Best APU for Gaming – Top Choices for You in 2023

Jack

By Jack

Update on

Best APU

Did you end up reading this article while you are shopping around for the best APU for gaming?

Well, at least one of the options mentioned below will be a perfect match for your purpose. So, continue reading until the end before purchasing your next APU unit.

In general, finding the right kind of GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) for a gaming computer can be extremely difficult. This is particularly true if you are a beginner.

It is a pretty difficult task specifically because you often find it difficult to decide what you exactly need. In many cases, most users spend too much on their GPUs.

However, as a solution to this, AMD introduced their Accelerated Processing Units, which are popularly known as APUs.

In fact, APUs are CPUs that come with integrated graphics processing units. It is true that this concept isn’t a new one. However, AMD is the company that provided a boost for this concept.

With that said, the purpose of this article is to reveal the best APU for gaming purposes. So, if you intend to purchase the best APU, the information below will be helpful.

Important Terms to Know When Shopping Around for the Best APU 

Before jumping into the list of best products, here are some terms with which you should be familiar.

● Clock Speed

Clock Speed, in simplest terms, is the average speed of a CPU. It is measured in GHz. In fact, the majority of the APUs are designed with a specific architecture called Zen. It gives an impressive clock speed even with a single core.

● Core

If your CPU or APU has more cores, it can multitask without experiencing any lag. So, if you usually perform multiple tasks simultaneously on your PC, a multicore CPU/APU is a must.

This scenario is applicable to all users who intend to play the latest high-end games. On the other hand, a single-core processor can be good enough to handle pretty much all the low-end games.

● Threads

Threads act more like additional virtual cores found in your CPU. Well, each of the threads can handle several different tasks at the same time. So, the more threads, the better the capability of the APU.

● Graphics

The term GPU refers to the graphics processing ability of your CPU. When it relates to APU, it is identified by the term “Vega.”

Besides, here is the best wireless mechanical keyboard for your reference. And let’s learn more about how to download AMD High Definition Audio Device Driver on Windows.


List of Best APUs for Gaming 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best APU for gaming now. Listed below are the most impressive options we came across after doing extensive research.

Also, if you are looking for the best cube computer cases for gamers, this guide is just for you.

01. Ryzen 5 3400G

Best APU for Gaming - Ryzen 5 3400G

The first place on this list goes to Ryzen 5 3400G. Many experts consider this the best APU for gaming due to various reasons.

Ryzen 5 3400G is considered to be one of the most powerful APUs introduced by AMD. It is ideal for high-end tasks such as gaming and video streaming. This processor has Radeon Graphics for excellent gaming performance.  

In addition to that, the productivity of this APU is excellent. Because of the perfect gaming performance, the Ryzen 5 3400G surely deserves a top place on any list.

When it comes to the processor, it has an RX Vega 11 Graphics unit, and it offers excellent speed. Thanks to such impressive performance, you don’t have to go for expensive graphics cards separately. In addition to that, this APU has a superb clock speed of 3.7 GHz.

If required, you can even overclock it to a value of 4.2 GHz as well. Needless to say, that’s a superb improvement in the context of APUs. On top of that, Ryzen 5 3400G features 1,400MHz, which is seriously faster than its latest predecessor.  

Both the performance as well as the graphic processing ability increases the overall power of this processor. As a result, this Ryzen 5 3400G can even run games with AAA titles smoothly.

However, this processor has a lower performance compared to a combination of a graphics card and a high-end CPU. Such a combination can necessarily offer a supreme frame rate (60+ FPS). However, this processor alone can offer about 30 FPS.

The best thing about this processor is that it comes with four cores and eight threads. In addition to that, it has a 6MB cache as well. The latest models of 3400G have an auto overclocking feature. It is powered by TIM, which is provided by the precision boost drive of AMD. Also, there is a CPU cooler to avoid overheating.

Pros

  • One of the best APU units you can get for the money.
  • Powered with Vega 11 graphics.
  • It can be easily used smoothly with 300/400 AM4 motherboards.
  • It can feature 30FPS with pretty much all the AAA games.

