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Should I get an APU?

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  • Graphics Cards
  • CPUs
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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July 28, 2013 1:17:38 PM

This may be kind of dumb, but I just discovered APUs today. Just for reference, I currently have an Intel Core 2 duo 2.6 ghz CPU and a morbidly outdated nvidia geforce 8500 gt graphics card. I just have a few questions about APUs:

1. APUs are basically a CPU and GPU combo, meaning with an APU, I wouldn't need a video card, correct?

2. If this is the case, does having built in graphics slow the "CPU" part down?

3. On a pretty tight budget, would I get better performance from something like the AMD A8-Series AD3870WNGXBOX Quad-Core A8-3870K Black Edition APU or would I be better off simply getting an HD 6670/7750 and keep my old CPU? Or maybe both the above APU and a mid-range graphics card together?(probably out of my price range)

Thanks for any help.

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July 28, 2013 1:44:17 PM

Yes. But APU requires more RAM and RAM Speed. but to make a good rig.

An APU with a 8 Gb (1600 Mhz) RAM and a AMD Card like the 7770 or 7850

APU Onboard Graphics + GPU = Hybrid Crossfire.

You could run games on 1080p with Hybrid Crossfire.
a c 100 U Graphics card
a b à CPUs
July 28, 2013 2:05:52 PM

An APU would do well for you.

But your CPU is about the same as mine and you could play most games if you upgrade just your GPU.

It may bottleneck in some games but for the most part it is ok. Even better if you can OC
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July 28, 2013 9:18:11 PM

Well, I like to be strategic while keeping things as possible so I think what I'll do is just get a decent video card for now, then later, I can still get an APU that goes decent with whatever I end up getting.
July 29, 2013 2:33:07 AM

Blalack77 said:
This may be kind of dumb, but I just discovered APUs today. Just for reference, I currently have an Intel Core 2 duo 2.6 ghz CPU and a morbidly outdated nvidia geforce 8500 gt graphics card. I just have a few questions about APUs:

1. APUs are basically a CPU and GPU combo, meaning with an APU, I wouldn't need a video card, correct?

2. If this is the case, does having built in graphics slow the "CPU" part down?

3. On a pretty tight budget, would I get better performance from something like the AMD A8-Series AD3870WNGXBOX Quad-Core A8-3870K Black Edition APU or would I be better off simply getting an HD 6670/7750 and keep my old CPU? Or maybe both the above APU and a mid-range graphics card together?(probably out of my price range)

Thanks for any help.


What kind of budget? Top end APU builds can be found for under $400 USD. See link below

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1lSm3
July 29, 2013 9:03:52 PM

My budget is probably fairly solid at no more than $150; I might squeamishly go a little higher.
July 29, 2013 10:40:10 PM

Blalack77 said:
My budget is probably fairly solid at no more than $150; I might squeamishly go a little higher.


I don't understand, are you trying to build the whole PC for $150?

I'm assuming no, and if you only have $150 to spend, your best bet is to buy a new gfx card. Keep in mind your CPU will likely bottleneck any gfx for $150 dollars, and if you're using a store purchased PC, you're going to be limited on your options.

See

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graph...

OR

http://www.amazon.com/Zotac-GeForce-Profile-PCI-Express...

Both of these cards perform well for their price range and don't require any additional power connectors.
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