$60 Budget CPU with VEGA Graphics: Is the AMD Athlon 240GE Worth Buying?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Rise of APUs
3. The Athlon 200 GE, 220 GE, and 240 GE
4. Game Benchmarks: Fortnite
5. Game Benchmarks: Overwatch
6. Game Benchmarks: Minecraft
7. Game Benchmarks: League of Legends
8. Game Benchmarks: Pinball FX3
9. The Value for the Money
10. Windows and productivity Performance
11. Additional Benefits
12. Conclusion

👉 The Rise of APUs

The world of computer processors has seen a significant evolution over the years. Today, we are witnessing the rise of APUs (Accelerated Processing Units), which combine the processing power of a CPU with the graphics capabilities of a GPU. These hybrid chips have become extremely popular due to their affordability and versatility. In this article, we will explore the Athlon 200 GE, 220 GE, and 240 GE APUs from AMD, and delve into their gaming performance.

👉 The Athlon 200 GE, 220 GE, and 240 GE

The Athlon 200 GE, 220 GE, and 240 GE are two-core, four-thread APUs with integrated Vega 3 graphics. While they may not be the most powerful APUs on the market, they offer impressive performance for their price range. Each model differs slightly in terms of CPU clock speed, with the 240 GE being the highest at 3.5 GHz. However, the graphics capabilities remain the same across the three models. For most users, the performance difference between these models is minimal, making them all viable options.

👉 Game Benchmarks: Fortnite

Fortnite is an immensely popular online game that has taken the gaming world by storm. It is played by millions of people worldwide, making it an ideal benchmark for testing the gaming capabilities of the Athlon APUs. In our tests, we ran several game benchmarks featuring Fortnite, focusing on real battles rather than small benchmarks. The results were quite impressive. Even at 1080p low detail settings, the Athlon APUs delivered smooth gameplay with frame rates reaching up to 120 frames per Second. However, it is worth noting that frame drops may occur during intense combat situations, but overall, the performance was excellent.

👉 Game Benchmarks: Overwatch

Overwatch, a team-based first-person shooter game, is another popular title that we tested on the Athlon APUs. Running the game at 720p low settings, we were pleased to find that the APUs performed admirably. With an average frame rate of 66 frames per second and a 1% low of 52 frames per second, the gameplay was smooth and enjoyable. It is important to note that while these frame rates may not satisfy competitive gamers, they are more than sufficient for casual gamers looking to have fun without breaking the bank.

👉 Game Benchmarks: Minecraft

Minecraft is a game beloved by millions for its endless possibilities and creative gameplay. While it can run on almost any hardware, we wanted to test its performance on the Athlon APUs. To our delight, the game ran smoothly at 1080p high detail settings, with frame rates averaging at 155 frames per second. Even in more demanding situations, such as when exploring larger worlds or using Mods, the APUs held up well, maintaining playable frame rates. Minecraft enthusiasts on a budget can rest assured that the Athlon APUs will provide a satisfactory gaming experience.

👉 Game Benchmarks: League of Legends

League of Legends, a widely popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, is known for its low system requirements. However, we included it in our benchmark tests to demonstrate the capabilities of the Athlon APUs. Running the game at 1080p, the APUs delivered impressive results, with an average frame rate of 102 frames per second and a 1% low of 60 frames per second. While serious competitive players may require higher frame rates, the APUs offer a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for casual players.

👉 Game Benchmarks: Pinball FX3

Pinball FX3 might not be the first game that comes to mind when testing hardware performance, but we included it as a unique benchmark. Surprisingly, the Athlon APUs handled the game exceptionally well in a fixed view mode, holding a steady 60 frames per second. However, when the camera moves or zooms in, the frame rates drop significantly, making it unplayable. It is important to note that Pinball FX3 is an exception in terms of its demanding requirements, and most games will perform smoothly on the Athlon APUs.

👉 The Value for the Money

When considering the value for money, it is important to compare the Athlon APUs with other alternatives. One such alternative is the Ryzen 5 1600 paired with a used RX 570 or RX 580 GPU. While this combination provides significantly better gaming performance, it comes at a higher price point. For those on a tight budget, the Athlon APUs offer a compelling gaming experience at an affordable price. However, for gamers who can stretch their budget, the Ryzen 5 1600 with a dedicated graphics card remains a more powerful option.

👉 Windows and Productivity Performance

While the focus of this article has been on gaming performance, it is worth noting that the Athlon APUs also excel in general Windows performance and productivity tasks. With Zen cores and the same architecture as the Ryzen CPUs, these APUs provide a responsive and energy-efficient experience for everyday use. Tasks such as web browsing, email, light image editing, and using Microsoft Office applications are handled with ease. However, for heavy video editing or other demanding tasks, more powerful hardware would be recommended.

👉 Additional Benefits

In addition to their gaming and general performance capabilities, the Athlon APUs offer additional benefits. They come with a Wraith Stealth cooler, which provides superior cooling performance and a quieter operation compared to the stock cooler that comes with the Athlon APUs. This is an important consideration for those seeking a quieter computing experience. Furthermore, the APUs can be a valuable tool for PC technicians or enthusiasts who require an inexpensive CPU for testing multiple AM4 motherboards or performing diagnostics without an installed video card.

👉 Conclusion

In conclusion, the Athlon 200 GE, 220 GE, and 240 GE APUs from AMD offer a compelling Blend of performance and affordability. While they may not compete with higher-end CPUs and GPUs, they provide impressive gaming performance for their price range. With the ability to play popular games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Minecraft at reasonable detail settings, these APUs are an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. Additionally, their capabilities in Windows and productivity tasks make them a versatile option for a wide range of users. Whether you are a casual gamer or a PC technician, the Athlon APUs deliver value for the money with their excellent price-to-performance ratio.

(Resources: Amazon, Newegg, eBay)