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Short answer: AMD’s Ryzen 7 8700G is the fastest desktop processor in this comparison for gaming without a graphics card. The Ryzen 5 8600G is the better value for most budget systems, delivering about 90% of the 8700G’s integrated-graphics performance in Tom’s Hardware’s comparison for roughly $80 less at the prices listed there. The Ryzen 5 8500G is the lowest-cost choice, but its Radeon 740M is aimed at esports, emulation, everyday work and lighter games rather than demanding modern AAA releases.
All three Ryzen 8000G chips use the AM5 socket, include integrated Radeon graphics and carry a 65 W rating. You still need an AM5 motherboard and DDR5 memory, so compare the complete platform—not just the processor’s sticker price. If you are installing a discrete graphics card immediately, a conventional CPU may provide better value because you would be paying for integrated graphics you will not use.
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What an integrated-graphics CPU does
An integrated-graphics CPU, often called an APU when its graphics component is relatively capable, combines processor cores and a graphics processor in one desktop chip. The graphics engine renders the display and games without a separate graphics card. It uses the system’s memory and shares the processor’s power and cooling budget, so it cannot generally match a modern discrete GPU. It can, however, eliminate the largest single cost in a basic gaming PC.
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#1 Best Overall
- Play some of the most popular games at 1080p with the fastest processor graphics in the world, no graphics card required
- 8 Cores and 16 processing threads, bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler
- 4.6 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 20 MB cache, DDR4-3200 support
- For the advanced Socket AM4 platform. Maximum Operating Temperature (Tjmax)-95°C
“Suitable” is the important qualification. Integrated graphics performance changes substantially with the game, resolution, quality preset and memory configuration. A competitive game at sensible settings is a very different workload from a new, visually intensive AAA game at high settings.
Best integrated-graphics CPUs compared
| CPU | CPU cores / threads | Maximum clock | Integrated graphics | Power rating | Launch price | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 7 8700G | 8 / 16 | Up to 5.1 GHz | Radeon 780M | 65 W | $329 launch MSRP (2024) | Highest iGPU performance; GPU-free gaming for an extended period |
| AMD Ryzen 5 8600G | 6 / 12 | Up to 5.0 GHz | Radeon 760M | 65 W | $229 launch MSRP (2024) | Most budget builds; strong balance of price and iGPU speed |
| AMD Ryzen 5 8500G | 6 / 12 | Up to 5.0 GHz | Radeon 740M | 65 W | $179 launch MSRP (2024) | Lowest entry cost; everyday use, esports, emulation and lighter games |
| Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus | Not stated in the available specifications | Not stated | Integrated graphics | Not stated | Suggested price from $199 (2026) | Intel-based systems where integrated graphics are a requirement |
| Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus | Not stated in the available specifications | Not stated | Integrated graphics | Not stated | Suggested price from $299 (2026) | Higher-priced Intel alternative |
The launch MSRPs are historical reference points, not guaranteed checkout prices. Tom’s Hardware’s comparison listed the Ryzen 7 8700G at $268 and the Ryzen 5 8600G at $191; those were prices in that article, not a promise of current regional pricing. Check the price in your country, including the motherboard and memory, before buying.
1. AMD Ryzen 7 8700G: fastest desktop integrated graphics
The Ryzen 7 8700G is the performance choice. It combines eight cores and 16 threads, boosts to 5.1 GHz, includes Radeon 780M graphics and has a 65 W rating. Tom’s Hardware calls it the fastest socketed integrated-graphics option in its comparison and found it capable of passable 1080p gaming without a discrete graphics card.
Why choose it
- You expect the computer to remain GPU-free for months or years.
- You want the highest available integrated-graphics performance in this desktop group.
- You are building a compact or power-conscious system and do not want a discrete card’s size, heat or power draw.
- You regularly run applications that benefit from eight processor cores while also gaming on the iGPU.
What to watch
The $329 launch MSRP was higher than the other Ryzen 8000G parts, and the complete system also needs AM5 and DDR5 components. A Ryzen 7 8700G is not automatically the best gaming purchase if a discrete graphics card is going into the system immediately. In that situation, a conventional processor with stronger pure-CPU characteristics may be a better use of the budget.
Tom’s Hardware also notes that Ryzen 7000 processors can be faster in pure CPU work because they have larger L3 cache. The 8700G’s clearest advantage is its integrated graphics, not an across-the-board lead in every processor task.
Rank #2
- Pure gaming performance with smooth 100+ FPS in the world's most popular games
- 6 Cores and 12 processing threads, based on AMD "Zen 5" architecture
- 5.4 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 38 MB cache, DDR5-5600 support
- For the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, can support PCIe 5.0 on select motherboards
- Cooler not included
2. AMD Ryzen 5 8600G: the value choice for most builds
The Ryzen 5 8600G is the practical recommendation for a typical budget gaming PC. It has six cores, 12 threads, a maximum clock of 5.0 GHz, Radeon 760M graphics and the same 65 W rating as the 8700G. Tom’s Hardware’s comparison measured roughly 90% of the 8700G’s integrated-graphics performance for about $80 less at the prices listed in that article.
Why it is the sweet spot
- You want playable 1080p gaming without paying the 8700G premium.
- You need six modern cores for general-purpose work, study, streaming and light content creation.
- You want the AM5 upgrade path but do not need the fastest possible iGPU.
- You may add a discrete graphics card later and want to limit the initial investment.
Because it retains the same AM5 platform as the other Ryzen 8000G processors, choosing the 8600G does not force a different motherboard or memory generation. That makes it easier to keep the initial build affordable while leaving room for a later CPU or graphics upgrade, subject to motherboard support and future component availability.
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The Ryzen 5 8500G costs the least at launch: $179 in AMD’s 2024 launch materials. It has six cores, 12 threads, boosts to 5.0 GHz, includes Radeon 740M graphics and carries a 65 W rating.
Where it makes sense
- Office, school and home PCs that also need to run lighter games.
- Esports titles where modest settings are acceptable.
- Emulation and older games.
- A temporary system that will receive a discrete graphics card later.
The 8500G is not the right expectation for demanding modern AAA games at high image quality. Its lower graphics capability means you should plan around reduced settings and, where necessary, a lower resolution. If the difference between the 8500G and 8600G fits your budget, the 8600G is the more flexible gaming purchase.
Intel’s integrated-graphics alternatives
Intel’s Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus include integrated graphics and launched in 2026 with suggested prices starting at $199 and $299, respectively. They are legitimate options if you specifically want an Intel platform or are comparing a broader system configuration.
Rank #3
- Can deliver fast 100 plus FPS performance in the world's most popular games, discrete graphics card required
- 6 Cores and 12 processing threads, bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler
- 4.2 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 19 MB cache, DDR4-3200 support
- For the advanced Socket AM4 platform
Tom’s Hardware’s integrated-graphics gaming comparison favors AMD’s Ryzen 8000G parts, however. The available comparison identifies the 8700G as the fastest socketed iGPU option and places the 8600G close behind at a lower listed price. The available specifications do not establish equivalent core counts, graphics details or power ratings for the two Intel models, so those values should not be inferred from their prices.
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Think of these processors as ways to start gaming without a graphics card, not as substitutes for every class of discrete GPU. The 8700G is the strongest choice for 1080p play in suitable games and settings. The 8600G offers most of that experience for less money. The 8500G is best treated as an entry-level gaming solution.
Good targets for an iGPU build
- Competitive and esports games configured for performance.
- Older PC games and many independent games.
- Emulators, provided the particular console and emulator are compatible.
- Everyday desktop use, video playback and applications that do not require a powerful discrete GPU.
Workloads that need realistic expectations
- New AAA games with demanding lighting, high-resolution textures or large open worlds.
- High-refresh-rate gaming at high presets.
- Local workloads that depend heavily on dedicated graphics memory.
AMD’s “60-plus-FPS Full HD” statement applies to suitable titles and settings, not every game. Before choosing a chip, check the requirements of the specific games you actually play and decide whether reduced settings are acceptable.
Platform costs: the CPU is only the beginning
A Ryzen 8000G purchase requires an AM5-compatible motherboard and DDR5 memory. Those parts can materially change the value calculation. A $179 processor is not a $179 gaming PC, and the 8700G’s graphics advantage can be outweighed by an oversized motherboard or an expensive memory choice.
Budget the complete list
- Ryzen 8000G processor.
- AM5 motherboard.
- DDR5 memory.
- Storage drive.
- Power supply.
- Case and cooling appropriate to the chosen system.
- An operating system and peripherals, if you do not already have them.
The 8000G processors are all rated at 65 W, which supports compact and relatively efficient designs, but the power supply still needs to cover the complete system and any future discrete graphics card. If a graphics-card upgrade is part of the plan, check the motherboard’s expansion layout and the power supply’s capacity before finalizing the case.
Rank #4
- UNMATCHED QUALITY/PRICE Ratio – With its affordable AM4 platform, outstanding performance in Full HD gaming and everyday productivity, this processor with integrated graphics is the ideal choice for a balanced, affordable PC.
