Looking for advice: AMD APU/Motherboard GPU questions

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jordster

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Nov 15, 2009
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I'm looking to build an HTPC with "gaming lite" capabilities.

I'm leaning towards an AMD build, as it seems to be more cost effective. I already own a gaming PC, and the purpose of this new computer is mostly for home theatre, but I would also like the possibility of gaming on the TV so I want a half-decent GPU.

After pricing out builds with Core i3 and a GTX650 I realized that was going to push me well over my $400-500 budget. So I started looking into AMD chips and I am leaning towards this CPU/motherboard pair:

CPU: AMD A-Series A10-6800K Accelerated Processor - 4.4/4.1 GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, Quad Core, HD 8670D, Socket FM2, 844 MHz, 100W, Unlocked (AD680KWOHLBOX)
(http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8114540&csid=_61)

Motherboard: Zotac A55-ITX WiFi Motherboard - Mini-ITX, Socket FM2, AMD A55, 1866MHz DDR3, SATA 6.0 Gb/s, 8-CH Audio, RAID, Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0 (A55ITX-B-E)
(http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7769451&CatId=4618)

I'm confused because the motherboard (which is one of the only motherboards I can find in Mini-ITX form with on-board WiFi) has it's own integrated graphics. I thought the whole point of AMD APUs was that they come with half-decent on-chip graphics.

What is the implication of "Radeon 7000 Integrated graphics" on the motherboard?

Also, does anyone see anything wrong with this configuration or have any suggestions?

The rest of my build is going to be:
- BitPhenix Prodigy case
- 450W PSU
- 64 GB SSD (not sure of brand)
- Pair of 2 GB HDs in RAID1 (for backing up whole house worth of computers)
- 4 GB DDR3 1866 MHz RAM

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice!!
 
Solution
Novuake
First off. ALL A55/A75 and A85X board allow the integrated graphics on APUs to be used.

If you plan on gaming on an APU platform I STRONGLY suggest you look at a motherboard capable of running 2133MHz ram as gaming performance scales MASSIVELY on an APU the faster you go on the RAM side.
You will also benefit seriously from 2 chips instead of 1 as this allows DOUBLE the bandwidth to the intergrated graphics. 8GB is a must.

Here is a decent board that will allow you to game and has wifi :
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX47162

Here is some good RAM :
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/mr/neweggca/gskill-memory-f32133c9d8gxl

In my opinion if you are short on cash you really need to drop that 60GB SSD, the minimum I suggest for windows...
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Novuake

Novuake

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First off. ALL A55/A75 and A85X board allow the integrated graphics on APUs to be used.

If you plan on gaming on an APU platform I STRONGLY suggest you look at a motherboard capable of running 2133MHz ram as gaming performance scales MASSIVELY on an APU the faster you go on the RAM side.
You will also benefit seriously from 2 chips instead of 1 as this allows DOUBLE the bandwidth to the intergrated graphics. 8GB is a must.

Here is a decent board that will allow you to game and has wifi :
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX47162

Here is some good RAM :
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/mr/neweggca/gskill-memory-f32133c9d8gxl

In my opinion if you are short on cash you really need to drop that 60GB SSD, the minimum I suggest for windows and essentials is 120GB, so thats just a waste of money, you can always add that later.

Make sure you get a RELIABLE 400-450w PSU!

There are cheaper ITX chassis by the way.
 
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Solution
burdenbound

burdenbound

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Aug 9, 2011
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I do believe that the motherboard lists the radeon 7000 integrated graphics because it is a FX socket motherboard and it knows you will be dropping an APU into it. The motherboard itself doesn't have any graphics it's just stating that once you put the APU in it you will have some form of a 7000 series GPU integrated depending on which APU you installed.

I also recommend getting the fastest RAM which that motherboard can support because the AMD APU will take full advantage of it.
 
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J

jordster

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OHhh so THAT is why the 2133 MHz RAM is only available in 8 GB! It was a bit above my price range, and I figured 4 GB was enough, but this seems worth the extra spend.
 
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J

jordster

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Going to see if I can find the motherboard available in Canada (where I live).

Definitely going to go with the faster RAM. I saw a review of a different APU that tested two different RAM speeds but I somehow didn't realize how important it was.

You're probably right about the SSD. I'm just so used to the amazingly faster load speeds that SSDs provide... My other computers are a gaming rig w/ a high end SSD and a 2012 15" MacBook Pro Retina... Suffice to say I'm spoiled! However, that would be a good amount of savings...
 
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