AMD Brings Back $40 Athlon 3000G With New Packaging and Cooler: Budget Zen CPU Lives On in 2025

In a surprising yet strategic move, AMD has re-released its Athlon 3000G processor, a budget-friendly CPU originally launched in 2019. According to reports from Japanese outlet Akiba, the chip is back on shelves with refreshed packaging and an updated cooler, carrying part number YD3000C6FHSBX.

Retailing at around ¥5,790 (approximately $40 USD), the Athlon 3000G is one of the cheapest entry-level processors available for AMD’s long-running AM4 platform. This reintroduction reflects AMD’s commitment to supporting low-cost PC builds in emerging markets and for hobbyist users.

Specs That Still Matter for Entry-Level PCs

Despite being six years old, the Athlon 3000G remains a practical option for certain use cases. The chip features:

• 2 unlocked Zen cores / 4 threads

• 3.5 GHz base clock speed

• 4MB L3 cache

• 35W TDP for power efficiency

• Vega 3 iGPU with 192 cores and a 1.1 GHz clock speed

The inclusion of integrated graphics makes it an appealing solution for ultra-budget builds, HTPCs (Home Theater PCs), or educational systems where discrete GPUs are unnecessary.

AMD’s decision to bring back the Athlon 3000G highlights a growing demand for affordable, energy-efficient processors. While the chip is far from powerful compared to modern Ryzen CPUs, its low cost and wide compatibility with existing AM4 motherboards make it an attractive choice for:

• First-time PC builders seeking a minimal investment

• Developing markets where budget systems dominate

• DIY enthusiasts experimenting with retro or low-power builds

• Light computing tasks like browsing, streaming, and office applications

By pairing it with a new cooler and updated packaging, AMD ensures better thermal performance and easier installation for newcomers.

AMD’s Zen architecture

The Longevity of Zen

The AMD Athlon 3000G is a testament to the enduring relevance of AMD’s Zen architecture. While AMD has moved on to Zen 5-based Ryzen 9000 series processors, this budget-friendly Zen 1 chip still finds utility in 2025.

With Intel also re-releasing older processors for niche markets, the move reflects a trend in the industry: extending the lifecycle of proven architectures to serve cost-conscious users while reserving cutting-edge tech for enthusiasts and professionals.

At $40, the AMD Athlon 3000G won’t run AAA games or high-end applications, but it fills a vital gap in AMD’s lineup. For educational systems, low-power office PCs, or hobbyist projects, it remains a highly cost-effective solution.

As hardware costs rise globally, AMD’s decision to keep Zen alive at the budget tier shows a clear strategy: ensuring every level of the PC market has an accessible entry point.