What is the Next Best Upgrade for a Gaming PC in 2020 with Ryzen 3 2200G Without Adding a Dedicated Graphics Card

For those looking to enhance their gaming PC performance in 2020 with an existing Ryzen 3 2200G without adding a dedicated graphics card, there are several key upgrades to consider. This guide covers RAM, CPU, storage, and alternative options to help you decide what upgrade to pursue to boost your gaming experience.

RAM Upgrade

Making sure your PC has fast RAM can significantly improve the performance of your Ryzen 3 2200G. We recommend upgrading to 2x8GB 3600MHz RAM. This setup is ideal and will ensure smoother and faster performance for your CPU and overall system. If upgrading to a 3400G or 4000-series APU is feasible, they would provide even better gaming performance. Both these options are preferred upgrades if you’re set on enhancing your gaming experience without adding a dedicated GPU.

Storage Upgrade

Another crucial aspect to consider is storage. If you don’t already have an SSD, acquiring one or upgrading to a larger/better-performing SSD can drastically improve loading times and general system responsiveness. While these upgrades might not make a significant in-game performance difference, they will enhance overall user experience, making your gaming more enjoyable.

eGPU as an Alternative

For those who are stuck with the limitation of fitting a dedicated GPU (dGPU), but don’t have the budget for a new one, an eGPU (external GPU) can be a viable alternative. An eGPU supports connecting your computer to a dedicated graphics card through an external enclosure, effectively providing better performance for demanding gaming tasks.

Selecting the Right APU for an Upgrade

The Ryzen 5 3400G is highly recommended and currently one of the best options in this range. However, if you can afford it, purchasing an even a cheap dedicated GPU would still provide slightly better performance. If you’re considering upgrading from an APU, the 3400G offers better performance compared to its predecessor, the 3200G. Ascending to the 4000-series APU is even more beneficial, as these are based on the Zen2 architecture, which incorporates several improvements such as more Instructions Per Clock (IPC) and enhanced power and frequency handling. The Zen2 design enables better power efficiency, allowing the integrated graphics to pull more watts on demand, thereby enhancing performance.

Ensuring Optimal Performance

For those planning to move to a 4000-series APU, ensure your motherboard supports it. You should also utilize dual-channel RAM and the best speed supported by your motherboard and CPU. Additionally, keep an eye on your system’s BIOS updates. Newer CPUs like the 4000 series might require BIOS updates, which can remove support for earlier CPUs due to limited space in the BIOS flash memory. Ensure you follow the BIOS update instructions carefully, and remember that it might require you to install the 4000G series CPU after updating the BIOS. Don’t panic if your system does not boot properly after the BIOS update, as it’s likely a temporary issue until the CPU is properly installed.

By choosing the right upgrade, you can significantly enhance your gaming experience with a Ryzen 3 2200G without the need for a dedicated graphics card. From adding better RAM and storage or considering an eGPU to upgrading to a more advanced APU, there are several options to meet your needs and budget.

Keyword Optimization: RyZen 3 2200G, Gaming PC Upgrade, APU Upgrade, eGPU, 4000-series APU, Zen2 Architecture