- ADVANCED FEATURES – With a TDP of 65W and 6MB of L3 cache, the Ryzen 5 3400G is designed for reliability and versatility.
- 4 cores and 8 threads – The Ryzen 5 3400G reaches excellent frequencies (Base 3.7 GHz / Boost 4.2 GHz). All cores are unlocked to allow overclocking.
- AMD Wraith Stealth Heatsink Included
Choose by upgrade plan, not just launch price
Buy the 8700G when the PC will stay GPU-free
Select the 8700G if integrated-graphics performance is the central requirement and you do not expect to install a discrete card soon. Its eight cores and Radeon 780M provide the most headroom in this group for a compact, self-contained gaming desktop.
Buy the 8600G for the balanced path
The 8600G is the default recommendation when you want a capable starter PC, need to control spending and may add a graphics card later. It keeps the AM5 path and most of the 8700G’s iGPU experience without the highest launch price.
Buy the 8500G only for a tightly constrained budget
Choose the 8500G when the upfront CPU budget is the deciding factor and you are comfortable with modest game settings. It is also sensible for a general-purpose computer whose gaming duty is occasional rather than central.
Skip the large iGPU when a discrete card is immediate
If the build will receive a discrete graphics card as soon as it is assembled, compare conventional Ryzen and Intel processors on CPU performance, motherboard cost and total platform price. An integrated GPU can still be useful as a troubleshooting display output, but paying a premium for powerful integrated graphics has less value when a separate card will do the rendering from day one.
A practical buying process
- List the games and applications. Separate esports, older games and emulation from modern AAA titles. Decide the resolution and image-quality compromises you will accept.
- Set the no-GPU period. If the system must game without a graphics card for a long time, prioritize the 8700G or 8600G. If the card arrives immediately, evaluate conventional CPUs instead.
- Price the platform together. Add the AM5 motherboard and DDR5 memory to the CPU price before comparing with another platform.
- Pick the graphics tier. Radeon 780M is the performance tier, Radeon 760M the value tier and Radeon 740M the entry tier in this group.
- Reserve money for storage, power and the case. A fast processor cannot compensate for inadequate storage capacity, a poor-quality power supply or insufficient airflow.
- Verify current local pricing. Launch MSRPs and prices listed in Tom’s Hardware’s comparison are historical or time-specific. Confirm the checkout price and stock in your region before ordering.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Comparing CPU prices without platform prices
AM5 and DDR5 are mandatory parts of an 8000G build. Compare complete builds, not isolated processor numbers.
Best Value
- Includes advanced Radeon Vega 8 graphics, no expensive Graphics card required
- Can deliver smooth high definition performance in the world's most popular games
- 4 processing cores, bundled with the quiet AMD Wraith stealth cooler
- 4.0 GHz max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 6 MB Cache, DDR 2933 support
- For the advanced socket AM4 platform. Base Clock 3.6 GHz
Assuming every game reaches 60 FPS
The 60-plus-FPS Full HD claim is qualified by game and settings. Use performance-oriented presets and check demanding titles individually.
Buying the 8700G for a day-one graphics card
If the discrete card is installed immediately, the integrated graphics may provide little gaming value. Redirect that budget toward the CPU, motherboard or graphics card that will actually handle the workload.
Ignoring the upgrade route
A future graphics card needs physical room, suitable power delivery and a power supply with enough capacity. Plan those constraints before choosing a small case.
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Treating launch MSRP as a live price
AMD’s $329, $229 and $179 figures are launch prices from 2024. The Intel figures are 2026 suggested starting prices. Retail pricing varies by region and date; verify it at purchase time.
Final recommendations
| Your situation | Best starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum gaming performance without a graphics card | Ryzen 7 8700G | Radeon 780M, eight cores and 16 threads |
| Most budget gaming PCs | Ryzen 5 8600G | Radeon 760M and about 90% of 8700G iGPU performance at roughly $80 less in Tom’s Hardware’s listed comparison pricing |
| Lowest initial CPU cost | Ryzen 5 8500G | $179 launch MSRP, with expectations limited to lighter gaming |
| Discrete graphics card installed immediately | Compare conventional CPUs | A powerful iGPU may be an unnecessary premium |
| Intel platform preference | Core Ultra 5 250K Plus or Core Ultra 7 270K Plus | Integrated graphics and 2026 suggested prices from $199 or $299 |
For most people building a budget PC that must work and play games before a graphics-card upgrade, the Ryzen 5 8600G is the safest recommendation. Choose the Ryzen 7 8700G when the machine will remain GPU-free and you want the highest integrated performance, or the Ryzen 5 8500G when the budget is exceptionally tight and modest settings are acceptable.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
