What is an APU? AMD's new hybrid CPUs: Explained (2024)

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ByJon Martindale

What is an APU? AMD's new hybrid CPUs: Explained (1)
Although Intel has offered most its central processors with onboard graphics for some time, AMD has only done the same with distinctive product lines. Where its mainstream CPUs, even the latest Ryzen offerings, don’t offer any kind of built-in graphics, its accelerated processing units (APUs) do.

But what is an APU, and is it really any different from what Intel offers with its processors?The core concept of an APU is blessedly simple: An APU combines the functionality of a CPU and a GPU, two pieces of hardware found in basically any computer.

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Two halves make a whole

The central processing unit, or CPU,carries out all the instructions for computer programs. Every action you take on your computer, whether running a game or simply typing a letter, must go through the CPU.

The graphics processing unit, or GPU, is a piece of hardware that allows a computer to render images quickly. Creating 3D images often involves complex processes like rendering polygons, mapping textures, and using complicated equations involved in animation. Offloading these to dedicated hardware makes 3D images much quicker to produce.

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By integrating the CPU and GPU into a single unit, the APU produces a better transfer rate between the two, allowing them to share the burden of processing tasks. This also allows the APU to complete tasks while using less power than a standard CPU and graphics card setup and ensures a certain base level of graphical capability, which makes the overall user experience better. Most importantly, it means you don’t have to purchase a separate graphics card, which drastically lowers the overall price of your PC.

None of this is really any different from what Intel does with its CPUs though, even if AMD likes to call its chips that feature both cores something a little different. Mostof Intel’s recent architectures from its seventh and eighth generations, combine CPU and GPU functionality on a single die. Essentially, any modern processor you purchase these days will be an APU, even if it doesn’t bear the name. That doesn’t, however, mean they’re all made equal.

But are they worth it?

Although Intel chip buyers will almost always get themselves an on board graphics die whether they want one or not, AMD buyers have a choice. Do they buy a dedicated AMD CPU — preferably from the latest generation of Ryzen processors — or opt for an APU, like the new Ryzen with Vega chips? If you’re a gamer, even on a modest budget, you’re much better off opting for one of the best CPUs with a dedicated graphics card. Although that option is more expensive, the performance offered by both an independent processor and stand-alone video card is much better.

APUs have their place, perhaps with non-gamers and those on extremely low-budgets benefiting from the lack of a need for a dedicated graphics card. However, we’ve yet to see an APU that

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What is an APU? AMD's new hybrid CPUs: Explained (2024)

FAQs

What is an APU? AMD's new hybrid CPUs: Explained? ›

An APU (Accelerated Processing Unit

APU (Accelerated Processing Unit
An APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) is a type of processor that combines both a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) onto a single chip. A CPU, on the other hand, is a standalone processor that is responsible for performing most of the computations and data processing in a computer.
https://www.lenovo.com › glossary › apu-vs-cpu
) is a type of processor that combines both a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) onto a single chip.

How does AMD APU work? ›

AMD Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), formerly known as Fusion, is a series of 64-bit microprocessors from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), combining a general-purpose AMD64 central processing unit (CPU) and 3D integrated graphics processing unit (IGPU) on a single die.

What is the difference between a CPU and an APU? ›

To differentiate processors with and without integrated graphics card, AMD decided to name the processors with Integrated Graphics Cards as Accelerated Processing Units, while the processors without graphics cards are simply called CPUs. The APU is a brainchild of AMD. It is a CPU with an integrated graphics card.

What is the current best AMD APU? ›

  • Best AMD Ryzen APU overall. AMD Ryzen 7 8700G. iGPU: Radeon 780M. Shop on Amazon.
  • Best mid-range Ryzen APU. AMD Ryzen 5 8500G. Cores: 6. Threads: 12. Boost speed: 5GHz. Base speed: 3.5GHz. L3 Cache: 16MB. TDP: 65W. ...
  • Best budget Ryzen APU. AMD Ryzen 7 5700G. Cores: 8. Threads: 16. Boost speed: 4.6GHz. Base speed: 3.8GHz. L3 Cache: 16MB.
May 9, 2024

Is APU processor good? ›

In terms of power consumption, APUs are more efficient than CPUs. Since they combine both a CPU and a GPU onto a single chip, they require less power to run than a separate CPU and graphics card. This can be especially important in laptops and other portable devices where battery life is a concern.

What is the point of APU? ›

The auxiliary power unit (APU) is a small gas turbine engine mounted in the tail cone of an aircraft to provide autonomous electrical and mechanical power for the following: Starting power for the main engines. Pneumatic power for cabin air conditioning systems. Shaft power for other pneumatic and hydraulic systems.

Can you still use a graphics card with an APU? ›

Yes, you can use both an APU and a separate graphics card in the same system. This is known as "dual graphics" and can provide improved graphics performance in some applications. However, not all APUs support dual graphics, so it is important to check the specifications before attempting to use this configuration.

What is AMD's best CPU right now? ›

  • AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. The best AMD processor available right now. ...
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7600X. The perfect mix of performance and value. ...
  • AMD Ryzen 7 7700X. High-performance at an accessible price. ...
  • AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. Best CPU for AM4 motherboards. ...
  • AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. The best AMD processor for gaming. ...
  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
Jul 5, 2024

Is AMD releasing a new APU? ›

AMD Announces The Ryzen AI 300 Series For Mobile: Zen 5 With RDNA 3.5, and XDNA2 NPU With 50 TOPS. AMD Ryzen AI 300 "Strix" APUs Combine Up To 12 Zen 5 CPU, 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU & 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU Cores, Faster Than Snapdragon X.

What is the most power efficient Ryzen APU? ›

AMD Ryzen 5 8600G Power Consumption and Efficiency

AMD's APUs have always had exceptional power efficiency — the prior-gen 5700G and 5600G are among the most power-efficient chips we've ever tested.

What are the downsides of APU? ›

In most cases, upgrading an APU is more difficult than upgrading a CPU. Since the GPU is integrated onto the chip, it cannot be easily replaced or upgraded. However, some APUs allow for the addition of a discrete graphics card, which can be used in conjunction with the integrated GPU.

Are AMD APUs worth it? ›

The APUs are capable of running modern AAA titles at 1080p 60FPS very easily. So yes, your favourite Palworld will run easily on these APUs giving you a smoother and top-notch experience.

Is Intel better or AMD? ›

AMD chips generally come with more cores overall for the price. AMD chips generally have more cache, which can be great for gaming and other high-performance activities. AMD chips come with better onboard graphics chips, but the new Intel generations are closing this gap quickly.

Is AMD APU good for gaming? ›

As with its prior G series desktop APUs, the 8000 series is aimed at gamers on a budget. The highlights of this new APU lineup included Zen 4 architecture, up to 8 cores, and RDNA 3-based Radeon 780M integrated graphics.

How does APU operate? ›

How Does an APU Work? An APU is normally a gas turbine engine (although piston-driven versions are entering the market too). It works in precisely the same way as a conventional jet engine. It draws in air, compresses it, mixes it with fuel, and ignites it to produce a hot compressed exhaust gas.

Is AMD APU driver needed? ›

You don't need the APU driver (it is for processors with graphics).

Why does the PS5 use an APU? ›

The PS5 APU got a respin at TSMC N6, which reduced power consumption & made current gen PS5's much lighter (due to smaller heat sink, fan, & PSU). Also, they can cut down the clock speeds to keep cooling in check.

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