What is an Integrated GPU in a CPU? Differences in Performance Compared to Graphics Cards Explained [Custom PC Guide]

A CPU-integrated GPU refers to the graphics function built into the CPU, which allows video output without the need for a separate graphics card.

Therefore, for uses that do not require high graphics performance, it is possible to keep costs down by using the integrated GPU function instead of purchasing a high-performance and expensive graphics card.

However, there is a significant performance difference compared to a graphics card, and if the need for high graphics performance is not properly assessed, it may result in being unable to do what was intended.

Also, not all CPUs have an integrated GPU function, so if a mistake is made, it may lead to a situation where video output is not possible.

This article explains how much graphics performance a CPU-integrated GPU has, what kinds of uses it is suitable for, and how to determine whether a CPU supports an integrated GPU.

This article also explains basic knowledge such as how to read CPU manufacturer and model numbers, performance benchmarks, and how to choose a CPU from the perspective of performance and compatibility.

≫ Related article: How to Choose a CPU for a Custom PC [Performance / Features / Compatibility]

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What is a CPU-Integrated GPU?

First, let’s explain the basic knowledge about CPU-integrated GPUs.

CPU-Integrated GPU is the Graphics Function of the CPU

A CPU-integrated GPU refers to the graphics function built into the CPU.

Other names include integrated GPU, integrated graphics, or iGPU (integrated GPU).

In contrast, dGPU (discrete GPU) refers to a graphics card.

Thanks to the CPU-integrated GPU, it is possible to perform graphics processing for video output on a PC without purchasing a separate graphics card.

The performance difference with a graphics card will be explained later, but for everyday tasks, light gaming, and video playback, the performance is sufficient.

CPU-integrated GPUs are widely used in laptops, compact desktop PCs, and standard PCs for everyday or business use because they consume less power and offer good cost performance.

If No Graphics Card Is Installed, a CPU-Integrated GPU Is Essential

Some CPUs support integrated GPUs, while others do not. To output video, either a CPU-integrated GPU or a graphics card is required.

Therefore, if building a custom PC without a graphics card, a CPU-integrated GPU is essential.

The following table summarizes this:

If either a CPU-integrated GPU or a graphics card is present, or both, video output to a monitor is possible without any issues.

However, if neither is present, even if the monitor is connected with a video cable, the PC itself does not have graphics functionality, so video output is not possible.

Therefore, especially when building a PC without a graphics card, always check if the CPU has an integrated GPU function.

Conversely, if using a CPU without an integrated GPU, a graphics card is essential.

Even If a Graphics Card Is Installed, Having a CPU-Integrated GPU Is Useful

If a graphics card is installed, video output is possible even with a CPU that does not have an integrated GPU.

Also, since a graphics card has higher graphics performance than a CPU-integrated GPU, it can be used for tasks that require high graphics performance.

Therefore, if a graphics card is installed, it may seem that a CPU-integrated GPU is unnecessary.

However, while it is not needed for everyday use, there are cases where having a CPU-integrated GPU is useful for maintenance.

For example, if the graphics card fails or needs to be removed to check for problems, video output will not be possible without an integrated GPU.

Therefore, identifying and diagnosing problems or repairs can become difficult.

If a CPU-integrated GPU is present, the PC can still be used even if the graphics card is removed, making it easier to identify the cause of problems.

Also, when updating or reinstalling graphics card drivers, having an integrated GPU is convenient.

If a problem occurs during driver installation and video output is temporarily lost, the PC can be restarted and video output restored using the integrated GPU.

In this way, if a graphics card is installed, there is usually no problem in daily use.

However, for troubleshooting or maintenance, there may be times when the graphics card needs to be removed, so having a CPU-integrated GPU is convenient in such cases.

However, CPUs with integrated GPU support are about 3,000 to 5,000 yen more expensive, so decide whether to choose a CPU with integrated GPU support based on your budget.

About the Performance of CPU-Integrated GPUs

CPU-integrated GPUs generally have performance just enough for basic video output.

Let’s look at the performance difference with graphics cards and what kinds of uses are possible.

CPU-Integrated GPUs Have Performance Just Enough for Video Output

CPU-integrated GPUs are graphics functions designed for basic video output, so their graphics performance is not very high.

Typical uses include:

• Everyday use (web browsing, watching videos)
• Business use (Office software, document creation, email, etc.)
• Programming
• Light image or video editing
• 2D games
• Trading (stocks, FX, cryptocurrency)

Mainly, these are uses that do not require high graphics performance.

CPU-integrated GPUs consume less power and help reduce costs, making them very convenient for general use.

Especially for daily tasks or hobby use, a CPU-integrated GPU is a convenient choice.

Graphics Cards Are Over 5 Times More Powerful

Graphics cards have about five times higher graphics performance than CPU-integrated GPUs.

Of course, this varies by product, but even when comparing a high-end CPU-integrated GPU to a low-end graphics card, the graphics card is about five times more powerful.

