When choosing the best AMD processors with integrated graphics, it’s crucial to consider the balance between price, power efficiency, and GPU performance.
AMD’s Ryzen APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) deliver high-end processing power along with Radeon integrated graphics, ideal for gaming, content creation, and productivity-all without needing a discrete graphics card.
What Is an AMD APU and Why It Matters
An AMD APU combines a powerful Ryzen CPU core with Radeon Vega or RDNA-based GPU cores on a single chip.
This integration delivers significant performance for users who want capable graphics performance without the cost or bulk of a dedicated GPU.
1. AMD Ryzen 7 8700G – Best Overall APU
The Ryzen 7 8700G is currently the most powerful APU AMD offers, based on the Zen 4 architecture with RDNA 3 graphics.
It supports advanced features like AI acceleration and AVX-512 instructions, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and content creation.
- Cores/Threads: 8C/16T
- Base/Boost Clock: 4.2 GHz / 5.1 GHz
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon 780M (RDNA 3)
- GPU Compute Units: 12
- TDP: 65W
- Architecture: Zen 4
- Approx. Price: $329 – $350
Performance Highlights:
- Up to 1080p high settings gaming in titles like Fortnite, GTA V, and League of Legends.
- Hardware-accelerated AV1 encoding/decoding.
- Smart Access Graphics for seamless GPU switching on hybrid systems.
2. AMD Ryzen 5 8600G – Best Mid-Range Gaming APU
Ideal for budget-conscious gamers and mainstream users, the Ryzen 5 8600G offers superb 1080p gaming performance and multitasking capabilities.
It handles demanding applications with ease thanks to Zen 4 cores and RDNA 3 graphics.
- Cores/Threads: 6C/12T
- Base/Boost Clock: 4.3 GHz / 5.0 GHz
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon 760M (RDNA 3)
- GPU Compute Units: 8
- TDP: 65W
- Architecture: Zen 4
- Approx. Price: $170 – $181
Why Choose Ryzen 5 8600G:
- Great price-to-performance ratio.
- Capable of AAA gaming on medium settings.
- Solid productivity and video editing performance.
3. AMD Ryzen 7 5700G – Best for Productivity & Content Creation
While it’s based on an older architecture, the Ryzen 7 5700G still stands out in 2025 due to its reliable multi-threading performance and high-efficiency Vega integrated graphics.
It’s an excellent choice for professionals and creators on a budget.
- Cores/Threads: 8C/16T
- Base/Boost Clock: 3.8 GHz / 4.6 GHz
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon Vega 8
- GPU Compute Units: 8
- TDP: 65W
- Architecture: Zen 3
- Approx. Price: $180 – $200
Key Strengths:
- Strong CPU performance in multi-core workloads.
- Good enough for light gaming and 4K media playback.
- High compatibility with AM4 motherboards.
4. AMD Ryzen 5 5600G – Best Value APU for Everyday Use
The Ryzen 5 5600G offers one of the best values in AMD’s APU lineup. Despite using the older Vega GPU architecture, it delivers dependable 720p and 1080p performance for e-sports and indie games.
- Cores/Threads: 6C/12T
- Base/Boost Clock: 3.9 GHz / 4.4 GHz
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon Vega 7
- GPU Compute Units: 7
- TDP: 65W
- Architecture: Zen 3
- Approx. Price: $130 – $150
Who It’s For:
- Students and office users needing reliable, all-in-one performance.
- Home media centers and HTPCs.
- Gamers on a tight budget.
5.AMD Athlon 3000G – Best Ultra-Budget APU
For ultra-budget builds, the Athlon 3000G remains a fan favorite. Though limited in performance, it’s unbeatable at its price point for basic computing tasks and casual 720p gaming.
- Cores/Threads: 2C/4T
- Base/Boost Clock: 3.5 GHz / 3.5 GHz (no boost)
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon Vega 3
- GPU Compute Units: 3
- TDP: 35W
- Architecture: Zen
- Approx. Price: $50 – $60
Ideal Use Cases:
- Entry-level PCs and education setups.
- Lightweight Linux or Windows machines.
- Basic office applications and web browsing.
Performance Comparison Table
| Processor | Cores/Threads | GPU | GPU Cores | Gaming (1080p) | Architecture | TDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 8700G | 8C/16T | Radeon 780M | 12 | High Settings | Zen 4 + RDNA 3 | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 8600G | 6C/12T | Radeon 760M | 8 | Medium Settings | Zen 4 + RDNA 3 | 65W |
| Ryzen 7 5700G | 8C/16T | Vega 8 | 8 | Medium Settings | Zen 3 | 65W |
| Ryzen 5 5600G | 6C/12T | Vega 7 | 7 | Low-Medium | Zen 3 | 65W |
| Athlon 3000G | 2C/4T | Vega 3 | 3 | Low (720p) | Zen | 35W |
Important note
For all the listed AMD processors with integrated graphics, it is essential to use a motherboard that includes at least one of the following video output ports to utilize the integrated GPU:
- HDMI
- DisplayPort (DP)
- DVI-D
- VGA (D-Sub) – typically found on older or budget motherboards
Without a motherboard that includes a supported video output, the integrated graphics of these APUs cannot be used, as they rely on the motherboard’s display connectors to output video.
Always check that your chosen motherboard has the necessary display ports to match your monitor.
How to Choose the Right AMD APU
1. Define Your Use Case:
- Gaming: Opt for Ryzen 7 8700G or 8600G.
- Productivity: Ryzen 7 5700G offers the most threads for multitasking.
- Budget Builds: Ryzen 5 5600G or Athlon 3000G.
2. Consider Platform Longevity:
- AM5 (Ryzen 8000 series) ensures future CPU upgrade support.
- AM4 (Ryzen 5000 series and below) offers mature platform and affordability.
3. Graphics Needs:
- RDNA 3 (780M/760M) far outpaces older Vega graphics in both efficiency and raw performance.
Final Recommendations
If you’re building a powerful system without a discrete GPU, the Ryzen 7 8700G is the top-tier choice in 2025, delivering next-gen integrated graphics and unbeatable CPU performance.
For those on a tighter budget, the Ryzen 5 5600G still remains a solid and dependable option.
Where to Buy AMD APUs
- Amazon
- Newegg
- Micro Center
- B&H
- AMD Official Store
Always compare prices and check for bundle deals including coolers and compatible motherboards.
Suggested reading
🔗 Comparison of the 5 Most Popular Fitness Smartwatches
🔗 Best Gadgets on Amazon in 2025
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. These commissions help us fund product testing and maintain the website, ensuring we can continue providing valuable content for our readers. Thank you for your support!