The strongest APU for gaming in this group, going by the listing titles, is the Ryzen 7 8700G with 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Ryzen 5 8600G is the more sensible buy for most people who only play games. An APU combines a processor and graphics in one chip, so a small build can run esports titles, older games and indie releases without a separate graphics card. Expect 1080p at reduced settings, not high-refresh AAA gaming. Below are eight listings, six of them bare processors and two of them HP desktops built around an 8700G. Specs come only from listing titles; where a title is silent, we say to check the page.
Our Top Picks
Top 3 picks at a glance
Quick picks
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- Strongest on paper: Ryzen 7 8700G, 8 cores and 16 threads per its title.
- Value for a new AM5 build: Ryzen 5 8600G, with three listings to choose between.
- Cheapest AM5 entry: Ryzen 5 8500G, 6 cores and 12 threads.
- Upgrading an older AM4 board: Ryzen 7 5700G or Ryzen 5 5600GT.
- Ultra-budget experiment: Ryzen 5 3400G, an older 4-core chip.
- No building required: the two HP OmniDesk desktops, labelled below as prebuilt runner-ups.
Side-by-side comparison
| Model | Key point from title | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 8700G | 8 cores, 16 threads | Highest core count here |
| Ryzen 5 8600G (3 listings) | 4.3 GHz, 6 cores, 12 threads, 16 MB cache, AM5 (OEM listing) | Balanced AM5 builds |
| Ryzen 5 8500G | 6 cores, 12 threads | Lowest-cost AM5 option |
| Ryzen 7 5700G | 8 cores, 16 threads, Radeon Graphics | AM4 upgrades |
| Ryzen 5 5600GT | 6 cores, 12 threads | Lower-cost 6-core upgrade |
| Ryzen 5 3400G | Radeon RX Vega 11, 4 cores, 8 threads, 65W, AM4, Wraith Stealth fan | Very tight budgets |
| HP OmniDesk, 16GB / 512GB | Ryzen 7 8700G, 16GB DDR5, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 | Ready-to-use desk PC |
| HP OmniDesk, 32GB / 2TB | Ryzen 7 8700G, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro | Storage-heavy ready-made PC |
The eight listings, one by one
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
The title lists an 8-core, 16-thread desktop processor and nothing more, so confirm the socket, whether a cooler is included and the stated graphics details on the listing before ordering. On core count alone it is the top chip in this roundup, and the extra threads suit anyone who streams, edits or keeps many apps open while gaming. It is also the most expensive bare processor listed, so it only makes sense if you will use those cores.
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads, the most of any bare chip here.
- Leaves headroom for multitasking beyond games.
Cons
- Title gives no socket or cooler details.
- Pricier than the 6-core options for similar game-only use.
Who it’s for: builders who game and also run heavier desktop work.
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (boxed, OEM and Pro listings)
Three listings share this chip name. The first is a plain “Ryzen 5 8600G”. The second says 4.3 GHz, 6 cores, 12 threads, 16 MB cache, Socket AM5 and OEM. The third is a “Ryzen 5 Pro 8600G” with a part number, and it shows no price, which makes it the least clear option. OEM stock can lack retail packaging, and the Pro entry may come from a different seller, so read each page carefully. Where the details match, the standard listing is the safest default.
Pros
- 6 cores and 12 threads cover gaming plus everyday work.
- The OEM title confirms AM5, making compatibility checks easy.
Cons
- Three near-identical listings invite mix-ups.
- OEM and Pro entries may differ in packaging, cooler and warranty.
Who it’s for: most first-time APU builders on a new AM5 board.
AMD Ryzen 5 8500G 6-Core, 12-Thread
The title matches the 8600G on core and thread count, which makes it the natural budget alternative on the same platform generation. It does not state clock speeds, cache or graphics details, so compare those on the page against the 8600G before you assume the two perform alike. If the price gap is large, this is the chip to look at for office-plus-light-gaming machines.
Pros
- 6 cores and 12 threads at a lower listed cost than the 8600G.
- Fits a small, low-power build.
Cons
- Title omits clocks and cache.
- Graphics differences versus the 8600G are not stated.
