What Is An APU ? Explaining The Different Uses Of The Processor In Your PC
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Processors are the brain of your computer. They are how you interact with your system and run programs and processes. Processors come in many different types, shapes, and sizes (literally). Some processors specialize in certain activities, such as graphics or video processing. Others focus on general computing tasks. And some processors combine both of these functions into one unit.
These special processors are called Accelerated Processing Units (APUs), which is a combination of CPU and GPU in a single chip that reduces the strain on either processor individually. Let’s break down everything you need to know about APUs so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a new computer.
What is an APU ?
An APU is a type of processor that combines a CPU and GPU into one chip. This allows the processor to perform two separate tasks processing numbers and graphics at the same time, which can greatly increase performance. An APU is also known as an accelerated processing unit, but the two terms are often used interchangeably. APUs are used in low-end and mid-range PCs with integrated graphics, as well as in some consoles.
They’re used in PC systems because the CPUs found in these machines can’t handle demanding tasks like gaming. The GPU in the APU will handle most of the heavy lifting while the CPU only has to deal with more simple tasks. But don’t let the word “acceleration” in “accelerated processing unit” fool you: the APU is still slower than a CPU paired with a dedicated GPU. When it comes to processors, the less you know, the better.
How Does an APU Work ?
An APU is a single processor containing two functions: a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU). Instead of having a separate CPU and GPU, the two components are combined into one chip. This saves space, reduces power consumption, and lowers cost. APUs are used in lower-to-mid range computers, as well as some consoles. The graphics processor handles everything graphics related, such as video and image editing.
The central processing unit processes all the other tasks, like running programs and managing the computer’s memory.
APU Examples
AMD’s A-Series APUs are a great example of how APUs work. They are used in desktop and laptop computers with integrated graphics. The A-Series APUs come in multiple configurations, with varying core counts and clock rates. Others include Intel’s Core i3 and Core i5 processors, as well as Intel’s Core i7 chips.
Benefits of APUs
-APUs are more efficient and cost less to produce. While a regular CPU and GPU will use more electricity, an APU only uses a bit of both to get the job done.
- APUs are less expensive to produce. The cost of a single chip is less (thanks to economies of scale) than costs for a CPU and a GPU.
- APUs are smaller in size.
- APUs reduce heat and noise.
- APUs are more energy efficient.
- APUs are able to process graphics and simple calculations at the same time.
- APUs can be used in low-end computers, as well as some gaming consoles.
Disadvantages of APUs
- A single APU can’t handle high-end games. They’re fine for casual gamers, but if you enjoy more intense gameplay, you’ll need a more powerful system.
- APUs might be less efficient when it comes to dealing with complex tasks.
- APUs can’t be used in high-end computers. You’ll need separate GPUs and CPUs for that.
- The GPU in an APU is less powerful than a dedicated GPU in a desktop system.
- APUs may produce more heat and noise than CPUs used with dedicated GPUs.
- APUs can’t be used in some gaming consoles.
- APUs are more expensive than CPUs with a dedicated GPU.
When to Use an APU
If you’re looking to build a PC that can handle basic computing tasks, like web browsing, word processing, and video streaming, an APU is perfect. You can also use an APU in an ultra-budget gaming PC if you don’t plan on playing any graphically intensive games. If you’re looking to do more, like gaming on higher settings, or work with graphics and video, you’ll need a more powerful processor with a separate GPU.
Conclusion
APUs are a great choice if you’re looking for a minimalistic PC build and don’t want to spend a lot of money. They’re also a good option if you want a low-end gaming PC that can handle very light gaming, such as playing casual games. APUs come in low-cost boards, so you can put together an ultra-budget build with a single chip. However, if you want to play more intense games or work with complex graphics, you’ll need a more powerful system.
Processors are the brain of your computer. They are how you interact with your system and run programs and processes. Processors come in many different types, shapes, and sizes (literally). Some processors specialize in certain activities, such as graphics or video processing. Others focus on general computing tasks. And some processors combine both of these functions into one unit.
These special processors are called Accelerated Processing Units (APUs), which is a combination of CPU and GPU in a single chip that reduces the strain on either processor individually. Let’s break down everything you need to know about APUs so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a new computer.
What is an APU ?
An APU is a type of processor that combines a CPU and GPU into one chip. This allows the processor to perform two separate tasks processing numbers and graphics at the same time, which can greatly increase performance. An APU is also known as an accelerated processing unit, but the two terms are often used interchangeably. APUs are used in low-end and mid-range PCs with integrated graphics, as well as in some consoles.
They’re used in PC systems because the CPUs found in these machines can’t handle demanding tasks like gaming. The GPU in the APU will handle most of the heavy lifting while the CPU only has to deal with more simple tasks. But don’t let the word “acceleration” in “accelerated processing unit” fool you: the APU is still slower than a CPU paired with a dedicated GPU. When it comes to processors, the less you know, the better.
How Does an APU Work ?
An APU is a single processor containing two functions: a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU). Instead of having a separate CPU and GPU, the two components are combined into one chip. This saves space, reduces power consumption, and lowers cost. APUs are used in lower-to-mid range computers, as well as some consoles. The graphics processor handles everything graphics related, such as video and image editing.
The central processing unit processes all the other tasks, like running programs and managing the computer’s memory.
APU Examples
AMD’s A-Series APUs are a great example of how APUs work. They are used in desktop and laptop computers with integrated graphics. The A-Series APUs come in multiple configurations, with varying core counts and clock rates. Others include Intel’s Core i3 and Core i5 processors, as well as Intel’s Core i7 chips.
Benefits of APUs
-APUs are more efficient and cost less to produce. While a regular CPU and GPU will use more electricity, an APU only uses a bit of both to get the job done.
- APUs are less expensive to produce. The cost of a single chip is less (thanks to economies of scale) than costs for a CPU and a GPU.
- APUs are smaller in size.
- APUs reduce heat and noise.
- APUs are more energy efficient.
- APUs are able to process graphics and simple calculations at the same time.
- APUs can be used in low-end computers, as well as some gaming consoles.
Disadvantages of APUs
- A single APU can’t handle high-end games. They’re fine for casual gamers, but if you enjoy more intense gameplay, you’ll need a more powerful system.
- APUs might be less efficient when it comes to dealing with complex tasks.
- APUs can’t be used in high-end computers. You’ll need separate GPUs and CPUs for that.
- The GPU in an APU is less powerful than a dedicated GPU in a desktop system.
- APUs may produce more heat and noise than CPUs used with dedicated GPUs.
- APUs can’t be used in some gaming consoles.
- APUs are more expensive than CPUs with a dedicated GPU.
When to Use an APU
If you’re looking to build a PC that can handle basic computing tasks, like web browsing, word processing, and video streaming, an APU is perfect. You can also use an APU in an ultra-budget gaming PC if you don’t plan on playing any graphically intensive games. If you’re looking to do more, like gaming on higher settings, or work with graphics and video, you’ll need a more powerful processor with a separate GPU.
Conclusion
APUs are a great choice if you’re looking for a minimalistic PC build and don’t want to spend a lot of money. They’re also a good option if you want a low-end gaming PC that can handle very light gaming, such as playing casual games. APUs come in low-cost boards, so you can put together an ultra-budget build with a single chip. However, if you want to play more intense games or work with complex graphics, you’ll need a more powerful system.
