F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Decide when to purchase an APU based on current market conditions.

Decide when to purchase an APU based on current market conditions.

Decide when to purchase an APU based on current market conditions.

B
Blureux
Posting Freak
797
04-24-2021, 05:15 AM
#1
Hello. Your current 2015 ultrabook works well, but your remote work demands more RAM and CPU power than it currently supports. Upgrading these parts isn’t possible, so you’re considering a compact mini-ITX build. An APU could handle the load nicely. I’m unsure if you’ll be disappointed later, but memory bandwidth is a big concern for the 3400G model. DDR5 could help, possibly boosting performance by about 30%, mainly through better memory support. This would likely require a full redesign—new board, RAM, and APU. There’s no clear answer, but I’d value your perspective on whether it’s wise to invest now or wait for potentially obsolete components.
B
Blureux
04-24-2021, 05:15 AM #1

Hello. Your current 2015 ultrabook works well, but your remote work demands more RAM and CPU power than it currently supports. Upgrading these parts isn’t possible, so you’re considering a compact mini-ITX build. An APU could handle the load nicely. I’m unsure if you’ll be disappointed later, but memory bandwidth is a big concern for the 3400G model. DDR5 could help, possibly boosting performance by about 30%, mainly through better memory support. This would likely require a full redesign—new board, RAM, and APU. There’s no clear answer, but I’d value your perspective on whether it’s wise to invest now or wait for potentially obsolete components.

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FABIAN10614
Junior Member
38
05-10-2021, 10:46 AM
#2
The system's design heavily relies on memory bandwidth limitations typical of integrated graphics. This means you'll need to invest more in memory bandwidth solutions. A DDR4 3200 frequency offers reasonable performance for such a processor. How much are you planning to allocate for the overall setup?
F
FABIAN10614
05-10-2021, 10:46 AM #2

The system's design heavily relies on memory bandwidth limitations typical of integrated graphics. This means you'll need to invest more in memory bandwidth solutions. A DDR4 3200 frequency offers reasonable performance for such a processor. How much are you planning to allocate for the overall setup?

T
Tigrio
Member
54
05-11-2021, 01:22 PM
#3
I don't have strict budget constraints; the current setup looks like an APU configuration. A low-profile AM4 cooler from Noctua paired with a mini-ITX board is planned. 32GB dual-channel storage and an NVMe SSD are included. The system will run on PicoPSU with an external power brick, and a 3D-printed PETG case sized about a lunchbox but slightly thinner—ideal for fitting inside one as a carry case. A 4x40mm Noctua cooler will help manage airflow by pulling hot air away from the motherboard sideways, ensuring proper ventilation. My main concern is that if DDR5 and compatible APUs arrive soon, I might have missed out on a superior build.
T
Tigrio
05-11-2021, 01:22 PM #3

I don't have strict budget constraints; the current setup looks like an APU configuration. A low-profile AM4 cooler from Noctua paired with a mini-ITX board is planned. 32GB dual-channel storage and an NVMe SSD are included. The system will run on PicoPSU with an external power brick, and a 3D-printed PETG case sized about a lunchbox but slightly thinner—ideal for fitting inside one as a carry case. A 4x40mm Noctua cooler will help manage airflow by pulling hot air away from the motherboard sideways, ensuring proper ventilation. My main concern is that if DDR5 and compatible APUs arrive soon, I might have missed out on a superior build.