Many popular PC builds include a combination of Intel and AMD hardware components. Especially, the AMD graphics cards are used in combination with Intel CPUs by many gamers.
Although both Intel and AMD have their advantages, their hardware can be used in combination without any issues. But what about the performance? Is there any significant improvement? Let us discuss the compatibility of Radeon graphics with Intel processors and the benefits of using them in the combo.
Are Radeon Graphics Cards Compatible with Intel?
Yes, AMD’s Radeon graphics cards can be used in combination with Intel CPUs without any compatibility issues. Radeon cards are manufactured to work with any kind of CPU despite the brand and they can perform well enough. If your PC motherboard has a compatible PCIe slot, you can very well use the card and need not have to consider the type of CPU used in it.
There are many reasons to use the hardware in combination and let us discuss some of them which can benefit the user experience positively.
Benefits of Using Radeon Graphics with Intel CPU
The following are the major advantages of using a Radeon GPU with an Intel CPU:
- Higher Performance with low power consumption
- Radeon Cards have Higher VRAM
- Radeon Cards are Cheaper
Higher Performance with low power consumption
The combination has proved to be the best setup for gaming. You can find a lot of games to work well in this combination resulting in higher FPS gaming at higher resolutions.
The graphics processing capacity of Radeon cards doesn’t need any introduction. Even the PS5 console uses a complete AMD ecosystem and provides a 4K gaming experience.
So, the performance of Radeon graphics is ultimate and when it is combined with Intel CPU, it can take the performance to the next level.
Intel CPUs tend to have higher processing power with higher efficiency. This means they can be significantly faster in performing each task while consuming less power.
So, combining this hardware can result in greater performance. You can play high-quality games in high resolution and higher FPS with less power consumption.
Radeon Cards have Higher VRAM
When compared to Nvidia cards, Radeon cards have higher VRAM which is one of the greatest advantages of it. When this is combined with an Intel CPU, you can have an upper hand in terms of graphics performance.
AMD considers that gaming or graphics performance can be increased by providing a larger memory. This happens to be true in many cases and you can find significant performance increases.
We also know that Intel CPUs are known for their high efficiency and processing power. So, when this is combined with the higher VRAM of the Radeon cards, you can get ultimate graphics performance.
Radeon Cards are Cheaper
AMD indeed provides better cards at a significantly lower price. This allows you to enjoy better gaming and graphics at a cheaper PC build.
Sometimes gaming may not be the greatest concern for you. But you need to have a decent graphics performance. In such cases, Radeon cards are available for an affordable price which allows you to invest in a better Intel CPU.
Since there are no compatibility issues, you can very well make use of the cheap cards and get decent performance while you can enjoy higher processing power with Intel CPUs.
Building a PC with Radeon GPU and Intel CPU can be the most affordable option that doesn’t compromise performance.
Therefore, if you want to get maximum graphics performance, you can use Radeon cards in combination with an Intel CPU. You will be enjoying the best of both worlds and have significant improvement in processing capabilities.
Read: Why does Radeon software keep crashing?
What to check before using a Radeon Graphics card with Intel?
You have to consider the following things before you use a Radeon graphics card with Intel CPU:
- Drivers
- Motherboard Compatibility
- Bottlenecks
Drivers
It is very important to download and install suitable drivers for the Radeon GPU when you are using it in combination with Intel CPU. Especially if you are using an integrated intel CPU, it will have inbuilt graphics and a driver for it.
So, after you install the dedicated GPU into the PC with Intel CPU, try to download the appropriate driver for the GPU model.
Also, you must uninstall any other outdated version of the driver available on the PC to avoid compatibility issues.
Motherboard Compatibility
Before buying a Radeon card, check whether you have an appropriate PCIe slot for the GPU. Then you have to check the PSU capacity.
The power supply unit you previously had might only suffice the CPU and GPU configuration you had earlier. But once you decided to use a Radeon card, you should check the power consumption of the card as well as the CPU.
Because having the appropriate PSU will avoid performance issues and it is very important to check it before installing.
Bottlenecks
Try to choose the card with the appropriate capacity as per your requirement. Because it may result in bottlenecks when heavy tasks are performed.
It will also significantly affect the performance of the CPU and you should consider the tasks you will be doing before installing the GPU.
Read: Can you run Nvidia and Radeon together?
Common issues when using Radeon graphics card with Intel
When you are going to use a Radeon card with an Intel processor, the following issues may arise:
- Driver Incompatibility – If you don’t install the appropriate drivers for the GPU, the hardware may not work properly and will result in incompatibility. You can rectify it by properly installing the appropriate drivers.
- Higher Power consumption – Sometimes if you don’t choose the card properly, the combination can result in higher power consumption and lower efficiency.
- Software issues – If you don’t have the proper applications to run the GPU, you may have issues with the working of the card as well as trouble with the user interface.
Read: How can I improve my graphics card performance?
Conclusion
There is nothing wrong with using a Radeon graphics card with an Intel processor. It will work very well, and many setups have provided powerful results. You just have to keep note of certain factors before choosing to buy a Radeon card and install it on your PC.
