so... why buy an APU if you don't use it's integrated graphics?

ihog

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Yes, that user is being silly.

Another reason could be that they want to still be able to use their computer, for non-graphic intensive things such as Internet browsing, email, typing up documents, etc. in case their graphics card dies.
 

DukeOvilla

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You're kinda missing the point.

Take an APU A-10, compared to the FX8350. If I don't use the integrated graphics, what's the difference in the end, architecture wise. Which would preform better with the same GPU.
 

DukeOvilla

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let me make this crystal clear.

A man is looking for a CPU, he has 200$. He can go with either the APU or the FX processor, and assorted mobo. He will use the same Nividia GPU either way. Are there any reasons to buy the APU?
 

ihog

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"perhaps they won't hold onto the PC for that long and plan to use it as an HTPC, family PC, etc., and will simply move the dedicated card to another gaming build."

"Another reason could be that they want to still be able to use their computer, for non-graphic intensive things such as Internet browsing, email, typing up documents, etc. in case their graphics card dies."

"Not being properly educated on all products prior to purchasing one?"
 

mohit9206

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If a person intends to use discrete graphics mid range or hi end then yes its better to go for FX cpu rather than A10.However its not really a big deal even if A10 is used as its still a pretty decent and capable quad core cpu which goes to to toe with an i3 and also is more future proof than an i3 for obvious reasons.
 

George Morris

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But then you have a man who only had $230 at the time and wanted a decent motherboard such as the a85x chipset which supports 3 way crossfire and so on, and then he ended up buying a gpu later. lol it happened to me! Im rocking the A10-5800K with a GTX 660, and if you're gaming, it's not going to affect what you are doing at all, it works really good actually. but if you are using it for video editing and audio production which uses a lot more of your cpu for rendering, i would definitely go with something else that has more cores or more threads. Disabling the igpu helps the cpu a lot. i have a thermaltake water2.0 pro and at 4.2ghz w/ the igpu on i get like 29c idle 35c full load. with the igpu off at 4.7ghz i get 23c idle, and 29 full load
 

mohit9206

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Welcome to Tom's. HAve a nice stay. :)
 

mohit9206

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Welcome to Tom's. HAve a nice stay. :)
 

linkgx1

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Really, APUs are meant for smaller form factors. At least in my mind with AMD. Look at the Wii U and PS4 (when the body is revealed). Look at all of the tablet PCs. Or even a home theater system. Sometimes it helps with the budget. APUs are really cool because pretty soon I think dedicated GPU will no longer be the norm (kinda how like the way tablets took over PCs).

Under normal circumstances, I'd say don't get one (an APU) and just get a seperate GPU.

An APU is excellent if you are making a HomeTheater PC or you are making a small kitchen PC that needs to be capable without breaking the bank.

A lot of PC manufacturers use APUs in computers at the $500 range too.