Summary of Reddit Comments: Best Low-End AMD APU

AMD APUs:

• 5600G/5700G: These are good options, with the 5700G being faster and providing better graphics performance.
• 8600G/8700G: Faster APUs with substantially more performant graphics, supporting PCIe Gen4 but only offering 8 PCIe lanes to a discrete graphics card.

Motherboards:

• The ASUS B650E Taichi offers USB4 and other features for around $370 for ATX size, while the ROG Strix X670E-I at around $450 is a Mini-ITX option with USB4/Thunderbolt 3 and two NVMe slots.
• For Thunderbolt, USB4, and 10GbE, boards over $500 would be needed, likely in an ATX form factor.

Pros and Cons:

• Expensive motherboards with USB4/Thunderbolt have a price premium not ideal for low-end budgets.
• Consider opting for a discrete graphics card with a Ryzen 7000 part rather than the 8600/8700G APUs.
• Forgo USB4/Thunderbolt for cheaper options with USB 3.2 connectivity due to low demand for USB4/Thunderbolt on desktops.

MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi:

• Represents a decent VRM and features mix, albeit being pricier than some alternatives.
• MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi currently priced at $109 on Newegg, making it a budget-friendly option.

ASUS PRIME B550M-A WiFi:

• Offers a low-end Realtek 887 codec, lacks a true USB-C connection, and has only a half-power fake USB-C internal connector.

ASRock B550M Pro4:

• Provides robust support for AIO pump headers and customizable settings in the BIOS, with impressive AIO and pump support configurations.

General Comments:

• Some users critique the NZXT H510 and B450 Tomahawk Max as overhyped choices without exploring other alternatives.
• Users emphasize the importance of VRMs for overclocking, along with considerations like BIOS ease of use, SPDIF output, and dual-channel memory.
• Recommendations are also made for CPUs, GPUs, coolers, streaming needs, and exploring further options beyond ASUS motherboards.
• The Reddit community eagerly awaits updates and BIOS releases for ASUS motherboards to enhance compatibility and features.

User Experience and Feedback:

• Users share positive experiences with ASUS motherboard BIOS updates and compatible CPU installs for improved performance.
• Some express frustration over delayed BIOS updates for specific CPUs and features like compatibility with APUs on older motherboards.
• Anticipation is high for upgrades to more powerful CPUs like the 5900X and accessing features like resizable bar support post-BIOS updates.
• Enthusiasm is evident for past successes with AM4 platform components and favorable responses to ASUS's efforts in launching AGESA BIOS updates.

Considerations for Building PCs:

• Various concerns and queries related to BIOS updates, compatibility, performance improvements, and user experiences with ASUS and MSI motherboards are discussed.
• Users share excitement for upcoming hardware releases, BIOS updates, and the potential for system upgrades to enhance gaming and streaming capabilities.

Additional Recommendations:

• Specific BIOS update links and information provided for ASUS Crosshair VI Hero and Wi-Fi versions.
• Discussions around chipset compatibility, AM4 platform advantages, and the potential impact of BIOS updates on CPU performance.

Conclusion:

• The Reddit community highlights the importance of quality components, compatible BIOS updates, and optimized setups for building low-end AMD APU systems, emphasizing considerations for motherboards, RAM, and storage solutions.