The Intel R HD Graphics 520 is a popular integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) designed by Intel, commonly found in various laptops and desktop computers. Released in 2015, this GPU was part of the 6th generation Skylake processor family, offering improved performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Intel R HD Graphics 520, exploring its features, performance, and capabilities to help you understand its strengths and limitations.
Architecture and Features
The Intel R HD Graphics 520 is based on the Gen9 architecture, which provides a significant boost in performance and efficiency compared to the previous Gen8 architecture. This GPU features 24 execution units (EUs), with a maximum clock speed of 1.05 GHz. It supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.4, and Vulkan 1.0, making it compatible with a wide range of games and applications.
One of the notable features of the Intel R HD Graphics 520 is its support for 4K resolution at 60 Hz, making it suitable for applications that require high-resolution displays. Additionally, it features Intel’s Quick Sync Video technology, which enables fast video encoding and decoding.
Performance Comparison
To evaluate the performance of the Intel R HD Graphics 520, we can compare it to other integrated GPUs in its class. According to various benchmarks, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 outperforms its predecessor, the Intel HD Graphics 4600, by around 20-30%. However, it still lags behind dedicated GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce 920M and AMD Radeon R7 M265.
In terms of gaming performance, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 can handle casual gaming at low to medium settings, but it may struggle with more demanding games at high settings. For example, in the popular game League of Legends, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 can achieve around 40-50 FPS at 1080p resolution with medium settings.
Benchmark Scores
Here are some benchmark scores for the Intel R HD Graphics 520:
| Benchmark | Score |
| — | — |
| 3DMark Fire Strike | 1,044 |
| 3DMark Sky Diver | 2,444 |
| Cinebench R15 (OpenGL) | 34.44 FPS |
Gaming Performance
As mentioned earlier, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 can handle casual gaming at low to medium settings. However, its performance may vary depending on the game and settings used. Here are some examples of gaming performance on the Intel R HD Graphics 520:
- League of Legends: 40-50 FPS at 1080p resolution with medium settings
- Dota 2: 30-40 FPS at 1080p resolution with medium settings
- Overwatch: 20-30 FPS at 1080p resolution with low settings
It’s worth noting that these scores are based on average performance and may vary depending on the system configuration and other factors.
Power Consumption
One of the advantages of the Intel R HD Graphics 520 is its low power consumption. With a maximum TDP of 15W, it is suitable for thin and light laptops and desktops. This low power consumption also means that it generates less heat, making it ideal for systems with limited cooling capabilities.
Power Consumption Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the power consumption of the Intel R HD Graphics 520 with other integrated GPUs:
| GPU | Maximum TDP |
| — | — |
| Intel R HD Graphics 520 | 15W |
| Intel HD Graphics 4600 | 20W |
| NVIDIA GeForce 920M | 25W |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 is a capable integrated GPU that offers improved performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors. While it may not be suitable for demanding games at high settings, it can handle casual gaming at low to medium settings. Its low power consumption and support for 4K resolution make it an ideal choice for thin and light laptops and desktops.
If you’re looking for a GPU for general use, such as web browsing, office work, and streaming, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 is a good option. However, if you’re a serious gamer or require more powerful graphics capabilities, you may want to consider a dedicated GPU.
Recommendation
Based on our review, we recommend the Intel R HD Graphics 520 for:
- General use, such as web browsing, office work, and streaming
- Casual gaming at low to medium settings
- Thin and light laptops and desktops with limited cooling capabilities
However, we do not recommend the Intel R HD Graphics 520 for:
- Demanding games at high settings
- Professional graphics work, such as video editing and 3D modeling
- Systems that require high-performance graphics capabilities
What is Intel R HD Graphics 520 and how does it compare to other graphics cards?
The Intel R HD Graphics 520 is an integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) developed by Intel, designed to provide improved graphics performance for laptops and desktops. Compared to other graphics cards, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 offers a balance between power consumption and performance, making it suitable for general use, such as web browsing, office work, and casual gaming.
In comparison to dedicated graphics cards, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 may not offer the same level of performance, but it is still capable of handling demanding tasks and providing smooth graphics. Additionally, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 is integrated into the CPU, which reduces the overall cost and power consumption of the system.
What are the key features of the Intel R HD Graphics 520?
The Intel R HD Graphics 520 features 24 execution units, a clock speed of up to 1.05 GHz, and support for DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.4, and Vulkan. It also supports 4K resolution at 60Hz and has a maximum memory bandwidth of 64 GB/s. Additionally, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 features Intel’s Quick Sync Video technology, which enables fast video encoding and decoding.
The Intel R HD Graphics 520 also supports Intel’s Iris Graphics technology, which provides improved graphics performance and power efficiency. Furthermore, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows 10, Linux, and Chrome OS.
What kind of performance can I expect from the Intel R HD Graphics 520?
The Intel R HD Graphics 520 offers improved performance compared to its predecessors, with a significant boost in graphics processing power. It is capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming, although it may not be suitable for extremely demanding games or applications.
In terms of specific performance metrics, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 can achieve frame rates of up to 60 FPS in casual games and up to 30 FPS in more demanding games. Additionally, it can handle 4K video playback and video editing tasks with ease.
Is the Intel R HD Graphics 520 suitable for gaming?
The Intel R HD Graphics 520 is suitable for casual gaming, but it may not be suitable for extremely demanding games or applications. It can handle games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch at medium to high settings, but may struggle with more demanding games such as Assassin’s Creed or The Witcher 3.
However, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 is still a significant improvement over its predecessors, and it can provide a smooth gaming experience for casual gamers. Additionally, it supports Intel’s Game Dev Boost technology, which provides improved performance and power efficiency for gaming applications.
How does the Intel R HD Graphics 520 compare to dedicated graphics cards?
The Intel R HD Graphics 520 is an integrated GPU, which means it is built into the CPU and shares system memory. Dedicated graphics cards, on the other hand, are separate components that have their own memory and cooling systems. As a result, dedicated graphics cards generally offer better performance and more features than integrated GPUs like the Intel R HD Graphics 520.
However, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 is still a significant improvement over its predecessors, and it can provide a smooth graphics experience for general use and casual gaming. Additionally, it is more power-efficient and cost-effective than dedicated graphics cards.
What are the system requirements for the Intel R HD Graphics 520?
The Intel R HD Graphics 520 requires a 6th generation Intel Core processor or later, and a compatible motherboard. It also requires at least 4 GB of system memory, although 8 GB or more is recommended for optimal performance. Additionally, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 requires a compatible operating system, such as Windows 10 or Linux.
In terms of specific system requirements, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 can be used with a wide range of systems, from budget-friendly laptops to high-end desktops. However, the performance of the Intel R HD Graphics 520 may vary depending on the specific system configuration and usage.
Is the Intel R HD Graphics 520 worth upgrading to?
The Intel R HD Graphics 520 is a significant improvement over its predecessors, and it offers improved performance and power efficiency. If you are currently using an older integrated GPU, upgrading to the Intel R HD Graphics 520 may be worth considering, especially if you are looking for improved graphics performance for general use and casual gaming.
However, if you are already using a dedicated graphics card, upgrading to the Intel R HD Graphics 520 may not be necessary, as it may not offer significant performance improvements. Additionally, the Intel R HD Graphics 520 is integrated into the CPU, so upgrading to a newer CPU may be required to take advantage of its features.