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How Many Cores Do AMD Ryzen 3 2300X CPUs Have?

Find out how many cores AMD's Zen+-based Ryzen 3 2300X processors have.

Motherboard Timur Garifov / Unsplash

Last Updated: April 12, 2022

Written by Kevin Jones

In addition to discussing the number of cores in the 2300X, this article will discuss recommendations for CPUs and compatible motherboards, CPU coolers, and memory.

Check another CPU:

Important considerations regarding this CPU:

The Ryzen 3 2300X CPU isn't available in a boxed version. However, you may be able to purchase it in a tray version or as part of a pre-built computer.

Tray versions are sold in bulk, without retail-box packaging. These CPUs are then sometimes sold again, individually.

How Many Cores Do 2300X CPUs Have?

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AMD's Ryzen 3 2300X CPUs have 4 cores. The processor has a 3.5 GHz base frequency and supports a 4.0 GHz max boost frequency.

Check out our Recommended Motherboards for the Ryzen 3 2300X below.

AMD Ryzen 3 2300X AMD Ryzen 3 2300X Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link

How Many Threads Does the 2300X Have?

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The AMD Ryzen 3 2300X has 4 threads. The processors provide one thread for each of the 4 cores.

At What Frequency Does the 2300X Run?

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The processor has a 3.5 GHz base frequency and supports a 4.0 GHz max boost frequency.

What Does the X Suffix in 2300X Mean?

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Processor Name Suffix Meaning
X "X" means it is an extended frequency range CPU. These CPUs support higher frequencies than standard CPUs.

The 2300X model name doesn't have a G suffix. Non-G CPUs do not contain integrated graphics, and a separate graphics card is required.

CPU Cooling for the 2300X

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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 2300X has a TDP of 65 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 2300X Processors

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For AMD's Zen+-based Ryzen 3 2300X 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 2300X, are compatible with all 300 and 400-series consumer chipsets, and the X570 500-series chipset. Supported chipsets include the X570, X470, B450, X370, B350, and A320.

The X570 is our recommended chipset for the Ryzen 3 2300X CPU, as it provides the most functionality and the ability to upgrade to a newer AM4 CPU in the future.

Note that the Ryzen 3 2300X 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 2300X CPU?.

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Best Value Motherboard: ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi)

Best Feature Motherboard: MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI

  • Our recommended feature-rich motherboard to pair with the Ryzen 3 2300X is MSI's MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard: MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
    • PCIe 4.0 support
    • One 2.5 Gb Ethernet port is faster than most Internet speeds, with room to spare for file transfers.
    • Two NVMe M.2 slots both run at PCIe 4.0 speeds.
    • Wi-Fi 6 provides great Wi-Fi speeds (not Wi-Fi 6E, but still really good).
    • USB 3.2 Gen 2 offers 10 Gbps USB speeds.
    • Check the latest price of the MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard on Amazon (affiliate link).
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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 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 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 Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 510 Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
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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.

  • At an effective frequency of 3200 MHz, this memory hits the fastest supported stock DDR4 speeds.

  • It is also available in other (effective) frequencies for overclockers, including 3600 MHz and 4000 MHz.

  • Lower-speed versions are also available on Amazon, in various capacities, including DDR4-2933 (affiliate link), DDR4-2666 (affiliate link), and DDR4-2400 (affiliate link).

  • 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 DDR4 Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link

Learn More About the AMD Ryzen 3 2300X

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Other Considerations When Building a PC

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Want to brush up on other new technologies to consider when building a computer? Check out these articles: