Does Ryzen Have Integrated Graphics (APUs)

The response to the question you asked regarding integrated graphics in Ryzen is both Yes and No, depending on the Ryzen CPU type, which determines whether or not it has an integrated graphics card. There are AMD Ryzen CPUs available without integrated graphics as well.

Most mainstream and low-cost PCs require integrated graphics cards since they provide rudimentary visual output capabilities. The lack of integrated graphics may have a significant influence on how you build your computer. You will have to buy a separate graphics card because your motherboard's visual output ports require an integrated graphics card to work.

In this post, we are going to dive deep into the topics of which AMD Ryzen CPUs come with integrated graphics cards, which iGPUs are more powerful than others, and what happens to your PC if you don't have an iGPU.

Table Of Contents

What is integrated graphics card?

A graphics processing unit (GPU) that is integrated into the motherboard of a computer as opposed to existing as a stand-alone, independent part is known as an integrated graphics card. It usually isn't as powerful as a dedicated graphics card and uses the system's memory in addition to the CPU.

Integrated graphics processing units, or iGPUs, are usually made for mainstream, reasonably priced PCs that don't need a lot of graphics processing capability. Consequently, they lack the power of specialist graphics cards and are unsuitable with workstations intended for skilled editing and design.

Importance of Integrated Graphics Card

Integrated graphics are crucial to mainstream users, who are a majority. The computers will totally fail to output any video without the graphics card either through the DVI, VGA, HDMI, or any other connectors to the motherboard.

Lack of the Integrated Graphics Card on your computer will force you to spend in order to acquire a dedicated graphics card so as to access the basic video output capabilities. A dedicated graphics card is the opposite of an integrated graphics card. It is a powerful external graphics card mounted on the CPU mainly used for graphic-intensive purposes such as heavy gaming, professional editing, and design, among others.

Does Ryzen have integrated graphics?

Now that we have understood about the graphics cards, this leads us to the question of whether Ryzen has Integrated graphics. The answer to this is a Yes and No. Some but not all Ryzen CPUs have integrated graphics. These are called APUs, which stands for Accelerated Processing Units. They combine a CPU and a GPU on the same chip, which allows you to run games and other graphics-intensive applications without a discrete graphics card.

The latest Ryzen CPUs with integrated graphics is the Ryzen 5 5600G and the Ryzen 7 5700G, which are based on the Zen 3 architecture and have Radeon Vega graphics. They offer good performance for both gaming and productivity tasks and support features like AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution. These CPUs are compatible with AMD 500 and select 400 series motherboards when a simple BIOS update is done.

The previous generation of Ryzen APUs include the Ryzen 5 3400G, the Ryzen 5 2400G, the Ryzen 3 3200G, and the Ryzen 3 2200G. These are based on the Zen+ build-up and have Radeon Vega graphics as well. They offer decent performance for casual gaming and everyday tasks, but they are slower and more efficient than the Zen 3 APUs.

They also support a lower memory speed of DDR4-2933 instead of DDR4-3200. These CPUs are compatible with AMD 300, 400, and 500 series motherboards, also with a simple BIOS update.

Key Points on whether Ryzen CPUs have integrated graphics

AMD Ryzen CPUs with a "G" suffix have integrated Radeon Vega graphics on the processor. Examples include Ryzen 3 2200G and Ryzen 5 3400G, among others.
Ryzen CPUs without a "G" suffix do not have integrated graphics. These CPUs require a separate discrete graphics card. Examples include Ryzen 5 1600, Ryzen 7 2700X, Ryzen 9 3950X.
All Ryzen APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) have integrated Vega graphics. APUs combine a Ryzen CPU and Radeon graphics on a single chip.
Lower-end Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 CPUs tend to have integrated graphics, while higher-end Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 models usually do not come with integrated graphics.
Having integrated graphics means the processor has a built-in GPU that can handle basic graphics and light gaming. This phenomenon eliminates the need for a separate graphics card.
Ryzen processors with integrated graphics are ideal for budget home/office builds where gaming is not the priority. Discrete GPUs are still recommended for gaming, content creation, and other graphically intensive workloads.

Summarily, you can quickly identify Ryzen CPUs with integrated graphics by the "G" suffix. All APUs also have integrated graphics, which can be helpful when choosing a Ryzen processor for different types of builds and workloads.

Ryzen Processors with Intergrated Graphics

Here, we will look at a summary of different types of AMD CPUs that come intact with Intergrated graphics.

SERIES	GPU	iGPU
Ryzen 2000 series	Ryzen 3 2200G	RX Vega 8(2000 Series)
	Ryzen 5 3400G	RX Vega 11(2000 Series)

Ryzen 3000 series	Ryzen 3 3200G	RX Vega 8(3000 Series)
	Ryzen 5 3400G	RX Vega 11(3000 Series)

Ryzen 4000 series	Ryzen 3 4300G	RX Vega 6(4000 Series)
	Ryzen 3 4350G	RX Vega 6(4000 Series)
	Ryzen 5 4600G	RX Vega 7(4000 Series)
	Ryzen 5 4650G	RX Vega 7(4000 Series)
	Ryzen 7 4700G	RX Vega 8(4000 Series)
	Ryzen 7 4750G	RX Vega 8(4000 Series)

Ryzen 5000 series	Ryzen 3 5300G	RX Vega 6(5000 Series)
	Ryzen 5 5600G	RX Vega 7(5000 Series)
	Ryzen 7 5700G	RX Vega 8(5000 Series)

Advantages of Integrated Graphics in Ryzen Processors

a) Ideal for small form factor PCs or laptops, integrated graphics help save space since you don't need a separate GPU.

b) Integrated graphics are also more power-efficient; they consume less power compared to discrete GPUs, which can extend laptop battery life and reduce overall system power consumption, making them ideal for laptops and small form-factor PCs.

c)Integrated graphics generate less heat and require minimal cooling, resulting in quieter and cooler systems.

d) You can start with integrated graphics and, if needed, upgrade to a dedicated GPU without changing the CPU, making it a flexible option.

e) Integrated graphics eliminate the need for a dedicated graphics card, saving money for budget-conscious users and hence cost efficiency.

f) Integrated graphics typically have well-integrated drivers, reducing compatibility issues and driver updates.

g) Integrated graphics are more than capable of handling everyday multimedia tasks, including video playback and casual gaming.

h) Multiple Display Support, making them suitable for productivity and multitasking. These advantages are what attract buyers to these sorts of computers because they are not only pocket-friendly but also efficient in running day-to-day tasks.

Disadvantages of Integrated Graphics in Ryzen Processors

a) Limited Graphics Performance: Integrated graphics are less potent than dedicated GPUs, making them unsuitable for demanding tasks like gaming or professional graphics work.

b) Integrated graphics share system memory, reducing the available RAM for other applications, which can lead to reduced overall system performance when handling graphics-intensive tasks. This feature is in contrast to dedicated graphics cards, which have their dedicated VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) for storing graphics data.

c) Integrated graphics need help to run modern games at acceptable frame rates and quality settings, hence inadequate for gaming.

d)Limited video editing capability and rendering tasks are slower and less efficient with integrated graphics, which requires a lot of processing power.

e) Also, it has a Multitasking Challenge: Running multiple graphics-intensive applications can slow down the system due to limited graphics resources

f) Integrated graphics may not meet the requirements of professional software like CAD or 3D modeling programs.

g) Limited upgradeability: Integrated graphics processors cannot be removed and, thereby, cannot be upgraded.

h) Limited Future Compatibility: Newer games and software may not run or run poorly on integrated graphics, limiting future compatibility.

How The Ryzen iGPUs Compare in Graphics Performance

It is of importance to note that not all iGPUs are made to perform similarly,they vary depending on the type of CPU that the user has. The different GPUs may use same names for their CPUs but their perfomances are worlds apart. Let us take a closer look at the table below to analyze and compare the performaces of the various Ryzon intergaretd Graphic cards;

GPU	PERFOMANCE RATING
Vega 3 (R2000/3000)	6.7
Intel UHD 630	6.7
Vega 6 (R2000/3000)	9.4
Vega 8 (R2000/3000)	10.8
Vega 11(R2000/3000)	13.1
Vega 6 (R4000/5000)	13.6
Vega 7 (R4000)	14.2
Vega 8 (R4000)	15.2
Vega 8 (R5000)	21.6

Can Dedicated Cards be Replaced by iGPUS?

It's worth mentioning that many PCs that feature dedicated GPUs still do have an integrated graphics card built into the CPU chip. Such PCs can switch between the dGPU and iGPU. This functionality is enabled by an MUX switch, as featured in some higher-end gaming and creator PCs.

On this note,intergrated Graphic cards arent usually used instaed of dedicated cards for either gaming or professional editing due to their original design. Recently they have significantly advanced in terms of graphical capabilities such as the RX Vega Series graphic cards. These graphic cards are more competent and can be used as a replacement for entry level dedicated graphic cards.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q. Is there integrated graphics on Ryzen?

Of course, not all Ryzen processors have integrated GPUs. APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) are the ones that do.

Q. What Ryzen processors come with built-in graphics?

The Ryzen 3 2200G, Ryzen 5 2400G, Ryzen 3 3200G, Ryzen 5 3400G, Ryzen 5 Pro 2400G, and Ryzen 3 Pro 2200G processors all have integrated graphics.

Q. How do a CPU and an APU vary from one another?

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a processor that performs general-purpose computer activities. A CPU and a GPU are combined to form an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit)

Q. What advantages does an APU offer?

An APU has advantages such as less expensive, smaller form factor, and lower power usage.

Q. Can I run multiple displays with Ryzen-integrated graphics?

Yes, many Ryzen APUs support multiple display outputs, making them suitable for dual-monitor setups and more.

Q. Are there Ryzen processors without integrated graphics at all?

Yes, Ryzen processors without integrated graphics are available, typically aimed at high-performance desktops or gaming where a dedicated GPU is essential.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, AMD Ryzen processors are available with both integrated and non-integrated GPUs. Ryzen processors with integrated graphics provide cost savings, power efficiency, and adaptability for routine workloads. When it comes to intensive jobs, they cannot replace specialist graphics cards. Customers must be aware of their unique needs in order to select a Ryzen CPU that meets their criteria. The decision between a Ryzen CPU with integrated graphics and one without is mainly influenced by the user's needs and available funds. Both have benefits and drawbacks, and making the proper choice can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the system as a whole and the level of user satisfaction.