I'm a gamer. I would never consider an integrated video card...and certainly not an Intel one. Last time I had an integrated graphics card would have been in the 90s. But, I keep getting people coming to me for advice on what computer they should buy. 99% of the time, they are going to use it for general web browsing and word processing. So my question is...how capable are the modern integrated graphics cards? Most of the cheap ones are running Intel 2500 or 3000 graphics cards. Can they get away with watching youtube videos? Can they run a 1920x1080 desktop? Can they play a blueray disk in full 1080p? Can you give me an example of something outside of gaming or CAD that they CAN'T do?

For comparison....I am running a 2 year old computer with an 8 core 4Ghz processor, 16 Gb DDR3 1866 memory, Geforce GTX 560 Ti video card, gigabit lan and solid state hard drives. Even 2 years later, mine is overkill for most people. I can still play modern games at 1080p with all graphics settings dimed without a glitch. That gives you an idea of what I expect from a computer...so I am sure you can see where it is difficult for me to recommend a cheap computer for someone.

I do computer repair and can tell you that 99.9% of computer users wouldn't need anything more than the onboard graphics.

quote Originally posted by tebailey: I do computer repair and can tell you that 99.9% of computer users wouldn't need anything more than the onboard graphics.

Might make that 99% since more and more people want to do gaming..

So you guys are saying not to worry about the graphics card for these people. What about compatibility with future technologies? For example....when I put together a computer from old parts, if I grab an ATI or nVidia video card out of the bin, I can be assured that a simple visit to their respective web sites will get me a driver that will work for me. Any time I have dealt with integrated stuff, I seem to struggle to get it to work properly. Or...am I just a power user that expects too much from them?

Are the Intel cards compatible with Linux?

Of course...my one main question/concern hasn't really been answered...can these integrated cards run a 1920x1080 desktop smoothly?

quote Originally posted by CowsPatoot: So you guys are saying not to worry about the graphics card for these people. What about compatibility with future technologies? For example....when I put together a computer from old parts, if I grab an ATI or nVidia video card out of the bin, I can be assured that a simple visit to their respective web sites will get me a driver that will work for me. Any time I have dealt with integrated stuff, I seem to struggle to get it to work properly. Or...am I just a power user that expects too much from them? Are the Intel cards compatible with Linux? Of course...my one main question/concern hasn't really been answered...can these integrated cards run a 1920x1080 desktop smoothly?

Yes, that is what we are saying , it don't matter for most people. I run a resolution about like that at the office, with on board video just fine. ( nvdia think )
Not sure what you mean that you can *always* get drivers.. if you keep upgrading your OS, eventually there wont be any.
I have had several Intel chip-sets that worked native with Linux, and BSD, but there is always VESA in a pinch ( but don't expect to game on VESA ). For the Linux drivers, best bet is to just look it up, don't rely on us here.

quote Originally posted by CowsPatoot: Of course...my one main question/concern hasn't really been answered...can these integrated cards run a 1920x1080 desktop smoothly?

Yes.

Intel is currently on HD5000 with the release of Haswell processors. With the HD5000 people are playing full on PC games with ok results.
Then you have AMDs APU's which are really nice. The higher A10 series is capable of pulling down 50+ FPS is some games.

AMD A10-5800K http://www.guru3d.com/artic...k_review_apu,10.html
HD5000 results: http://www.pcper.com/review...0-Graphics-Performan

The really nice thing about using using AMD's APU is a feature called Dual Graphics, which is essentially crossfire. My everyday laptop is using a A10-4600K GPU with a HD7670M graphics card, I can "crossfire" the two combining the 7660G integrated chipset with my 7670M for some nice results.

Will it ever be as good as a dedicated card? No, but they are making huge strides, especially AMD.

[This message has been edited by Fiero_Fan_88 (edited 09-02-2013).]

I do light gaming on a Dell Inspiron laptop with a 1st Gen i5-450m with integrated graphics and have very minor issues. I can't imagine a new Core-i series with integrated Gfx having any issues, even with light to moderate gaming.

