AMD makes 12nm version of Ryzen 3 1200 processor

AMD has released a revamped version of its 2017 Ryzen 3 1200 processor. The new variant has Zen+ cores, which are made at 12nm, instead of Zen cores at 14nm. The processor is for sale in Germany for about 55 euros.

The existence of the new Ryzen 3 1200 was noticed by ComputerBase. AMD has not changed the name of the processor, but there is a new type number on the box. It is YD1200BBAFBOX, while the original is called YD1200BBAEBOX. The updated version is therefore also referred to as the Ryzen 3 1200 AF.

AMD confirms to PC Gamer that there is a new variant of the Ryzen 3 1200. According to the manufacturer, it has been decided to renew the processor because the original 14nm chips are no longer available. Because the Ryzen 3 1200 is still popular in some markets, AMD decided to upgrade the CPU with Zen+ cores. The name has not been changed because AMD says it does not want to confuse the market with a new type number.

In principle, the upgrade to Zen+ cores yields a small performance gain. The Zen+ architecture was used in the Ryzen 2000 series, the successor to the Ryzen 1000 series. The new Ryzen 3 1200 has the same clock speeds as the original model, but with Zen+ cores, turbo boost behavior and cache access have been improved.

In Germany, the new variant can be seen in a price comparator for about 55 euros; that’s the same price as for the 14nm version. The prices in the Pricewatch are higher, but that is probably because the CPUs are not in stock. According to ComputerBase, AMD has previously applied this strategy to the Ryzen 5 1600. A 12nm variant also appeared.

AMD announced two new Ryzen 3 processors on Tuesday, with Zen 2 cores produced at 7nm. They are a lot faster and the new models also have four cores with simultaneous multithreading, but with suggested retail prices of $99 and $120, the latest Ryzen 3 CPUs are also a lot more expensive. Presumably, therefore, the Ryzen 3 1200 will remain in the range.