When it comes to building a powerful gaming PC or a workstation, the central processing unit (CPU) is one of the most critical components. AMD’s Ryzen series has been a popular choice among PC enthusiasts, offering high-performance processing at an affordable price. However, not all Ryzen CPUs are created equal, and some models come with built-in graphics, while others require a separate graphics card. In this article, we’ll explore which Ryzen CPUs have built-in graphics and what you can expect from them.
Understanding Ryzen CPUs with Integrated Graphics
Ryzen CPUs with integrated graphics are known as Accelerated Processing Units (APUs). These APUs combine the CPU and GPU on a single die, providing a cost-effective solution for general computing, gaming, and content creation. The integrated GPU is based on AMD’s Vega architecture, which offers improved performance and power efficiency compared to previous generations.
Ryzen APU Lineup
AMD offers a range of Ryzen APUs, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the most popular Ryzen APUs:
- Ryzen 3 3200G: A budget-friendly APU with 4 cores and 8 threads, featuring the Vega 8 GPU.
- Ryzen 5 3400G: A mid-range APU with 4 cores and 8 threads, featuring the Vega 11 GPU.
- Ryzen 5 5600G: A high-performance APU with 6 cores and 12 threads, featuring the Vega 7 GPU.
- Ryzen 7 5700G: A flagship APU with 8 cores and 16 threads, featuring the Vega 8 GPU.
Key Features of Ryzen APUs
Ryzen APUs offer several key features that make them attractive to PC builders:
- Integrated Graphics: Ryzen APUs come with built-in Vega graphics, eliminating the need for a separate graphics card.
- Multi-Threading: Ryzen APUs support multi-threading, allowing for improved performance in applications that utilize multiple cores.
- PCIe 3.0: Ryzen APUs support PCIe 3.0, providing fast storage and graphics performance.
- Wraith Cooler: Many Ryzen APUs come with the Wraith cooler, a high-performance cooler that provides excellent thermal management.
Performance Comparison: Ryzen APUs vs. Discrete Graphics
While Ryzen APUs offer impressive integrated graphics performance, they still can’t match the performance of a dedicated graphics card. Here’s a comparison of the Ryzen 5 3400G and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660:
| Benchmark | Ryzen 5 3400G | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 |
| — | — | — |
| 3DMark Time Spy | 4,500 | 7,500 |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Fortnite | 40 FPS | 80 FPS |
As you can see, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 outperforms the Ryzen 5 3400G in most benchmarks. However, the Ryzen 5 3400G still offers impressive performance for an integrated GPU.
Gaming Performance: Ryzen APUs vs. Discrete Graphics
While Ryzen APUs can handle modern games at lower resolutions, they may struggle with more demanding titles. Here’s a comparison of the Ryzen 5 3400G and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 in several popular games:
- Fortnite: The Ryzen 5 3400G can handle Fortnite at 1080p with medium settings, while the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 can handle 1440p with high settings.
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds: The Ryzen 5 3400G can handle PUBG at 1080p with low settings, while the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 can handle 1440p with medium settings.
- Overwatch: The Ryzen 5 3400G can handle Overwatch at 1080p with medium settings, while the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 can handle 1440p with high settings.
Content Creation: Ryzen APUs vs. Discrete Graphics
Ryzen APUs can also handle content creation tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. Here’s a comparison of the Ryzen 5 3400G and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 in several content creation applications:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: The Ryzen 5 3400G can handle 1080p video editing with medium settings, while the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 can handle 4K video editing with high settings.
- Blender: The Ryzen 5 3400G can handle 3D modeling with medium settings, while the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 can handle complex 3D models with high settings.
Conclusion
Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics offer an attractive solution for PC builders who want a cost-effective and powerful CPU. While they may not match the performance of a dedicated graphics card, they can still handle modern games and content creation tasks. When choosing a Ryzen APU, consider your specific needs and budget, and don’t hesitate to pair it with a dedicated graphics card for improved performance.
Final Thoughts
Ryzen APUs are an excellent choice for:
- Budget builders: Ryzen APUs offer an affordable solution for PC builders who want a powerful CPU without breaking the bank.
- General computing: Ryzen APUs can handle general computing tasks like web browsing, office work, and streaming.
