Best motherboard for A10-5800k

[Manos Liakos]

I'm getting AMD's A10-5800k processor soon and I've decided getting ASUS A68HM-PLUS mobo, too.

I want to make some things clear first. My processor has integrated GPU (it's an APU processor) and supports CrossFireX. I know that I can use that feature to combine my CPU's integrated graphics with a graphics card to get some good results. What I don't get, is that the MOBO I've chosen supports of course Dual Graphics Technology (AMD® Dual Graphics technology support *1), but it also says Integrated AMD Radeon™ R/HD8000/HD7000 Series Graphics in the A-Series APU.

So my questions are:

1) What are the integrated motherboard graphics used for? I read that only old mobos have them.
2) Am I going to use Dual Graphics combining CPU and MOBO graphics or CPU and a dedicated GPU?
3) Do you suggest getting another motherboard or that's fine?
4) I read in the internet that my CPU supports Dual Graphics, but in AMD's site they say that only 6xxx Series and above support them. What's true?
5) I've also read from many people that the APU itself works better than the APU combined with a GPU.

I am really confused, any help? And sorry for the noobish questions 😛

 

[Calvin7]

A10-5800K is an APU with Radeon HD 7660D graphics integrated into the processor.

You can use a HD 6670 for dual graphics. Sort of like having weak processor graphics with a 128-bit graphics card for not-so-weak graphics.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150662&Tpk=N82E16814150662

You would be better off getting a 256-bit graphics card and not bothering with dual graphics.
Radeon R9 270 2GB GDDR5
• 2GB 256-Bit GDDR5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150702

 

[Brunostako]

1. True. Current MoBos don't come with integrated graphics because current CPUs/APUs come with integrated GPUs.
2. AMD Dual Graphics brings more issues than benefits. If you save to buy a discrete GPU, better buy a decent one, at least a R7 260X (it has an excellent price).
3. The A68H is a new chipset, i guess it's for the Kaveri Refresh APUs. I think it's OK. If you plan to do OC, get an A88X mobo.
4. A10, A8, and A6 APUs support dual graphics, but because your APU is a 2nd gen A-series, it's no longer listed. It's compatible with the same GPUs the A10-6000 series is. (but i repeat, don't use it)
5. Yes. Much better. If you get a 2x4GB 1866MHz or 2133MHz RAM kit you will get a more stable gaming experience.

 

[Manos Liakos]

So, A10-5800k (with the integrated GPU only, at least for the time) with Asus A88XM-E will be fine?

 

[Brunostako]

So, A10-5800k (with the integrated GPU only, at least for the time) with Asus A88XM-E will be fine?

Yeap!

Just get a good RAM Kit and and you're good to go. If you don't want to mess with compatibility and XMP in the BIOS, simply get an AMD certified Kit, like these:

2x4GB 1866MHz http://pcpartpicker.com/part/amd-memory-ap38g1869u1k
2x4GB 2133MHz http://pcpartpicker.com/part/amd-memory-r938g2130u1k

AMD certified memory is more expensive than normal brands (like kingston or corsair, etc), but it will work at their rated speed just by plugging them in.

 

[Manos Liakos]

actually I already have one stick of 4GB and planning on getting another one in the future. Crucial Ballistix Tactical 1866MHz with CAS 9. I'll go OC probably.. Anyway, the A88XM-E lacks some features the A68hm plus has and it doesn't have a front audio panel connector, i don't know why. What about if I get a cheap graphics card in the future? (80$) Do you suggest using Dual Graphics or run it separately?

 

[Brunostako]

Forget dual graphics. AMD haven't developed well enough. It got better with Kaveri, but not enough. Your APU is a Trinity.

The A68H is an entry level chipset according to AMD, the A88X is the high performance one.

The APU won't perform that good with only one RAM stick, even if it is a 1866MHz on. It needs dual channel.

If A88XM-E doesn't have front audio (weird), get one with front audio.

 

[Manos Liakos]

Asus A88XM-A doesn't have front panel audio connector too..i dont know whats going on. http://www.asus.com/Compare/

it's a budget build, so I think I'm going with A68HM-plus and a second RAM stick

 

[Brunostako]

Both motherboards have front panel audio.

It says on the specs of both "1 x S/PDIF out header(s)". That's the front panel audio.

 

[Manos Liakos]

Plans changed.. I think I'm going with Intel g3258

 

[Brunostako]

Also a good choice.

The LGA1150 platform has an upgrade path. With the 860K you would be stock with it. At some games, it actually performs better than the 860K.

Get a H97 or Z97 chipset mobo, G3258 is Haswell Refresh and it may not be compatible with a 80-series chipset mobo (because some need a BIOS upgrade).

And you could upgrade to upcoming Broadwell (5th gen Core i) in the future.

 

[Manos Liakos]

I'm actually paying 67€ for the processor, sounds silly to pay 80€ for the mobo.
I've chosen this one: Asus H81M-Plus
H81 series is unlocked to OC and compared to other similar models, it suits my needs perfectly. Reminding you that it's going to be a budget system. Is it that bad to get that mobo?