Ryzen 5 2400G: Is It Still Good For Gaming?

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G and see how it holds up for gaming in today's world. This little APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) was quite the talk of the town when it first came out, offering a blend of CPU and GPU power in a single chip. But tech moves fast, so let's find out if it's still a viable option for gamers on a budget.

What Makes the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G Special?

The Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G is a quad-core processor with eight threads, based on AMD's Zen architecture. What sets it apart is its integrated Radeon Vega 11 graphics. This means you don't need a separate graphics card to get decent gaming performance. For many, that was a game-changer, especially for those building budget-friendly PCs or needing a temporary solution before investing in a dedicated GPU. The Vega 11 graphics were surprisingly capable, allowing for playable frame rates in many popular titles at lower settings. Think of it as an all-in-one solution that gets you up and running without breaking the bank.

Moreover, the 'PRO' version of the 2400G comes with added enterprise-level features, such as enhanced security and manageability, making it a solid choice for business environments as well. However, for our focus here, we're primarily interested in its gaming capabilities. The base clock speed is around 3.6 GHz, with a boost clock up to 3.9 GHz, providing enough oomph for both everyday tasks and some serious gaming sessions. It supports dual-channel DDR4 memory, which is crucial for feeding the Vega 11 graphics with enough bandwidth to perform well.

The Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G also supports overclocking, meaning you can push it beyond its stock speeds to squeeze out even more performance. This can be particularly beneficial for the integrated graphics, as overclocking the GPU and increasing memory speeds can lead to noticeable improvements in frame rates. For anyone willing to tinker with their settings, the 2400G offers a pathway to enhance their gaming experience without spending extra on additional hardware.

Gaming Performance: Then and Now

When the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G launched, it was a star in the budget gaming world. It could handle games like Overwatch, Fortnite, and Rocket League at 1080p with reasonable settings, often achieving 60 FPS or close to it. Of course, you had to dial down the graphics settings to medium or low, but the fact that you could play these games without a dedicated GPU was impressive. The integrated Vega 11 graphics were a significant step up from previous integrated solutions, making it a compelling option for gamers on a tight budget.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed. Newer games are more demanding, and even older games have received updates that increase their graphical fidelity. So, how does the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G hold up? Well, it's still capable, but you might need to temper your expectations. Modern AAA titles will likely struggle at 1080p, even with low settings. However, if you're willing to drop the resolution to 720p or play less demanding games, the 2400G can still provide a playable experience. E-sports titles like CS:GO, Valorant, and League of Legends should run reasonably well, even at 1080p, with tweaked settings.

To get the most out of the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G for gaming today, consider the following:

  • Lower your resolution: Playing at 720p can significantly improve frame rates.
  • Adjust graphics settings: Set everything to low or medium.
  • Optimize your system: Close unnecessary background applications to free up resources.
  • Overclock (if possible): Pushing the GPU and memory clocks higher can provide a noticeable boost.

The Competition and Alternatives

While the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G was a great option in its time, there are now several alternatives to consider. Newer integrated graphics solutions from AMD, such as the Vega 8 found in the Ryzen 3 3200G or the Vega 7 in some mobile processors, offer similar or better performance. Additionally, Intel's newer integrated graphics, like the Iris Xe, are also becoming more competitive.

However, the biggest competition comes from the used market. With the prices of graphics cards fluctuating, you might be able to find a decent used GPU for a similar price to a new Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G. A dedicated GPU will almost always outperform integrated graphics, providing a much better gaming experience. Cards like the AMD Radeon RX 570 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti can offer significant performance gains over the Vega 11 graphics.

If you're set on an APU, consider looking at newer Ryzen APUs like the Ryzen 5 3400G or Ryzen 5 5600G. These offer improved CPU and GPU performance, making them better suited for modern games. The Ryzen 5 5600G, in particular, is a significant upgrade, with its Vega 7 graphics providing a noticeable boost in gaming capabilities. Of course, these newer APUs come at a higher price point, so it's essential to weigh your budget and performance needs.

Pros and Cons of the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G for Gaming

To summarize, let's look at the pros and cons of using the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G for gaming in today's environment:

Pros:

  • Affordable: It's a budget-friendly option, especially if you already own one.
  • Integrated graphics: No need for a separate GPU to get started.
  • Decent performance for older games: Can handle e-sports titles and older games at reasonable settings.
  • Overclockable: Offers the potential to squeeze out extra performance.

Cons:

  • Limited performance in modern AAA games: Struggles with demanding titles, even at low settings.
  • Outdated technology: Newer integrated graphics solutions offer better performance.
  • Better alternatives available: Used GPUs and newer APUs provide a better gaming experience for a similar price.

Who Is the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G For?

So, who is the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G for in today's market? If you already own one and are on a very tight budget, it can still be a viable option for light gaming. It's also suitable for those who primarily play e-sports titles or older games and don't mind playing at lower settings. However, if you're building a new gaming PC and have a bit more to spend, there are better alternatives available.

Ultimately, the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G remains a capable APU for certain use cases. While it may not be the powerhouse it once was, it can still provide a decent gaming experience for budget-conscious gamers or those who primarily play less demanding titles. Just remember to manage your expectations and be willing to tweak your settings to get the most out of it.

In conclusion, the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G is still kicking, just not as high as it used to. Keep those settings low, and happy gaming!