What is an APU? What is the difference between APU and CPU?

 

If you're into PC building or buying a new pre-built custom desktop PC you often came across the terms APU and CPU in the processor department. APU and CPU are the two terms in which newcomers often get confused. Many of you already know what is an APU? and those who are new to this don't need to worry you're at the right place. This article will help you understand what is an APU and we're also going to look at the difference between APU and CPU and try to figure out which type of processor is best suited according to your needs. 

So in today's article, we'll learn about APU and the differences between an APU and a CPU.

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But before discussing the differences between an APU and a CPU, first, let's take a look at what is CPU?

What is a CPU?

As we all know that CPU or Central Processing Unit is the brain of any computer/laptop or any electronic computing device. CPU is the major component responsible for processing data all across the other components linked to it on a computer/laptop or desktop PC. CPU receives all the data/instructions through computer software that needed to be processed and directs them to the other components of a computer to be executed. 

In the early days of computers and processors, the CPU consisted of several chips across the system. But nowadays CPUs are now built on a single chip to increase efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs. And these single-chip CPUs are widely known as 'Microprocessors'. These smaller, compact yet powerful CPUs can be found in every electronic computing device like- All-In-One devices, Laptops, Smartphones, Tablets, PCs, Gaming Consoles, and many others.    

A modern-day CPU or microprocessor consists of billions of tiny transistors and multiple processing cores, which helps the CPU handle and perform several tasks.  And to know more about CPU processing cores click here

Check out all the APU's according to your need here

What is an APU?

 An APU or Accelerated Processing Unit is just another microprocessor designed to consist of two separate chips or two separate hardware units on a single die. In this case, an APU consists of both the CPU and GPU units on a single die. 

The term APU was first coined in 2011 by AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) an American multinational semiconductor company. AMD introduces and produced the first generation of APUs with the codename "LIano" in the same year which is 2011. 

AMD introduces their first generation of APUs, LIano (high-performance microprocessor) and "Brazos" (low-performance microprocessor) for compatible devices in 2011. 

Basically, APU refers to power-efficient general-purpose microprocessors that integrate graphics processors (Integrated GPUs). This allows gamers to play games at 720p or 1080p with the right settings. 

To put in simpler words an APU consists of both CPU and GPU cores on a single die thus removing the bus connecting CPU and GPU as separate units. And putting CPU and GPU on a single die reduces the overall cost of making a microprocessor alongside improving its overall efficiency as well. By reducing the physical distance between CPU and GPU enables faster data transfers and increased performance to some extent. And you can find APUs in entry-level budget PCs for graphics processing and non-gaming power-efficient performance laptops and in some budget gaming laptops as well. 

The current generation of APUs is "Cezanne" based on AMD's Zen 3 architecture. 

Check out all the APU's according to your need here 

BottomLine: What is the Difference between APU and CPU?

CPU is the brain of your computer, which gets instructions from computer software and tells the rest of the components to their work accordingly in a specific manner. And it's responsible for processing every command or data that you asked for to do it. 

An APU is a specially designed microprocessor consisting of both CPU and GPU on a single die. it's a hybrid of CPU and GPU. It is a power-efficient and cost-efficient microprocessor which can be found in several budget laptops and notebooks but can't take heavy loads or play AAA title games properly. 

In my frank opinion a combination of CPU and GPU, while building a gaming PC or purchasing a pre-built gaming rig still has an edge over an APU, unless money is not your primary problem. And if you want to save some money then a good APU with the right settings might work for you as an entry-level gaming pc that can play some games too.

So that's it guys this is all about what is an APU and the differences between APU and CPU. Both have their pros and cons. And according to your work, both can do a great job for you. I hope you liked it and if you do then don't forget to share it with your friends and follow techanalysia on Twitter and do press the bell icon on it so whenever a new article drops you're first to know. 
See you next time, till then bye.