Who it’s for: shoppers who want the cheapest 6-core entry here.
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G with Radeon Graphics
This 8-core, 16-thread listing is the older-platform counterpart to the 8700G. The title shows corrupted characters around the brand names, which is a small listing-quality flag worth noting. Socket is not stated, so confirm it before buying, and match it to a compatible board. Anyone already on that older platform may find an in-place chip swap cheaper than a whole new board and memory kit.
Pros
- 8 cores and 16 threads for an older-socket upgrade.
- Radeon Graphics named in the title.
Cons
- Socket and cooler details are missing from the title.
- Listing text has garbled characters.
Who it’s for: owners of a compatible older board who want more cores.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT 6-Core, 12-Thread
Another 6-core, 12-thread entry, this one for the older platform. The title does not mention integrated graphics at all, so verify on the product page that you are getting graphics on the chip before choosing it for a build with no graphics card. If the page confirms that, it is a sensible middle option between the cheapest and priciest chips here.
Pros
- 6 cores and 12 threads in a mid-priced listing.
- Suits builds that stay on an older socket.
Cons
- Title is silent about graphics, socket and cooler.
- Easy to buy by mistake for a build that needs on-chip graphics.
Who it’s for: upgraders who confirm graphics support on the listing first.
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (Radeon RX Vega 11)
This is the most detailed title in the group: Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics, 4 cores, 8 threads, 65W TDP, Socket AM4, 6 MB L2+L3 cache, boost up to 4.2 GHz and a Wraith Stealth fan. It is also the oldest design here, so check the seller and return terms. Treat it as a low-cost way to get a basic machine running, not a long-term gaming plan.
Pros
- Cooler named in the title, so no separate purchase is implied.
- Lowest listed price in the group.
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads.
- Oldest chip here; expect to replace it sooner.
Who it’s for: very tight budgets and simple, light-duty PCs.
HP OmniDesk with Ryzen 7 8700G, 16GB DDR5, 512GB SSD (prebuilt, not a processor)
This is a complete desktop, not an APU on its own, listed because it is built around the 8700G. The title mentions 16GB DDR5, a 512GB SSD, HDMI and DisplayPort, Wi-Fi 6, wireless keyboard and mouse, and Windows 11. It is a reasonable way to get an 8700G system without sourcing a board and RAM. The title does not say whether memory runs in dual channel, which affects integrated graphics, so check the page or ask the seller.
Pros
- Ships as a finished system with Windows 11 and peripherals.
- DDR5 memory and an SSD stated in the title.
Cons
- Upgrade options inside a branded case are unclear.
- Memory channel layout is not stated.
Who it’s for: buyers who want a working PC with no assembly.
HP OmniDesk with Ryzen 7 8700G, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD (prebuilt, not a processor)
The same style of machine with a bigger configuration: 32GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro and a bundled 8-in-1 hub from a third-party accessory brand. The listing is a bundle assembled by a seller, so check what is actually in the box and who handles support. It carries by far the highest price in the group, and a bare 8700G plus your own parts may offer better value.
Pros
- 32GB RAM and 2TB storage out of the box.
- Windows 11 Pro for work use.
Cons
- Highest price listed here.
- Bundle contents and warranty depend on the seller.
Who it’s for: people who want one large ready-made system and will not build.
How we picked these
We collected current Amazon listings for APU-based gaming parts and picked the ones that match the keyword, discarding accessories and unrelated items. Comparisons rely on published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews, with details taken only from each listing title. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. We kept the two prebuilt desktops because shoppers searching this term often want a finished machine, but we labelled them clearly as runner-ups. Where several listings share one chip name, we grouped them and pointed out the differences in packaging, seller and price.
Choosing an integrated-graphics chip: what actually matters
Socket and memory type come first
Before comparing cores, make sure the chip and the motherboard share a socket. Among these listings, the OEM 8600G title says AM5 and the 3400G title says AM4; the rest need checking on the page. AM5 boards use DDR5, while AM4 boards generally use DDR4, so the socket decides your memory purchase too. Our guide to building an AMD AM5 gaming PC covers chipsets and BIOS flashback, and our list of gaming motherboards for Ryzen helps with board choice.
