ULTIMATE AMD Value APU PC Computer "How To" Build Guide
0 up · 0 down · 0 ratings
Channels and socials
This is our first value build guide. We've had so many requests for both a value build guide as well as an AMD build guide that we teamed up with AMD to make this one possible. A lot of the emphasis of this video will be on the value of an APU or "accelerated processing unit" versus the more traditional "CPU" that is found in most PCs. This video build guide was brought to you by AMD. Sponsor link: amd.com System Components List: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Title: Feint - Homebound Beatport Download Link: beatport.com Label Channel: youtube.com Title: Televisor - Dream Soda Video Link: youtube.com Beatport Download Link: beatport.com Label Channel: youtube.com
This video presents the ULTIMATE AMD Value APU PC build guide, aimed at viewers who want a cost-conscious yet practical entry into building a PC around an AMD APU. The host explains the core concept of an APU, emphasizing how Radeon graphics are integrated directly into the CPU die and how this architecture supports heterogeneous computing as part of future directions like HSA. The discussion covers why an APU can deliver strong value, especially for users who want solid gaming and general compute performance without buying a separate graphics card right away. Throughout the early sections, the host contrasts APUs with traditional CPUs, highlighting how higher bandwidth memory and integrated Radeon graphics enable better performance in OpenCL workloads and gaming at modest resolutions. The video then outlines specific component choices, including the AMD A10 6790K APU, DDR3 memory in dual-channel configuration, and a budget-friendly FM2+ motherboard, all chosen to illustrate a balanced, value-oriented setup. The host also touches on practical considerations like memory compatibility, power supply reliability, and the rationale for selecting a storage and case configuration that prioritizes airflow and upgradeability. The guide walks through the hardware assembly step by step, from CPU installation and memory seating to motherboard mounting, cable management, and the initial BIOS configuration, with practical tips about static safety, case orientation, and starting with a test fit outside the case. In the software domain, Windows installation from USB is explained as a straightforward process, followed by driver updates and the importance of acquiring the latest chipset and AMD drivers from the manufacturer’s site. The video closes with reflections on the longer-term implications for the AMD APU platform, including future enhancements like True Audio, better graphics and compute performance, and ongoing evolution toward HSA, suggesting that APUs can serve as capable computing platforms even as discrete GPUs remain a viable upgrade path. The presenter also demonstrates a full system test with Battlefield 4 at 720p and medium details, underscoring the practical gaming capability of the value build and the potential for future GPU upgrades to reach higher resolutions, all while stressing the durability and airflow advantages of the chosen Fractal Design case. Overall, the guide is as much about showing a repeatable, budget-friendly build flow as it is about the specifics of the AMD APU, with a forward-looking nod to how APUs fit into the evolving landscape of PC hardware and software integration.
Topics · computing · hardware · pc-build · gaming · education
Questions answered
- What is an APU and why choose it for a value build?
- An APU combines CPU cores with integrated Radeon graphics on the same die, delivering both compute and graphics performance with potential cost savings over buying a CPU plus a discrete GPU. This can be advantageous for value builds where budget and upgradeability are priorities.
- Why was the A10 6790K chosen for this build?
- The A10 6790K was selected for its balance of price and performance and its strong Radeon graphics, which helps with openCL workloads and casual gaming without an expensive dedicated GPU.
- What memory considerations matter most for APUs?
- APUs benefit from higher memory bandwidth; hence, dual-channel memory with adequate speed is recommended to maximize GPU compute performance and overall system responsiveness.
- Is a separate graphics card necessary in this build?
- Not initially. The APU provides onboard graphics sufficient for casual to midrange gaming at lower resolutions, with the option to upgrade to a dedicated GPU later if higher performance is required.
- What is the value of selecting a budget motherboard like the FM2+ boards used here?
- Budget FM2+ boards provide essential features at a low cost, with room to upgrade later in terms of graphics and memory while keeping power and space efficiency in mind.