Do I need a GPU?

[Dh00001]

Currently in process of building a casual gaming PC. Would like to run the likes of BF4 and Bioshock.

I have a G1.Sniper A88x and a AMD Kaveri 7700K.

Do i need another GPU to go with it or would the onboard R7 suffice? Budget is somewhat limited at the moment so was probably looking at the MSI r8 270x if any, or would this be no benefit.

 

[Martini1991]

What resolution? You'll be bashing a Kaveri in I assume (Kaveri could have been a lot better, if only it wasn't bandwidth starved the way it is)

 

[HecFam]

What CPU?

APU do benefit from fast RAM, what speed are you going for?

I think they use HD 8670D graphics might want to look up some benchmarks.

 

[Dh00001]

Ram wise I've got 16gb of 1600mhz. Would be looking to upgrade this as time goes on, but it was free and is to get me going!

Resolution will probably be 1280x720 or 1600x900. Have a few screens laying around so can kind of pick and choose.

 

[varkanoid]

for that CPU you can crossfire it with an R7 240/250. To run BF4 (at low settings as it will struggle on owt higher) you need 2133mhz RAM too on a single onboard GPU.

Dont bother buying another GPU till you have tested the capability of the GPU on the 7700k to see if its good enough.

 

[meldarthx]

You'll want bit faster ram but if its free; not hard to sneeze at. that Kaveri should be good for 720p easily at medium settings possibly some high.

I built for kids 6600k apu; system with 4 gigs 2000; it runs WoT with everything high at 30 frames....I was really surprised just how well that little apu can run things. at 1400 by 900....yours is faster....make sure to get some nice ram to go with it

For not; no specially if you're running 720 you don't need another gpu; but seriously while 16 gigs at 1600 is sweet....depending on the timings if very tight timings then yes stick with that ram; if not; you'll want faster ram at least 2133 if not 2400......for that APU....

 

[Dh00001]

Thanks for the useful replies.
Think I have decided to go with the inboard gpu and invest in some faster RAM. Currently have RipjawsX.
Problem is I think the motherboard is limited to 1866. I doubt that is much of an increase?
May have to think about a Gigabyte F2A88X-D3H or Gigabyte F2A88XM-HD3

 

[jms198]

If you are stopping at 1866; there is a good chance you can get that out of your current ram.

I would check if timings have an impact or just speed. With loosened timings and 1866 should be achievable. You would be better off spending the money used on changing your ram on a dedicated GPU.