I'm planning to build a PC but can't afford a dedicated graphics card immediately, so I'd like to use the integrated graphics on a Ryzen 5 5600G—or possibly a Ryzen 5 3600G—until I can buy one later. What affordable GPU would make a good upgrade for gaming once I have the budget? I'm mainly interested in games such as Valorant, CS:GO, and other non-AAA titles.
5 Answers
The Ryzen 5 5600G is the better choice for starting without a graphics card. Its integrated graphics should handle lighter games at playable settings, although you shouldn’t expect a high-end experience. When you’re ready to upgrade, buy the best current GPU that fits your budget rather than choosing one too far in advance.
For affordable 1080p gaming, a used RX 6600 XT is a strong option. It usually offers excellent performance for the price, has 8 GB of VRAM, and should handle most games at 1080p. Buying used can make a big difference if your budget is limited.
A used RX 6700 XT or RX 6750 XT is also worth considering if you can find one around the equivalent of €230–€260. These cards provide plenty of performance for 1080p and leave more room for demanding games later.
Make sure the rest of the build won’t hold you back. Use dual-channel RAM running around 3200–3600 MT/s and a decent NVMe SSD, since both will improve the experience while you’re using the integrated graphics. Also keep in mind that APUs generally have less CPU cache than comparable non-APU processors.
The right GPU depends heavily on the games and resolution. For competitive games like Valorant and CS:GO, the 5600G’s integrated graphics may be enough to get started, especially with lowered settings. A dedicated card such as an RX 6600-class model would be a sensible later upgrade; there’s no need to plan around something much faster unless you intend to play more demanding games.
I’m mainly planning to play Valorant, CS:GO, and other non-AAA games, so starting with the integrated graphics should be fine for now.