Is Crypto Mining Destroying PC Gaming? RTX On at $300? Are AMD APUs Viable? February Q&A [Part 1]
In the latest episode from Hardware Unboxed, titled "Is Crypto Mining Destroying PC Gaming? RTX On at $300? Are AMD APUs Viable? February Q&A [Part 1]", the team dives into critical questions surrounding the effects of cryptocurrency mining on the PC gaming landscape, the viability of budget graphics cards, and the current situation regarding AMD APUs.
### Key Takeaways
1. Impact of Crypto Mining on GPU Availability:
- The ongoing climate of cryptocurrency can significantly affect GPU stock, with past trends showing that prices and availability peak during mining booms. The discussion touches on how gaming consumers are often left in the lurch during these cycles. The episode emphasizes that mining profitability drives demand for GPUs, leading to inflated prices and scarcity for gamers.
2. Adjusting Graphics Settings for Performance:
- The hosts discuss which graphics settings may not be worth the performance hit, suggesting that settings like ultra shadows or overly detailed volumetric clouds can drastically reduce performance without offering a noticeable visual upgrade. Opting for medium settings can often yield similar visual fidelity with better frame rates, particularly in resource-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077.
3. Future of AMD APUs:
- Addressing the compatibility of AMD APUs for new builds amidst a GPU shortage, the hosts affirm that while APUs can serve budget-conscious gamers, they generally can't compete with even low-end discrete GPUs in performance. They express skepticism about whether APUs will revolutionize budget gaming, as they typically lag behind in power compared to their discrete counterparts.
4. Laptops vs. Desktops:
- The team reviews the pros and cons of purchasing a laptop in the current market. Although laptops may be more readily available, they caution that the specs do not equate to sufficient performance compared to desktop setups and are often priced higher. The consensus is to opt for desktops unless portability is an absolute necessity.
5. Looking Ahead:
- Finally, discussions shift towards anticipation for future releases, particularly concerning the upcoming AMD RDNA 2 GPUs for laptops, with the hosts touching on uncertainties around how these will compete against Nvidia’s offerings.
### Engagement
This episode serves as a thorough examination for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, hardware availability, and mining trends. It’s clear that a lot of gamers are feeling the pinch in the current landscape, and the implications for future builds and purchases are significant.
What are your thoughts on the current state of GPU availability? Are you considering buying an APU for budget gaming, or do you think they fall short compared to discrete GPUs? Join the conversation below!