Introduction

When building a system for the kids, or mom, is an IGP good enough? Maybe at first, but once most people get a taste of a decent computer, their interest starts getting piqued. Typically, that leads to them wanting more. I've built plenty of computer systems that ended up needing another upgrade in the GPU area because the users discovered online gaming or HD movies. 

Most of the lower end motherboards have lower end IGPs. When building a low budget system, the only thing it only ends up being good for is email and web browsing. In the multimedia department, it ends up falling horribly short. Ever try doing anything modern that pushes a IGP? You'll end up pulling your hair out. Want to use multiple monitors? Not happening. How about all of that nice GPU accelerated technology you hear about? Sorry, not available.

The Axle3D Radeon HD 5450 looks to finish off the bottom of the 5000 series. The Axle3D HD 5450 has a low profile and passive cooling. The HD 5450 offers DX 11, Eyefinity, as well as ATI Stream support. It also has one of the lowest power consumptions at 19.1 watts at full load and only 6.5 watts idle.