Unless you play 3D games that are within the past 5-6 years old, you don't need anything else. But... if you play games, even like the original BioShock, you'll want something else.

I bought a brand new Dell 990 with a 3.4ghz Core i7, 16 gigs of ram, and the integrated Intel graphics processor (the nicer one). It went slower than my Dell 755 with the 3.2 ghz Core 2 Duo w/ 8 gigs of ram and an aftermarket 1 gig AMD Radeon something or other. I mean, the speed difference was significant.

I then swapped out the graphics card from my old Dell 755 into my new Dell 990, and the speed increase was unbelievable.


Bottom line, if you are going to play 3D games, you're going to need a graphics card.

If you're just going to surf the internet, program, or check your e-mail... then you're fine with the default graphics card.

quote Originally posted by Fiero_Fan_88: Yes. Intel is currently on HD5000 with the release of Haswell processors. With the HD5000 people are playing full on PC games with ok results. Then you have AMDs GPU's which are really nice. The higher A10 series is capable of pulling down 50+ FPS is some games. AMD A10-5800K http://www.guru3d.com/artic...k_review_apu,10.html HD5000 results: http://www.pcper.com/review...0-Graphics-Performan The really nice thing about using using AMD's GPU is a feature called Dual Graphics, which is essentially crossfire. My everyday laptop is using a A10-4600K GPU with a HD7670M graphics card, I can "crossfire" the two combining the 7660G integrated chipset with my 7670M for some nice results. Will it ever be as good as a dedicated card? No, but they are making huge strides, especially AMD.

The AMD A-series processors are actually called APU's and have a full-on GPU on the same die as the CPU. They are a B-E-A-UUUUtiful thing. The only issue, and even that's only a minor issue is system memory, as the GPU pulls from the system memory for the graphics processor.

quote Originally posted by Rallaster: The AMD A-series processors are actually called APU's and have a full-on GPU on the same die as the CPU. They are a B-E-A-UUUUtiful thing. The only issue, and even that's only a minor issue is system memory, as the GPU pulls from the system memory for the graphics processor.

Caught me on a typo . Another sweet thing about the AMD is the ability to unlock and overclock.

http://www.tomshardware.com...ng-7660g-7670m-6620g

[This message has been edited by Fiero_Fan_88 (edited 09-02-2013).]

get yourself a MC6845.

quote Originally posted by Rallaster: The AMD A-series processors are actually called APU's and have a full-on GPU on the same die as the CPU. They are a B-E-A-UUUUtiful thing. The only issue, and even that's only a minor issue is system memory, as the GPU pulls from the system memory for the graphics processor.

Check out the newer A10-6800K, able to handle Metro Last light at 35FPS; 1280x720 4x AF

I've got an older (probably 5 years old) e-machines desktop with Intel graphics and it does 1680x1050, plays Youtube okay, plays some craptastic internet games and will run Minecraft. I use it for 'office' work and goofing off, but also make my school's yearly graduation videos on it and it has no trouble playing back the DVD quality video. I would imagine the newer systems are much better than this turd.

I have a mini i7 3770 so 4000video with out room for a full-hight card or power for it
it plays 1080p on a 24'' led/lcd and people have commented on it;s quality

5000 is better but only on the newest chips
2500 or 3000 video should be ok
but most games need a card
had a C4Q 6600 with on board what ever that was it worked ok after the video card died

no idea on amd

yes, todays integrated video cards can easily handle full screen video at high resolutions.

and I have seen some pretty mighty video integrated into laptops as well.

+1 on the AMD processors, they have better integrated graphics performance than Intel's.

You trade the slower CPU (A-series) for a more robust GPU. But, the computer as a whole ends up being quite a bit cheaper with better gaming performance.

Either will handle high resolution desktops or watching movies though.

I play LOL on my AIO that I keep in my kitchen on 1920x1080 with very acceptable results. I can max it out on my laptop, but it runs lag free with decent settings.