Comparing 5600G with 1600AF and a used GPU shows different performance characteristics.
Comparing 5600G with 1600AF and a used GPU shows different performance characteristics.
While improving my main setup, I gathered several unused components that now make up a complete AM4-PC configuration, missing only a CPU and GPU. I'm thinking about assembling these extras into a secondary build. I've read reviews of the 5000 series APUs and decided to install one without worrying about the full GPU setup. However, the performance of the 5600G feels limited, while the 1600AF offers good value for its price. With the savings, I might purchase a used GTX 960 or something similar, which should surpass the 5600G. For light gaming and older games, what would be the most suitable choice?
The 5600G's CPU is nearly at the 5600x mark, which means it will easily outperform the 1600AF. However, if you're only playing at 1080p medium resolution, the difference might not be significant. The 960 should handle the G performance better, but adding a strong GPU later could become more challenging. It really depends on your PC and its potential future upgrades.
Planning to add a real GPU isn't on my radar for the near term—it's mainly about building this system with what I already have. The 5600G offers a stronger CPU, which is important since many older titles perform better with high clock speeds and IPC. On the flip side, those games were made before Ryzen existed, so even a 1600 should handle pre-2015 titles at 1080p with reasonable settings.
A 1600 AF works well when your collection mostly consists of non-AAA games from the past three years.
I’d purchase the 5600g myself. 1600AF wood needs to cost extremely low—around $85 or less—to think it’s worth it.