- Gaming: Ryzen APUs can handle modern games at lower resolutions, making them a great choice for casual gamers.
However, if you’re a serious gamer or content creator, you may want to consider a dedicated graphics card for improved performance.
Recommendations
Based on our analysis, we recommend the following Ryzen APUs:
- Ryzen 3 3200G: A budget-friendly APU with 4 cores and 8 threads, featuring the Vega 8 GPU.
- Ryzen 5 3400G: A mid-range APU with 4 cores and 8 threads, featuring the Vega 11 GPU.
- Ryzen 5 5600G: A high-performance APU with 6 cores and 12 threads, featuring the Vega 7 GPU.
Ultimately, the choice of Ryzen APU depends on your specific needs and budget. Be sure to research and compare different models before making a decision.
What is the difference between Ryzen CPUs with and without built-in graphics?
Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics, also known as Accelerated Processing Units (APUs), have a graphics processing unit (GPU) integrated into the CPU. This allows for improved graphics performance and the ability to run graphics-intensive applications without the need for a separate graphics card. On the other hand, Ryzen CPUs without built-in graphics require a separate graphics card to be installed in order to run graphics-intensive applications.
The main advantage of Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics is that they offer a more affordable and compact solution for general computing and light gaming. However, for more demanding applications such as gaming and video editing, a separate graphics card is still recommended for optimal performance.
Which Ryzen CPUs have built-in graphics?
Several Ryzen CPUs have built-in graphics, including the Ryzen 3 3200G, Ryzen 3 3400G, Ryzen 5 3400G, Ryzen 5 5600G, and Ryzen 7 5700G. These CPUs have a Vega graphics core integrated into the CPU, which provides improved graphics performance compared to Intel’s integrated graphics.
It’s worth noting that not all Ryzen CPUs have built-in graphics, so it’s essential to check the specifications of the CPU before making a purchase. Additionally, the performance of the built-in graphics can vary depending on the specific CPU model and the applications being run.
What is the performance of Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics?
The performance of Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics is generally better than Intel’s integrated graphics, but not as good as a separate graphics card. The Vega graphics core in Ryzen CPUs provides improved graphics performance, but it’s still not suitable for demanding applications such as gaming and video editing.
However, for general computing and light gaming, Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics can provide smooth performance and are a great option for those on a budget. Additionally, the performance of the built-in graphics can be improved with the use of dual-channel memory and a fast storage drive.
Can I upgrade the graphics on a Ryzen CPU with built-in graphics?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade the graphics on a Ryzen CPU with built-in graphics by installing a separate graphics card. This can provide a significant boost in graphics performance and allow for more demanding applications to be run.
However, it’s essential to check the specifications of the motherboard and CPU to ensure that they support the installation of a separate graphics card. Additionally, the performance of the built-in graphics will be disabled when a separate graphics card is installed.
Are Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics suitable for gaming?
Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics can be suitable for light gaming, but they may not provide the best performance for more demanding games. The Vega graphics core in Ryzen CPUs provides improved graphics performance, but it’s still not as good as a separate graphics card.
For more demanding games, a separate graphics card is recommended for optimal performance. However, for casual gaming and esports, Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics can provide smooth performance and are a great option for those on a budget.
Can I use a Ryzen CPU with built-in graphics for video editing and other creative applications?
Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics can be used for video editing and other creative applications, but they may not provide the best performance. The Vega graphics core in Ryzen CPUs provides improved graphics performance, but it’s still not as good as a separate graphics card.
For more demanding applications such as video editing and 3D modeling, a separate graphics card is recommended for optimal performance. However, for general creative applications such as photo editing and graphic design, Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics can provide smooth performance and are a great option for those on a budget.
Are Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics worth the investment?
Ryzen CPUs with built-in graphics can be a great option for those on a budget or who don’t need the best graphics performance. They offer a more affordable and compact solution for general computing and light gaming, and can provide smooth performance for general creative applications.
However, for more demanding applications such as gaming and video editing, a separate graphics card is still recommended for optimal performance. Ultimately, whether or not a Ryzen CPU with built-in graphics is worth the investment depends on your specific needs and budget.