APU vs CPU vs GPU: Which Is Best For You? Update 12/2024

The graphics processing unit (GPU) is responsible for rendering and computation. In a computer, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain that directs the other parts what to do. Although AMD’s APU isn’t as powerful as Intel’s APU, it is more power efficient and cost-effective than Intel’s APU.

PC lingo can be difficult to understand at first. Even if you’re an experienced PC builder, navigating all the acronyms and jargon might be a challenge.

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Among these acronyms, there are three that you’ll inevitably encounter when building a PC: CPU, GPU, and APU. What these acronyms imply and how they differ from one another will be discussed in further detail today.

What Is A GPU?

An operating system’s GUI, images and videos, or more complicated topics like video games and professional software used for animation and 3D modeling are all rendered by a GPU, or graphics processing unit.

Using a programmable electronic circuit board, the GPU can quickly process large numbers of images or frames, which are subsequently displayed on a monitor. Nvidia and AMD’s GPUs have hundreds of cores (CUDA cores for Nvidia, and Stream processors for AMD) that work together to solve massive clusters of data simultaneously.

GPUs exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they’re all connected to the motherboard via a PCI Express (PCIe) slot.

However, external GPU enclosures can also be employed to house GPUs. They connect to a computer or laptop using a Thunderbolt 3 connector in this scenario. Because of this, they are a good choice for laptop users, as they can easily enhance the performance of a laptop. GPUs are notoriously heat-generating devices, therefore they’re not ideal for laptop use. If you’re using an external graphics card, you may notice that Thunderbolt 3 isn’t as quick as a PCIe x16 connection.

In addition, there are GPUs that are already built into the motherboard. A CPU or motherboard can be used, but the former is more prevalent these days because it is easier to combine them. These GPUs don’t have a separate VRAM, so they use a piece of the system’s RAM to do their tasks. These graphics cards can be made at a lower cost and have lower performance, making them more suitable for casual users who don’t plan to use their PCs for gaming or workstation purposes.

Nvidia and AMD have been the dominant players in the dedicated GPU industry for some time. It was Nvidia who controlled the high-end and the upper middle-range of the price spectrum.. Nevertheless, AMD’s low- and mid-range products gave superior value for the money spent by its clients. Despite this, AMD’s graphics cards have not been as popular as Nvidia’s in the last few years..

There are other AMD APUs that can perform the same functions as Intel HD Graphics, Iris Graphics, and Iris Pro Graphics on devices with an Intel CPU, but we’ll get to those in a moment.

What Is A CPU?

In the simplest terms, the CPU, or central processing unit, is the building block of a computer. At any given time, it can perform a staggering number of computations and calculations. It is the brains of any computer, processing information and directing the other components.

There are billions of transistors in a modern CPU and numerous cores, which allow it to do a variety of activities at the same time. A single-core CPU, on the other hand, could only handle one task at a time, providing the appearance of multitasking only when it switched between them swiftly.

Now, standard CPUs can have up to sixteen cores, each of which can be further divided into virtual/logical ones via hyper-threading/multi-threading, whereas CPUs with four cores were serious ten years ago.

Gigahertz (GHz) are used to measure speed, and one instruction is equal to one hertz. So a CPU running at 3 GHz can churn out 3 billion instructions per second with no problem. If the software is able to take advantage of the hardware’s capabilities, a faster CPU will result in a faster and more capable PC.

When it comes to overclocking, several CPUs are capable of processing even more instructions per second than the normal factory clock. As a result, overclocking a CPU produces extra heat. If you want to get the most out of your CPU, a third-party cooler is usually required.

It’s the GPU that does the bulk of the heavy lifting when it comes to generating realistic 3D worlds in real time, so a CPU isn’t as critical for gaming as a GPU would be. Only bottlenecking should be a concern for gamers in this regard. Unless a CPU can keep up with a GPU, the GPU won’t be utilized to its best potential. Fortunately, even for high-end gaming, a mid-range CPU is more than capable. You can also utilize this site if you prefer to stay on the safe side.

AMD’s Ryzen in 2017 leveled the playing field, allowing Intel and AMD to compete on a level playing field for the past few years. It’s not just Intel that makes CPUs; there are a number of other firms that do as well. IBM, Apple, Samsung, Qualcomm, HiSillicon, and Acer are just a few of the well-known names on this list.

What Is An APU?

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This brings us to APUs, or accelerated processing units. An APU is a type of computer processor that was created by AMD in 2011 and introduced as the first iteration in 2011.

But what are they exactly?

A single die houses both the CPU and the GPU cores of an APU. APUs and integrated GPUs have certain technological differences, but in terms of their intended use, they serve the same purpose: to provide low-cost PCs and laptops that aren’t designed for gaming with an entry-level graphics solution. Additionally, both the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, as well as the more powerful Pro and X models, used AMD’s Jaguar APUs.