Cons

  • It requires a BIOS update when used on older motherboards.

02. AMD Athlon 200GE

Best APU for Gaming - AMD Athlon 200GE

AMD is known for its superbly performing affordable products. These products can offer all the features that are associated with premium products as well.  However, the company is still using its affordable approach to the customers. So, you can consider Athlon 200GE as a superior product that comes with an affordable price tag.

One of the most significant features associated with this processor is its impressive Vega graphics. According to their description, this product comes with three Vega cores. The processor can be considered an excellent option, especially for new gamers to get familiar with the environment. They can spend a considerably low amount compared to other high-end products.

The main benefit associated with this option is its affordable price. So, it is not a good idea to compare it with high-performance CPUs or APUs of AMD. Nevertheless, Athlon 200GE can easily outperform Intel’s processors of the same price range by a massive gap. Simply put, Athlon 200GE is a much more powerful option compared to the Intel processors of the same price range.

In addition to that, this APU is a superior alternative to some of the APUs introduced by AMD. For instance, Athlon 200GE is much better than A10, but the former is much more affordable as well. Since Athlon 200GE is recommended for beginners, it comes with an AM4 socket. Also, it lets you upgrade to an RYZEN whenever you want.

When it comes to the performance factor, AMD Athlon 200GE promises to run eSports perfectly. In addition to that, AMD says that it can run 720p games at full capacity without generating any overheating. That is because of the quiet cooler that comes with the processor.

All in all, AMD Athlon 200GE is an excellent option for those who are focusing on affordability. It is ideal for entry-level gamers who want a balance between price and performance. The responsiveness of the processor is fast, and it is upgradeable in the future.

Pros

  • Performs solidly, particularly for entry-level gamers.
  • An excellent option for those who want value for money.
  • Significantly low power requirement.

Cons

  • It is not unlocked.
  • Not the most powerful processor in the market.

03. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G

Best APU for Gaming - AMD Ryzen 3 3200G

AMD Ryzen 3 3200G is another powerful processor that comes with superb capabilities to impress gamers. Just like 3400G, this processor lets you play AAA games with a speed of 30fps.

3200G is enabled for overclocking, and it lets you overclock for a greater value compared to 2200G. This special processor is built to create a superb balance between affordability and performance.

In other words, this is an ideal option for those who are looking for performance at an affordable price. This processor has VEGA 8 graphics. In addition to that, it has an impressive CPU clock as well. Therefore, it is obviously recognizable as a better option compared to older APUs introduced by AMD.

The combination of overclocking and higher graphics performance ensures a better gaming experience for the user. That is exactly why AMD Ryzen 3 3200G is ideal for games with AAA titles.

The most notable downside associated with this processor is that it lacks multithreading ability. In fact, this feature can be found only in processors such as Ryzen 9 3900X. However, the most impressive thing about this processor is that it has a stealth CPU cooler integrated with it. In addition to cooling the processor, it saves some money as well.

All in all, this processor can be considered an affordable combination of CPU and GPU. It is true that the APU concept is relatively new and doesn’t come with some advanced features. However, in the near future, we will be able to see some impressive advancements with this technology.

Pros

  • Highly affordable APU manufactured with VEGA 8 graphics.
  • It works perfectly well with motherboards of the 300/400 series.
  • It does offer 30FPS on AAA game titles.

Cons

  • It demands a sizable RAM to perform smoothly.

04. AMD Ryzen 5 2400G

AMD Ryzen 5 2400G

The next item on the list is Ryzen 5 2400. We consider this as one of the best APU units due to the perfect combination of power and price. In addition to that, it works for many games without any issues.

Before AMD released its Ryzen 5 3400G, many users considered 2400G to be the best APU, APU has a third-generation processor, so compared to Intel, they have better performance for the price.

This processor lets you play games with 720p with medium-high performance. However, it can perform within the low-medium range if you play the game in 1080p graphics.