Memory sets the graphics ceiling
Integrated graphics have no video memory of their own; they borrow system RAM. That makes capacity and channel layout matter. Two matched sticks run in dual channel and give the graphics more bandwidth than one stick of the same total size. Our explainer on how much RAM you need for gaming is a good companion read.
Cores matter less than you think
For games on integrated graphics, the graphics side usually limits frame rates before the processor does. Extra cores help with streaming, browser tabs and creative work. If you only game, a 6-core chip typically costs less and gets you most of the way. Spend the saving on a second memory stick or a bigger SSD instead, since both make a daily difference.
Plan the upgrade path
An APU build is often a first step. Pick a board with a free full-length PCIe slot and a power supply with spare capacity, and you can add a graphics card later without starting over. Our roundup of airflow PC cases for gaming is worth a look if you expect to add one.
Cooler and BIOS: a pre-order checklist
- Does the listing say a cooler is included? Only the 3400G title mentions one.
- Does the motherboard’s CPU support list name this exact chip?
- Is the BIOS version new enough, or does the board have a flashback button?
- Will you install two matching memory sticks?
- Is the seller a major retailer, with a return window you can live with?
Worked example: a builder picks the 8600G for a small case, buys one 16GB stick to save money, and sees weaker graphics than expected. Swapping to two 8GB sticks costs about the same and fixes the channel problem. Counting sticks before you order avoids that.
Where shoppers go wrong
The most common slip is buying an older chip for a board with a different socket. Next is skipping the cooler check and finding the box has none. Others include buying the OEM listing without noticing the missing retail packaging, assuming every “G” chip performs alike, and comparing a prebuilt desktop to a bare processor as if they were the same product. Keep a short list of socket, memory, cooler and seller, and check each one against the page. Finally, do not treat a prebuilt’s component list as a promise about upgrade room: branded cases and power supplies can limit what you can add, so ask before assuming a graphics card will fit later.
Verdict
For most builders, the Ryzen 5 8600G is the safest starting point because it pairs six cores with a clear AM5 listing. Choose the Ryzen 7 8700G if you also edit, stream or multitask, and pick the 8500G when cost is the main concern. Stay with the 5700G or 5600GT only if you already own a compatible older board. The 3400G is a budget stopgap, and the HP desktops suit people who would rather not build.
Related guides
- Nvidia Control Panel Best Settings For Gaming
- How To Test Gpu Stability After Overclocking
- Cpu Cores And Threads For Gaming Explained
Frequently asked questions
Can an APU really replace a graphics card for gaming?
For esports titles, older games and indie releases at 1080p with reduced settings, yes. For recent AAA games at high settings, no. An APU shares system memory with the processor, so it has far less graphics bandwidth than a dedicated card. Many builders start with an APU and add a graphics card later, which works as long as the motherboard has a free PCIe x16 slot.
Is the Ryzen 7 8700G worth more than the Ryzen 5 8600G?
It depends on what else you run. Per the listing titles, the 8700G has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the 8600G has 6 cores and 12 threads. If you only game, the cheaper chip is usually the better value. If you also edit video or run virtual machines, the extra cores help. Compare current listing prices before deciding.
Does an APU build need fast RAM?
Yes, memory matters more here than on a build with a graphics card, because the integrated graphics borrow system RAM. Install two matching sticks so the memory runs in dual channel, and check the motherboard’s supported speeds. A single stick can noticeably cut graphics performance, even with the same chip.
Do these APUs fit any AM5 or AM4 motherboard?
Not automatically. The socket must match, and some boards need a BIOS update before they recognise newer chips. Check the motherboard maker’s CPU support list for the exact chip name. Boards with a BIOS flashback button let you update without an installed processor, which removes a common first-boot problem.
Is an OEM or Pro version of a processor worth buying?
Only if the price gap is meaningful and you accept the trade-offs. OEM-labelled chips may ship without the retail box, and the listing may not include a cooler or standard warranty terms. Pro-branded parts can come through different sellers with unclear support. Read the listing details and the seller’s return policy first.
