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When looking to build a gaming PC, there’s definitely a wide range of choices on the market regarding the type of processor to use.
There’s the standard Central Processing Unit (CPU), which requires a separate, dedicated graphics accelerator card (GPU).
Then there’s chip maker AMD’s Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), which combines both CPU and GPU into one. These can range from low-power and low-speed to truly high-end overclocked units.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Amd Apu For Gaming
Accordingly, AMD has split their APUs into three different product lines, and the type you select will depend on the features you need and the price you’re willing to pay.
With AMD’s updated lineup, things have become somewhat confusing as an outsider looking in.
That’s why we’ve created this list of the best AMD APUs.
Comparison of the Best AMD APUs for Gaming on a Budget
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What Should You Expect When Getting an APU?
If you’re building a gaming PC to play games like Minecraft and LOL (League of Legends), then an APU is a great buy, as it allows you to keep the costs of a build down dramatically.
However, if you’re trying to play triple A title games at anything higher than medium settings, then an APU is not for you.
We're not trying to deter you from getting an APU, we just want you to know what you’re getting before you end up disappointed.
All in all, for what you get, APUs are more than worth the cost as they make PC gaming much more affordable for those who don’t have the steep budgets for higher-end gaming.
Review of the Best AMD APUs for Gaming on a Budget
Here are our top picks:
Best Overall:
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
PROS
CONS
Right now the flagship APU for AMD is the Ryzen 3400G. For only $150 you get a powerful CPU and GPU that can run AAA games at medium to high settings.
- GTA 5: 56 FPS – Normal Settings, 1080p
- Project Cars 3: 43 FPS – Medium Settings, 1080p
- Fortnite: 73 FPS – Low Settings, 1080p
- Doom: 52 FPS – Medium Settings, 1080p
- Rocket League: 82 FPS – 1080p
- Assassins Creed Odyssey: 32 FPS – Low, 720p
If you’re looking to build a gaming PC on a budget, then there’s nothing better than this out there!
Runner-up:
AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
PROS
CONS
If you’re looking to save a few dollars and still get most of the value of the 3400G, then the 2400G is something you’d want to consider.
Wondering what kind of performance you can expect? Here’s a list of how the 2400G performed in some popular gaming titles.
- GTA 5: 55 FPS – Normal Settings, 1080p
- Project Cars 3: 38 FPS – Medium Settings, 1080p
- Fortnite: 61 FPS – Low Settings, 1080p
- Doom: 48 FPS – Medium Settings, 1080p
- Rocket League: 74 FPS – 1080p
- Assassins Creed Odyssey: 24 FPS – Low, 720p
With the same Vega 11 graphics as the 3400g, this is a great choice for someone looking for a cheaper AMD APU for gaming.
3. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
PROS
CONS
If you’re looking for the best APU under $100, then the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G is it.
With Vega 8 graphics and four cores and four threads, you’re getting an all-in one gaming package that will get you in the door of the gaming world!
4. Ryzen 3 2200G
PROS
CONS
If you’re looking for a cheaper version of the 3200G, then the 2200G is something you may want to consider.
You’re getting a very similar CPU at a cheaper price, making this enticing for someone on a budget.
5. AMD Athlon 200GE
PROS
CONS
The 200GE is the cheapest APU on the list, but even the 200GE is powerful enough to run most games at the lower levels.
If you’re on a very tight budget, then the 200GE might be the APU for you!
Our Recommended AMD APUs
When choosing a gaming APU, there are a lot of factors to consider. We’ve looked at such features as price, performance, and features, most notably the speed of the CPU portion, as well as the GPU ability.
3400G/2400G
Get the 3400G if you want the BEST APU for gaming. The 3400G is slightly better, and is currently AMD’s premiere APU.
If you want something that’s very similar, get the 2400G and save a few dollars. The 3400G is slightly better.
3200G/2200G
They’re similar in the graphics department, but get the 3200G if you can afford it, as it’s a little bit better than the 2200G.
If you want something cheaper without sacrificing much, get the 2200G and you’ll still have a great gaming experience.
200GE
Get the 200GE if you’re on a VERY tight budget, and can’t get the 2200G. The 2200G is twice as good as the 200GE.
Pros of an AMD APU
- They’re great placeholders
- Very affordable for budget gaming
- Great for cheap PC builds in general
The bottom line is that if you’re looking for something that’s going to be an all-in-one solution or maybe something that can get you in the PC gaming space, then APUs are a great choice.
You can always upgrade to a better GPU in the future and use the APU as a CPU.
Cons of an AMD APU
- Not able to really compete with a real graphics card or high-end CPU
The only real con with an AMD APU is the fact that you’re never going to get the same productivity from an APU that you’d get from a graphics card or CPU of the same price.
So, if you’re looking for the best performance possible, then that’s not going to come from an APU. The beauty with APUs is that they can field both spots, and that makes them perfect for budget gamers.
Conclusion
Honestly, while AMD APUs can be very useful in cheap gaming PC builds, if you’re looking for something that’s going to play games for a long time, check out our cheap gaming PC builds.
These builds are not only affordable but also have all the style and power you could want. Check out the two options we have listed for yourself.
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