In the ever-evolving world of PC gaming, Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) have emerged as a cost-effective solution for budget-conscious gamers. These all-in-one chips combine the power of a CPU and GPU, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best APUs for gaming in 2024, helping you make an informed decision for your next build.
What Are APUs and Why Choose Them for Gaming?
APUs, or Accelerated Processing Units, are processors that integrate both a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) on a single chip. This integration offers several advantages for gamers:
- Cost-effectiveness: APUs eliminate the need for a separate graphics card, reducing overall system cost.
- Space-saving: Ideal for small form factor builds and compact gaming PCs.
- Power efficiency: APUs typically consume less power than a separate CPU and GPU combo.
- Simplicity: Easier to install and configure, making them great for beginners.
Top APU Picks for Gaming in 2024
1. AMD Ryzen 7 8700G: The Best Overall
The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G takes the crown as the best overall APU for gaming in 2024. Here’s why it’s our top recommendation:
- Integrated GPU: Radeon 780M
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- Base clock: 4.2 GHz, Boost clock: 5.1 GHz
- 24MB L3 Cache
- TDP: 65W
- Excellent 1080p gaming performance
- Suitable for a variety of casual and demanding tasks
This APU offers substantial performance for low to mid-resolution gaming at 1080p, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers who want to play a wide range of titles without a dedicated GPU.
2. AMD Ryzen 7 5700G: The Previous Generation Champion
While no longer the absolute top, the Ryzen 7 5700G remains a strong contender:
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- Base clock: 3.8 GHz, Boost clock: 4.6 GHz
- Radeon RX Vega 8 Graphics
- Excellent 1080p gaming performance
3. AMD Ryzen 5 5600G: Best Value for Money
For those looking for a balance between performance and affordability:
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Base clock: 3.9 GHz, Boost clock: 4.4 GHz
- Radeon RX Vega 7 Graphics
- Great 1080p gaming on medium settings
4. AMD Ryzen 5 8600G: The Latest Mid-Range Option
A newer option offering improved performance:
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Base clock: 3.5 GHz, Boost clock: 5.0 GHz
- Radeon 760M Graphics
- Excellent for casual and mid-tier gaming
5. AMD Athlon 200GE: Budget Option
For entry-level gamers or those building a basic system, the Athlon 200GE offers surprising performance at a low price point:
- 2 cores and 4 threads
- Base clock: 3.2 GHz
- Radeon Vega 3 Graphics
- Capable of running esports titles and older games
Understanding APU Specifications
When choosing an APU for gaming, it’s important to understand key specifications:
- Clock Speed: Measured in GHz, higher clock speeds generally mean better performance.
- Cores and Threads: More cores and threads allow for better multitasking and improved performance in modern games.
- Integrated Graphics: Look for Radeon RX Vega graphics for the best gaming performance in APUs.
Performance Comparison
With the introduction of the Ryzen 7 8700G, the performance landscape for APUs has shifted. Here’s an updated comparison:
- The Ryzen 7 8700G offers the best integrated graphics performance, excelling at 1080p gaming with medium to high settings in many titles.
- It outperforms previous generation APUs like the 5700G in both CPU and GPU tasks.
- For 1440p or 4K gaming, a dedicated GPU is still recommended, as even the 8700G may struggle with demanding titles at higher resolutions.
- The 8700G is particularly well-suited for esports titles and can handle many modern games at 1080p with adjusted settings.
For those looking to pair an APU with a dedicated GPU in the future, check out our guide on the best GPU for Ryzen 5 3600 to see compatible options.
Building a Gaming PC with an APU
When building a gaming PC around an APU, consider the following:
- Motherboard Compatibility: Ensure your motherboard supports the chosen APU. For example, Ryzen 5000G series APUs require an AM4 socket motherboard. If you’re planning for future upgrades, consider a versatile motherboard like those in our best motherboard for RTX 3070 guide.
- RAM: APUs benefit greatly from faster RAM. Aim for at least 16GB of DDR4-3200 or faster memory.
- Cooling: While APUs generate less heat than a CPU + GPU combo, adequate cooling is still important. Consider an aftermarket cooler for better thermal performance and overclocking potential.
- Storage: Pair your APU with an SSD for faster game loading times. A 500GB NVMe SSD is a good starting point.
- Power Supply: A 500W 80+ Bronze power supply is usually sufficient for an APU-based system. For peace of mind, consider investing in one of the best UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) units to protect your gaming rig from power fluctuations.
- Case Selection: APUs are great for compact builds. If you’re looking to create a small form factor gaming PC, check out our recommendations for the best cube computer cases.
Peripherals for Your APU Gaming Setup
While not directly related to APU performance, choosing the right peripherals can enhance your gaming experience. For budget-conscious gamers, a best membrane keyboard can offer a great balance of performance and affordability, complementing your APU-based system.
The Future of APUs
AMD continues to innovate in the APU space. The upcoming Ryzen 8000G series promises even better performance, with improved Zen 4 cores and RDNA 3 graphics. These advancements could make APUs an even more attractive option for budget and mid-range gaming builds in the future.
Conclusion
The introduction of the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G has raised the bar for integrated graphics performance in APUs. It stands out as the best overall choice for gamers looking to build a system without a dedicated GPU, offering excellent 1080p gaming performance and versatility for various tasks. The Ryzen 5 5600G remains a strong value option, while the Ryzen 5 8600G provides a good middle ground between performance and cost.
When choosing an APU, consider your specific gaming needs, budget, and the types of games you play. While APUs like the 8700G have significantly closed the gap with entry-level dedicated GPUs, they may still struggle with the most demanding titles at high settings or resolutions beyond 1080p.
FAQs
- Can APUs run all games? While APUs can run many games, newer AAA titles may require lower settings for playable framerates. They excel at esports titles and older games.
- Do I need a separate graphics card with an APU? For basic to moderate gaming, an APU can suffice. However, for high-end gaming or demanding graphics work, a dedicated GPU is recommended.
- Can I upgrade from an APU to a dedicated GPU later? Yes, most APU-compatible motherboards also support dedicated GPUs, allowing for future upgrades.
- Are APUs good for streaming? APUs can handle basic streaming, but for high-quality streaming of demanding games, a dedicated GPU is preferable.
- How do APUs compare to consoles in terms of gaming performance? High-end APUs can offer performance comparable to older console generations but may struggle to match current-gen consoles in demanding games.
By choosing the right APU and complementing it with carefully selected components and peripherals, you can build a capable gaming PC that offers great value for money. Whether you’re a casual gamer or looking to dip your toes into PC gaming, an APU-based system can be an excellent starting point.