AMD currently has a number of APUs that can be used with the AM4 socket:

• Low-cost laptop and desktop computers typically use APUs in the A-Series family, which are the weakest of the group.
• There are a number of newer and typically more powerful Athlon series APUs, which include Vega graphics processing units (GPUs).
• It is expected that the Ryzen APUs will be the most powerful APUs ever produced.

In the end, APUs are quite efficient and consume very little power. They aren’t quite great in terms of their in-game performance—that is, except for the new Vega-equipped APUs, which push the limits of what type of performance one can anticipate from an APU.

Both the Ryzen 3 2200G and 5 2400G can compete with some low-end graphics cards and outperform Intel’s integrated graphics in benchmarks, making them attractive options for gamers on a budget. They can’t compete with the likes of the GTX 1050 or RX 560, though, because they are merely entry-level options.

What’s An APU, “The Accelerated Processing Unit”? Explained:permalink

If you’re looking for a 64-bit microprocessor that does both CPU and graphics processing in one unit, go no further than AMD’s Accelerated Processing Unit (APU). AMD introduced the first ever APU in 2011 with the launch of their Advanced Micro-processing Devices(AMD) technology. In addition, this company’s graphics chip isn’t the first of its kind. But the most important thing is that they manufacture chips powerful enough to enable a frame rate and resolution that can be used for playing video games.

The Raven Ridge APU generation is one of the most well-known. Because of this, it has AMD Zen-based CPU cores. Radeon Vega GPUs from AMD also let you play powerful games at 720p and some low-spec titles at 1080p with modest settings. In addition, Picasso APUs are becoming commonplace (U-series and H-series). Because of the inclusion of Vega graphics and Zen+ CPU cores, the U-series CPUs are up to 8% more efficient and powerful than Raven Ridge.

The TDP of generation H APUs is higher than that of the U series, despite the fact that they are comparable in design. With eight physical cores and 16 processing threads in the newest chips (5000 series), it may be the most powerful APU ever made. Despite the lack of information on the base clock, we predict it to have a maximum clock speed of 4.7GHz.

Threadspermalink

Parallelism is the ability to run multiple processes on the same computer at once. Despite this, there is only one core that exists in the real world. For all practical purposes, it functions as if it has two CPUs. It’s the most basic of the three.

Graphicspermalink

The “GPU” integrated into an APU is what is referred to as its “graphics card.” As of present, the most powerful budget APUs have Vega 8 and Vega 11 at the top of their Vega hierarchy.

Performance:permalink

With an APU, the CPU and the graphics processor are all on the same die. AMD has come out with a terrific new technology, and it outperforms Intel HD graphics in terms of processing speed. And it runs a lot of games better than a lot of low-budget GPU/CPU combos (even many newly launched).

Besides its performance, it would be helpful if you never considered an APU for high-end, or serious gaming purposes, such as a graphics card (as advertised by AMD). For multimedia and casual computing, on the other hand, it’s well-suited. Most significantly, it’s capable of running a wide range of games with a respectable 720p frame rate (if you get the 7850K model).

Listen carefully if you’re planning to add a GPU to an APU! Even though an NVIDIA GPU can easily be integrated into your APU, why would you buy an APU if you’re going to buy an additional component? Choosing a CPU instead of an APU is a wonderful idea because you’ll still need to buy an additional gadget.

APU is the most cost-effective option if this is something you’re considering right now and you’re on a tight budget. GPU + CPU is the ideal option if you’re looking for sheer power and the most value for your money.

CPU vs. APU:permalink

Almost all Intel CPUs and AMD APUs include built-in graphics, as you probably already know. Intel UHD graphics are included in the Intel. But AMD’s Vega graphics outperform Intel’s Intel Core i7 processor by a wide margin. Here, we can state that the APU is top dog in the gaming department.

The graphics power of some entry-level dedicated GPUs is superior to that of some low-cost integrated graphics (iGPU). As a result, if you choose to play games that need a high degree of visual acuity, you’ll need a graphics card.

CPU + GPU: A World-Famous Combopermalink

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The CPU and GPU are always a powerful but expensive pair that executes all of your computer’s difficult tasks. Using Blender, you can create stunning 3D models and use Unity to build multi-player games. You can also play any game you want and perform any computational activity you need. You’ll get everything you need in this package.

Another great performance-enhancing combination is the Core i9 10900K with the GeForce RTX 2060 Super. Under $1200, you can play at 1080p 60fps with this set-up. The current COVID-19 pandemic, on the other hand, has driven up the cost of computing devices, including GPUs and CPUs. If you’re looking for a gaming PC on a regular basis, this combo is for you.

Besides that, an APU will not compete with a CPU with a separate graphics card in terms of performance. Because two different components perform better and complete tasks more efficiently, but unless you’re working on an all-singing, all-dancing gaming superstation, that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

What Makes An APU Bad For Gamingpermalink

Aside from that, an APU’s performance is not comparable to that of a CPU equipped with a dedicated graphics card. As long as you’re not building an all-out gaming superstation, you shouldn’t take it for granted that two separate components will perform better and accomplish jobs more quickly.

Aside from that, an APU’s performance will lag well behind a CPU equipped with a discrete graphics card. As long as you’re not building an all-out gaming superstation, you shouldn’t take it for granted that two separate components would perform better and accomplish jobs more quickly than one.

Why Even Consider APU For Gaming in 2021?permalink

APUs in midrange or high-end gaming computers are not something we support. Because of this, they’re a good option for those who want to play games at 720p and have a little more power than Intel’s processors. With an APU, you may have a low-cost processor and a low-cost graphics card in one package, saving you money on both items.

In addition, I’d like to know when an APU over a budget processor and graphics card makes more sense.

Where CPUs Takes The Lead From APUs:permalink

There is no doubt that if you have a budget of $500 or more, you should choose a CPU and graphics card that are both on the lower end of the price spectrum. You can still get CPUs that have thermal paste linked to their thermal coolers to improve their performance. Despite this, Right now, we recommend an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor and an AMD RX 580 GPU for a $500 gaming PC. The Ryzen 5 2600 and the RX 580 will knock the Ryzen 5 3400G out of its league in any situation, whether it’s gaming or CPU-intensive work.

As a result, AMD’s APUs aren’t cost-effective at many price points. Many gamers want to play games, but they’re on a restricted budget, therefore the price points in which these new chips are available are “critical.” To play their favorite games, users simply need a low-end system that can run them at 720p and 30 frames per second or lower on medium and low settings. And an APU will be welcomed by those gamers.

APU Or CPU/GPU Combo?

If you’re in the market for new technology, you should always examine your requirements and decide on the intended usage of the hardware. Another important consideration is your financial situation. A top-of-the-line gaming PC will set you back a lot more money than an APU..

An APU is an excellent choice for a work computer that also allows you to play casual eSports or independent games.

Upgradeability is a major selling point for the APU. A dedicated GPU can be purchased in the future if you wish to play more graphics-intensive games at this time. It appears that AMD’s Zen 3 CPUs will be enhanced even further by integrating AMD’s RDNA 2 processors, so it is your best bet.

There are many situations where a specialized CPU and GPU are preferable. An integrated CPU and GPU are simply too powerful for a single chip to compete with. Basically, the APU is a master of none whereas the CPU and GPU are stark opposites in terms of their abilities.

FAQS:

Is an APU better than a CPU and GPU?

In a nutshell, it’s AMD’s most powerful and fastest GPU and CPU combination while retaining the famed AMD responsiveness and responsiveness. Because it is less expensive and can perform both CPU and GPU functions, an APU is a good compromise between the two components. However, it falls short of the combined power of a CPU and a GPU.

Should I buy APU if I have GPU?

You can use both, but doing so necessitates the purchase of a specific, low-end video card, and the gains are minimal. You can, but it’s best to do it as an improvement. Purchasing a graphics card is unnecessary if you already have an APU. It is not recommended that you purchase an APU and a graphics card at the same time.

Is an APU faster than a CPU?

What is the difference between APUs and something else? When it comes to gaming, an APU will usually surpass a CPU by itself. In reality, most gamers use a specialized graphics card with their CPUs to play games. An APU will never be able to match the gaming performance of a competent CPU and a mid-range graphics card.

Coclusion:

As a result, here’s the bottom line:

• It’s CPU’s job to keep track of all the computer components and make sure they’re all working properly as a whole.
• In video games, the graphics processing unit (GPU) is the heavy lifter that ensures that in-game sceneries appear as nice as the CPU says they should appear..
• Accelerated processing unit: A CPU/GPU hybrid, a jack of all trades but master of none. Laptops and notebooks can save space and money by using this technology, but it isn’t strong enough to play AAA games.

When it comes down to it, the only thing you need to consider is your budget when deciding whether an APU is a better option than the traditional CPU + GPU combination. When it comes to designing a budget gaming PC, they are a fantastic option. In spite of this, even the most powerful APU on the market (the Ryzen 5 2400G) would struggle to handle anything other than indie or eSports games.

However, if you’re in the market for new parts right now, you might find our buying guides for gaming CPUs, GPUs, and APUs useful.

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