Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150 and AMD AM4, AM3, AM3+, AM2, AM2+, FM2, FM1.
- Suppose you think this cooler will take up too much space. In that case, Thermaltake has a few single-fan TOUGHAIR variants which use different orientations.
- This CPU cooler has a 2000 RPM max speed for optimal cooling.
- 180-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power).
Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510 Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Our Recommended RAM
Before purchasing memory, review your motherboard specification to verify which speeds are supported. For example, if a DDR4 motherboard stated that it supports "DDR4 3400(O.C.) / 3333(O.C.) / 3300(O.C.) / 3200 / 3000," that would mean that it could support DDR4-3400, DDR4-3333, and DDR4-3300 with memory overclocking, and DDR4-3200 and DDR4-3000 at stock speeds. Motherboard specifications also indicate the maximum capacity per stick of RAM (DIMM) and across all slots.
Recommended Stock-Speed DDR4
- At an effective frequency of 2933 MHz, this memory hits the fastest DDR4 speed supported by AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU without overclocking.
- The low-profile form factor ensures that the heat spreaders don't get in the way of other devices, including your CPU heatsink.
Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (4x8GB) 2933MHz DDR4 Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
Recommended DDR4 for Overclockers
- This DDR4 memory is designed for overclocking to an effective frequency of 3600 MHz.
Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2x16GB) 3600MHz DDR4 Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
- Compact heat spreaders avoid conflicting with a CPU cooler.
Learn More About the AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE
- Which Chipsets Work With AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU?
- Choosing the Best Power Supply for AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU
- Choosing the Best Motherboard for AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE
- Is the Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU Good for Gaming?
- Choosing the Best RAM for AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU
- Choosing the Best CPU Cooler for AMD's Ryzen 3 2200GE
- What Is the TDP of the Ryzen 3 2200GE CPU?
- How Many Cores Do AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE CPUs Have?
Other Considerations When Building a PC
Want to brush up on other new technologies to consider when building a computer? Check out these articles:
- Cases:
- CPUs:
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 5.0?
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 4.0?
- LGA 1700 CPU List
- LGA 1200 CPU List
- Look up an Intel or AMD CPU on TechReviewer for related recommendations:
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 5.0?
- CPU Coolers:
- Storage:
- Memory:
- PCI-Express:
- Motherboards:
- Graphics Cards:
- Power Supplies:
- Keyboards:
- Monitors: