Some of the most popular games these days don't require one of the best graphics cards to get the most out of the experience, and AMD's new combo processor-graphics chipsets are making that even easier. Yes, we're talking about a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU with integrated Vega GPU magic.
By the numbers
There are currently two Ryzen CPUs available with integrated Vega graphics processing: the Ryzen 3 2200G and more powerful Ryzen 5 2400G. Both are quad-core processors, with the Ryzen 5 coming with an additional four threads. The latter also packs in Vega 11 graphics.
| Category | Ryzen 3 2200G | Ryzen 5 2400G |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 8 |
| Clock speed | 3.7 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Cache | 2 MB 4 MB |
2 MB 4 MB |
| GPU | Vega 8 | Vega 11 |
| Price | $100 | $170 |
These APUs even use the same AM4 socket other Ryzen processors use, which is a step up from the previous generation.
Bright future
AMD Ryzen CPUs with Vega aren't the peak of performance, but what the release of the 2200G and 2400G show is a bright future for AMD processors with integrated graphics. Top-end GPUs will continue to be priced out of reach for many gamers, so an integrated solution such as this can be a much more attractive alternative option. Should AMD continue down the integrated APU path, adding more power and capability to the current duo of Ryzen and Vega, we could be looking at something really special.
The current line-up is perfect for games that do not need much in terms of computing power. Think League of Legends, Overwatch, and other light titles. It's also a solid option for eSports organizers, who only require enough power to run a specific title. PCs on the stage of this year's League of Legends Worlds tournament won't require GTX Titans, nor will they need an Intel Core i7. Throw a Ryzen 5 2400G inside and be done with it.
AMD is even working with Intel on adding Vega graphics to Intel processors. That's a major achievement for team red and shows the potential Vega has in the CPU segment, especially given how hard Intel has tried to get its own HD and Iris graphics chips off the ground, only to hit a brick wall.
Watch this space
If you're looking to put together a new PC and need to save some cash (and simply cannot fork out $700 on a GPU), you may want to consider AMD Ryzen APUs. The best part is everything on AMD's platform utilizes the AM4 socket. This makes it possible to upgrade to a more powerful Ryzen 7 (or Threadripper) at a point in future when pricing for dedicated GPUs comes down a little.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Timeline support is being removed from Microsoft Launcher on Android
Microsoft's Timeline feature on Windows 10 has seen little success since it's debut, with only a handful of applications really taking advantage of the cross-device syncing capabilities that Timeline provides. While Timeline is still part of Windows 10 today, other Microsoft products appear to be moving away from it in favor of a more traditional "recents" UI.
Galaxy Buds Live earbuds review: Are these pricey Bluetooth beans worth it?
What if headphones, were beans? That's what Samsung asked itself, and then ultimately answered with the Galaxy Buds Live. But are these pricey earbuds worth it? Or do they not even amount to a hill of beans. Beans beans beans beans.
Review: Until you Fall will punish you, but it's worth it
Until You Fall is a VR roguelite that'll challenge your skills with a blade, your wits, and your arm muscles. It's now available on the Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, PlayStation VR (PSVR), and PC VR platforms including SteamVR and Oculus Rift.
Use these PCIe 4.0 motherboards with the GeForce RTX 3070 GPU
The latest GeForce RTX 30 series from NVIDIA utilizes PCIe 4.0, but is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0. If you're in the market for a new motherboard and want the very best, we've rounded up some excellent recommendations for you to start your search with.