Just like the older versions, Ryzen 5 2400G has a Vega 11. Also, it has four cores with eight threads as well. On top of that, it has the same type of cooler as a heat absorption strategy.

One of the best things about this processor is that it is made to be VR-ready. Also, it is unlocked for overclocking and comes with the technology called Radeon FreeSync.

One of the notable downsides of this APU is that it comes with limited performance in terms of graphics. So, if you can invest slightly more, you may buy a 3400G.

Basically, 2400G is a pretty decent option when it comes to APU.

Pros

  • Very powerful APU performance, particularly for beginner gamers.
  • Decent integrated graphics.
  • Quad-Core processor.  

Cons

  • Doesn’t have multithread performance.
  • Limited graphics.

05. AMD Ryzen 3 2200G

AMD Ryzen 3 2200G

As per the general recommendation, AMD Ryzen 3 2200G can be considered the 4th powerful tool. Both Ryzen 3 3200G and 2200G have 8 Vega Graphics.

However, the 2200G version shows a lower performance compared to 2400G. Nevertheless, when it comes to gaming performance, it is pretty similar to GT 1030 version.

One of the most important things associated with this APU is that it performs better than Core i3-8100. As you may already know, i3-8100 is expensive compared to 2200G.

So, you can spend less and expect better performance with this APU. To add more value to it, this APU has a stealth cooler as well.

Although this processor is somewhat neglected due to the launch of the Ryzen 5, it’s still a good option. However, we always suggest our users go for newer processors that can be bought at the same price. But again, for those who want to experience the power of an older champion, this is the best APU.

This APU is unlocked to its maximum overclocking. If you can pair it with good RAM, you can expect excellent performance from this APU.

Pros

  • Decent performance.
  • It can be overclocked.
  • Very affordable.

Cons

  • Incompatible with new games.
  • Not the fastest.

06. AMD A12 – 9800

AMD A12 – 9800

This can be rated as the best APU of AMD’s A-series. It comes with a powerful Quad-core CPU with R7 graphics. One of the best parts of this APU is its turbo clock speed (3.8GHz). It can also be overclocked to 4.2GHz. Its GPU has eight cores.

According to the specifications provided by AMD, it can run all the older game titles. Also, it can handle many newer games as well. It features 720p to 1080p display performance as well. All in all, this is a good processor that is worth the money you pay.

Compared to G-series, A-series processors don’t have coolers. And that is the obvious disadvantage associated with this processor.

Pros

  • Decent processing speed.
  • Best APU in the A series.

Cons

  • It doesn’t have a cooler.
  • Older architecture.

FAQs

  1. What is the best APU for gaming currently on the market? The AMD Ryzen 7 5780G is currently one of the best APUs for gaming available, with its excellent balance of performance and price.
  2. Are APUs good for gaming? APUs can provide a competent gaming experience, particularly for casual gamers or those on a budget. They combine a CPU and GPU onto a single chip, often leading to better performance in gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks.
  3. Can I upgrade my APU? Yes, APUs can be upgraded, but the process is more complex than upgrading a separate CPU or GPU. You need to ensure that your motherboard supports the new APU and that your power supply can handle the increased load.
  4. Do I need a separate GPU with an APU? Not necessarily. APUs have integrated graphics, which can handle most games at moderate settings. However, a dedicated GPU may be beneficial for playing high-end games or for tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
  5. Is the AMD Ryzen 7 5780G good for gaming? Absolutely! With its 8 cores, 16 threads, and integrated Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics, the AMD Ryzen 7 5780G offers a superb gaming experience.
  6. What are the benefits of using an APU instead of a separate CPU and GPU? APUs can provide comparable performance at a lower cost and power consumption. They also occupy less space, making them ideal for compact systems like small form factor PCs and laptops.

Conclusion

Choosing the best APU for gaming depends on your specific needs and budget. While the AMD Ryzen 7 5780G and Ryzen 5 5600G are standout choices, it’s important to consider the types of games you play and other factors. We hope this guide has given you the knowledge and confidence to make the right decision. Happy gaming!

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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