A leak about AMD’s latest processors reveals that mid-range processors with graphics chips are also expected. This could be a good alternative for gamers hoping for falling prices in components. MeinMMO explains why AMD’s Ryzen 7000 could be a good and cheaper upgrade for gamers than a graphics card in the future.
A leak has now revealed some details about AMD’s new Ryzen 7000 processors (Videocardz.com). The new processors are expected to feature “Zen4” architecture and run under the name “Raphael”.
The latest leak also shows that AMD might incorporate a graphics chip with Navi2 architecture into its latest processors. Processors with a powerful graphics chip should particularly interest gamers who are not willing to spend a lot of money on a graphics card. At least, this can be seen on a roadmap.
This map has not yet been confirmed by AMD.
So far, AMD offers various Accelerated Processing Units (APUs). With these so-called combo processors, AMD refers to processors that provide a graphics chip in addition to the actual CPU. The PC can thus start even without an additional graphics card, and some games can also be played with it.
If the leak is to be believed, further AMD processors with powerful graphics chips could follow. This would be a strong statement, especially at a time when graphics cards are hardly available. Because so far, it is also not known how long the low availability will last.
Lack of graphics cards could give combo processors a boost
Those who currently want to buy a fast graphics card have to pay hefty surcharges. Because hardly any graphics card is currently really affordable. They often cost double the recommended retail price. Also, older graphics cards are currently not a recommended purchase if you are looking for a new graphics card.
If AMD now equips mid-range processors with powerful graphics chips, it could definitely appeal to some gamers currently searching for a reasonable alternative to modern graphics cards. Especially for bridging the current shortage phase, such a combo processor is worth considering right now.
With Ryzen 3 3200G and Ryzen 5 3400G, there are currently entry-level processors with decent performance, especially in the low-budget segment.
There are already several combo processors from Ryzen 5000, but these are installed in pre-built PCs and are not easily available for self-builders.
AMD’s Ryzen APUs primarily target budget gamers
What is the advantage? A computer with a combo processor can also start without an installed graphics card. Even playing some games is possible without any issues. For those who play casual titles or more E-Sports titles like League of Legends, Dota, and others, an APU is still a good alternative. Basically, you save additional money here.
Additionally, the APUs also fit on the standard socket. Since a graphics chip is already integrated, these processors can also be easily installed in compact computers, as you do not need to fit a large graphics card into the PC.
What is the disadvantage? Those who want to game at high resolutions and with high details are currently at a disadvantage with combo processors. Also, the CPU performance is on average below that of regular processors since both share the space on the socket.
AMD’s APUs also do not have their own video memory. Instead, the processor has to rely on the system’s DDR4 RAM. This memory is not as fast as video memory.
Currently, prices in this area are also slightly rising, but they are still at a relatively affordable level. They are still far from the excessively high prices of new graphics cards.
What do you think? Would a fast gaming APU be an alternative for you, or do you definitely want a graphics card? On MeinMMO, you told us that you are indeed willing to spend a lot of money on a graphics card.