Comparing with high-end models, the difference can be as much as 15 times.

A CPU-integrated GPU handles graphics processing while also managing all other PC tasks, so its performance is limited.

Physically, graphics cards have larger chip sizes and are specialized for graphics processing, so the performance difference is natural.

To make it easy to understand, let’s look at a benchmark score graph comparing CPU-integrated GPUs and graphics cards.

The CPU-integrated GPUs are at the bottom: “Intel Iris Xe” and “Intel UHD Graphics 770”.

Also, AMD’s integrated GPUs vary in performance depending on the CPU model, and listing each one would make the chart too large, so they are omitted here.

In terms of score, high-performance AMD CPUs can reach about 1,500 to 6,000, which is higher than Intel, but for 3D games, at least 15,000 to 20,000 is desirable.

As shown, the performance difference is obvious.

Therefore, if high graphics performance is needed, a graphics card is required.

Uses That Require a Graphics Card [3D Games Are Essential]

For uses that require high graphics performance, a CPU-integrated GPU is not enough, so a graphics card is essential.

If this is mistaken and only a CPU-integrated GPU is used, it may not be possible to do what was intended.

Also, adding a graphics card later can increase the budget by tens of thousands of yen, or require replacing the power supply if it is not sufficient, so decide in advance whether to install a graphics card based on your intended use.

Main uses that require a graphics card are as follows:

• 3D games
• Video editing (recommended)
• AI training
• Using image generation AI

For browser games or 2D games, a CPU-integrated GPU may be sufficient, but for 3D games, the graphics processing increases significantly, so a CPU-integrated GPU is usually not enough.

Therefore, those who want to play 3D games should consider a graphics card essential.

Here are some examples of how much more processing is required:

• Modeling each object in 3D space and applying textures (surface images)
• Processing light sources in 3D space (direction, intensity, color, etc.)
• Real-time processing of shadows caused by light sources (shadows change as light sources or objects move)
• Movement of grass and trees in fields
• Reflections on water surfaces and glass
• Physics calculations for object movement, falling, collisions, explosions, etc.
• Rendering 3D objects onto a 2D screen
• Redrawing when the player’s viewpoint (camera) moves

These are just some examples, but compared to 2D, the amount of processing increases dramatically, so much higher graphics performance is required.

In addition to these advanced graphics processes, to play games smoothly, the video must be updated about 60 times per second (60 FPS).

In other words, 3D graphics video output requires much more processing, so a low-performance CPU-integrated GPU cannot handle it.

How to Tell If a CPU Has an Integrated GPU Function

Let’s explain how to tell if a CPU has an integrated GPU function.

Check the End of the CPU Model Number or Product Specifications

By checking the end of the CPU model number or the product specifications, it is possible to tell whether the CPU has an integrated GPU function.

The letters at the end of the model number indicate, depending on the manufacturer, whether the CPU has an integrated GPU, a CPU cooler, and other features.

Therefore, by looking at the end of the model number, it is possible to determine whether the CPU has an integrated GPU function.

Also, checking the product specifications for that model number can help determine this.

For Intel: “F” at the End Means No Integrated GPU

In the product specifications, if there is an integrated GPU function, there will be a “GPU Specifications” section with the GPU name listed.

If there is no integrated GPU function, the “GPU Specifications” section itself will not be present.

Also, if the model number ends with “F” (including KF), there is no integrated GPU.

In this case, a graphics card is required.

If there is nothing at the end or if it ends with “K”, there is an integrated GPU.

For AMD: “G” at the End Means Integrated GPU, “F” Means No Integrated GPU

In the product specifications, if there is no integrated GPU function, the “Graphics Function” section will say “Discrete graphics card required”; if there is an integrated GPU, the name such as “AMD Radeon 760M” will be listed.

If the model number ends with “G”, there is an integrated GPU.

On the other hand, if it ends with “F”, there is no integrated GPU.

“F” works the same way as with Intel CPUs.

There are also models ending with “X”; whether these have an integrated GPU or not depends on the product, so check the specifications.

From what I have researched, for the 7000 series and later, models ending with “X” seem to have an integrated GPU.

Summary: Whether a CPU-Integrated GPU Is Needed Depends on Whether a Graphics Card Is Installed

Here are the key points again.

CPU-integrated GPUs are suitable for everyday use such as web browsing, watching videos, business, programming, and light 2D games.

However, for uses that require higher graphics performance, such as 3D games, an integrated GPU is not enough, so a graphics card is essential.

A PC always needs graphics functionality, so when planning a custom PC, make sure to check whether a CPU-integrated GPU, a graphics card, or both are included.

This article also explains basic knowledge such as how to read CPU manufacturer and model numbers, performance benchmarks, and how to choose a CPU from the perspective of performance and compatibility.

≫ Related article: How to Choose a CPU for a Custom PC [Performance / Features / Compatibility]

あわせて読みたい

PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Automatically checks each component you need when selecting parts for a custom-built PC—perfect for beginners.