Why on earth this config?

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k@rt

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Apr 17, 2012
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Hi. I am trying to find a fairly basic "entry level" PC for my mother to use. I came across one which normally is more than she would need, except for the fact it has a big reduction as an end of line model.

The thing is this, the PCs specs are as followed:

AMD A8-5500 APU
4GB DDR3
1TB HDD
nVidia GT 620 Graphics card.

I am far from expert on AMD processors but as I understand it the AMD A8-5500 is more or less the AMD equivalent of having Intel HD Integrated Graphics System. So my question is simply this, what on earth is the point of putting that processor into a PC that already has a nVidia Card?

I assume that all the graphics functions of the processor would be redundant when installed with a separate graphics card, and if this is the case how does the processor stand on its own merits when only the CPU function is required?

Is there any advantage to this setup and is it worth it for the £370 price tag?

Thanks!
 
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K
The *only* reason to build a system with both a discrete GPU and an AMD APU is to Crossfire the GPU and APU. Which would require the correctly-matched AMD GPU.

Even if you happen to already have an NVIDIA discrete GPU lying around wasting space, you'd only want to stick it in an APU system if it's actually a significant improvement over the integrated GPU. Which the GT 620 is not.

So...no. That's not a good system. It's certainly not worth £370 (that's $570 US for others who have to Google the conversion).

If you're looking for a prebuilt, CyberpowerPC http://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/system/AMD_Fusion_APU_configurator/ has a pretty solid APU system that starts at £304 (plus tax), is highly configurable, and doesn't have anything...
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mc962

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Jul 18, 2013
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while im not as familiar with amd, the people in the amazon reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/AMD-A8-5500-3-2Ghz-Processor-AD5500OKHJBOX/dp/B0095VPB0E

made it seem like it was a decently powered machine for the price. If i interpret your "entry level" requirements correctly then all she would plan to use it for would be things like word processing and internet browsing..correct? maybe streaming as well? in that case it sounds like it works fine enough for that

my guess is that the dedicated gpu might be there to give it a little graphical boost so that those looking for a budget game system might gravitate towards that
 
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kaels

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Aug 13, 2012
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The *only* reason to build a system with both a discrete GPU and an AMD APU is to Crossfire the GPU and APU. Which would require the correctly-matched AMD GPU.

Even if you happen to already have an NVIDIA discrete GPU lying around wasting space, you'd only want to stick it in an APU system if it's actually a significant improvement over the integrated GPU. Which the GT 620 is not.

So...no. That's not a good system. It's certainly not worth £370 (that's $570 US for others who have to Google the conversion).

If you're looking for a prebuilt, CyberpowerPC http://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/system/AMD_Fusion_APU_configurator/ has a pretty solid APU system that starts at £304 (plus tax), is highly configurable, and doesn't have anything ridiculous in the default config. They mostly cater to gamers who don't know how to build, so most of their cases are cheap glowing LED monstrosities, but the Carbide 200R isn't bad.

You can also get a decent starter Core i3 system there even cheaper, if you're not worried about the graphics. http://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/system/Cyberpower_H61_configurator/ - £288 is the cheapest i3 setup.

Edit: you'd need to add an OS on both of those, but still, same price range, better systems.
 
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k@rt

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Apr 17, 2012
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Hi Everyone. Thanks very much for all the replies and good info.

I knew that the 620 was by no means a good video card, but I did think it would still be better than Integrated HD graphics.

As you correctly assumed my mother doesn't play games (!) however I do (a LOT) and although I don't want it to be at any extra cost to her if I COULD find a PC at equivalent sort of price that would let me play a little light 1.6 or Source then that would be a bonus!

It seems that most people agree that there is little between the AMD A-8 and the 620 and neither are a great, but more than anything there is really no point in having both. However I am getting the impression that if it comes to a choice between a PC using Intel HD Integrated and a PC using AMD A-8 APU that the AMD APU will give better performance of the two?

The PC is advertised and sold as a HP machine, I wonder why they even bother putting together something like that? The original non-reduction price was over £500, a little shy of 800$, I would have never considered paying that, but it seems even reduced its a waste of money.

The OCHW looks to have pretty nice specs for the money and they have some reasonably priced things on Cyberpower (although I agree awful cases!!)

It also depressed me no-end to see the nVidia Series 7 is already being advertized - my GTX580 I was so pleased to aquire 2 years ago now feels horribly out-of-date :(

Thanks for the time and replies everyone!
 
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ssddx

ssddx

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May 27, 2009
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for basic word processing and web viewing all you need is a medium end cpu and integrated graphics.

i would go with an i3 and integrated graphics... or if you wanted to play some games an i3 and a mobile nvidia gpu. you should be able to get that below $500 easy

nvidia 7 series? the nvidia 8 series is now being talked about! it wont be terribly long before we start seeing 8xx products on the market. the tech world moves quick... i'm on a gtx470 here...
 
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