CPU or APU?

[BennettWHU]

I've decided to build a new AMD based PC for gaming and web surfing. I don't know if I should use an APU or a CPU? I know the APU's have on board graphics, but even with their on board graphics, I'll still be installing a dedicated GFX card. If I was to go with the CPU route, I'd use the AMD Piledriver FX-8 Eight Core 8320 Black Edition. And if I was to go down the APU route, I'd use the AMD Kaveri 7850K. Can anyone explain the pros and cons of either and maybe give me some advice on which to go for?

The PC itself will be used for gaming and web surfing. Multi-tasking is something I'd like the PC to handle quite well as I often tab in and out of games to surf the web and I open a lot of tabs whilst surfing the web or using different web based services like Netflix.

 

[David Bisset]

APU is good if not using dedicated discrete graphics.

CPU is good if using dedicated discrete graphics.

Get the 8320 not the 7850k

 

[ALXAndy]

Agreed, APUs are a waste of money the moment you add a discrete GPU.

The 8320 will thump an APU's CPU any way.

 

[Davedree]

If you really want to invest into an Amd setup, then if going the apu route and you're not going to use the igp, then get yourself an Athlon x4 860k.
The £40-/+ saved can go towards a half decent gpu (upcoming nvidia 960** or current Amd offerings).

If you want an fx processor then also have a look at an fx6300, bearing in mind to get the best out of the fx series you need a good cpu cooler to get the clocks up to around 4.5-4.8ghz, the stock cooler is pants.

It would be wise to look at intel's offerings too

 

[Boomstick777]

No point buying into a dead socket at this point. 1150 makes way more sense.

Z97 mobo £60 + Intel Pentium K £50 + cheap GPU ## imho.

 

[Davedree]

No point buying into a dead socket at this point. 1150 makes way more sense.

Z97 mobo £60 + Intel Pentium K £50 + cheap GPU ## imho.

Thats what I mean, but I don't think investing into a pentium is wise.
at least an I3 or I5.

 

[BennettWHU]

I don't know much in regards to what is going on in the CPU market these days. Does AMD have a new socket / CPU lined up for 2015? If so, I might just save my money and get one of those on release. From what I've read on this thread, CPU sounds like the way to go.

 

[Boomstick777]

Thats what I mean, but I don't think investing into a pentium is wise.
at least an I3 or I5.

Like you say A cheap Z97 mobo + i5 would be a nice budget setup on a platform with future upgrade options. Def worth it over the current AMD stuff.

 

[ghost.florian]

AMD should release a new architecture this year, but if you need a new system now I wouldn't wait.

The 8320 should be good enough for gaming and browsing. If by "gaming" you mean online games (like WoW, DOTA, LoL etc.), then the integrated GPU in an APU will do you just good.

 

[theMilitant]

As has already been said, definitely go for the cpu if you're planning on buying a discrete graphics card.