APU or Celeron

[lfc123]

Hello,

I'm planning for a new build and was wondering what would be best suited for this build: the A6-5400k or a Celeron G1820.

The build will mostly be used for word processing and light web browsing but every week or so, it'll need to run in a dual monitor configuration: One monitor will be used for word processing while the other will be playing 1080p video.

I know the APU would be the obvious choice due to its superior graphical power but does it have enough raw processing power to smoothly browse the web for the next 4 years or so?

Price-wise, they are very similar.


Thanks.

 

[neon neophyte]

i am also curious about this.which way would someone swing, amd or intel on a cheap basic build.

 

[jessterman21]

The A6 will have no issues with web browsing for the next 10 years... But the only reason to get a -K part is if you plan on overclocking. Here's a slightly better part for the same price - just not overclockable. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113362

 

[neon neophyte]

The A6 will have no issues with web browsing for the next 10 years... But the only reason to get a -K part is if you plan on overclocking. Here's a slightly better part for the same price - just not overclockable. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113362

does the system suffer from lack of cpu performance for basic tasks like windows operation? any information about motherboards you can provide?

 

[logainofhades]

Considering the length of time you intend to keep the system, I would want at least an A8, so you have a quad core.

 

[DanKem06]

since others have already answered the same as I would, i'll refrain from answering again.


What are the other specs, or better yet, what is your build budget?

 

[DanKem06]

Considering the length of time you intend to keep the system, I would want at least an A8, so you have a quad core.

We meet again

 

[lfc123]

Quad core would be overkill for this build. Can anyone comment on whether the iGPU in the Celeron is sufficiently powerful enough to power 2 monitors, with one playing 1080p video?

 

[jessterman21]

Quad core would be overkill for this build. Can anyone comment on whether the iGPU in the Celeron is sufficiently powerful enough to power 2 monitors, with one playing 1080p video?

All it says is Intel HD Graphics - which I believe is worse than HD 2000 graphics - which is flaky at higher-bit-rate 1080p videos...

 

[lfc123]

So the simple answer is that the A6 is the way to go...

 

[lfc123]

Would 1333 RAM be a severe bottleneck?

 

[DanKem06]

Would 1333 RAM be a severe bottleneck?

No way, not even close... just make sure you have 4GB or more... 2GB might work

 

[DanKem06]

So the simple answer is that the A6 is the way to go...

I prefer Intel, but in your case... yes without a doubt

 

[lfc123]

Many have said that for APU's ,a minimum of 1600mhz is recommended. Yeah, I'm planning on getting 4gb.

 

[DanKem06]

AMD says 1866, so I would go with that.

 

[DanKem06]

http://www.amd.com/en-us/products/processors/desktop/a-series-apu#

 

[logainofhades]

Quad core would be overkill for this build. Can anyone comment on whether the iGPU in the Celeron is sufficiently powerful enough to power 2 monitors, with one playing 1080p video?

Considering how weak said quad core is, it is not overkill. A phenom II X4 is faster than an A8.

 

[DanKem06]

Many have said that for APU's ,a minimum of 1600mhz is recommended. Yeah, I'm planning on getting 4gb.

Though AMD says 1866 should be used, I found: Dell and HP computers being sold with 1333.... not sure why but NO WAY it causes a bottleneck

 

[neon neophyte]

the apu uses system memory instead of dedicated memory. think of the difference between a gpu with ddr3 and ddr5. same gpu with different ram has a drastic effect on performance. when using system memory for the gpu, you really do want it as fast as possible as it is already too slow