Integrated graphics
Also known as: integrated GPU, iGPU, onboard graphics, built-in graphics
Integrated graphics are a graphics processor built into the same chip as the CPU, sharing the system's memory, instead of being a separate graphics card.
They handle displays, video playback, video calls, and light gaming efficiently and cheaply, which is why most laptops rely on them. While integrated graphics used to be very weak, modern versions in chips from Apple, AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm can handle many games and creative tasks well.
Integrated graphics, explained at three levels
At home
Integrated graphics are like a car with a built-in GPS instead of a separate one on the dashboard. It's simpler and cheaper, and it does the job for most trips.
At work
Integrated graphics are enough for office work, video calls, and multiple monitors, keeping laptops cheaper and batteries lasting longer.
At home
If a laptop doesn't list a separate graphics card, it uses integrated graphics. That's fine for streaming and casual games, but demanding games need lower settings.
At work
Integrated GPUs share system RAM, so more and faster memory improves graphics performance. Check how many external monitors a model supports before buying.
At home
Some laptops have both and switch automatically, using integrated graphics for battery life and the separate card for games. In my opinion, that's the best of both for students who game.
At work
For CAD, 3D, and AI development, separate GPUs remain necessary. For general staff, integrated graphics reduce cost, power, heat, and driver complexity, and modern chips also include hardware video encoding that speeds up video calls.
Real-world examples
At home
Lena wanted a light laptop for school and occasional games. One with strong integrated graphics ran her favourite games at medium settings and lasted all day on battery.
At work
Thomas equips a Quebec City marketing team. He gave designers laptops with separate graphics cards, but chose integrated graphics for everyone else.
How it compares
| feature | Integrated graphics | Graphics Card (GPU) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside the CPU chip | Separate card or chip |
| Memory | Shares system RAM | Own dedicated memory |
| Power use | Low | High |
| Performance | Good for most tasks | Much higher for games and 3D |
Integrated graphics are efficient. Dedicated cards are powerful.
For analysts
I'd only list a dedicated graphics card as a requirement when a named application needs one. Otherwise integrated graphics save money, battery, and support effort.
History & origin
In the 1990s, graphics usually came from separate cards. Intel built graphics into motherboard chipsets with the i810 in 1999. Graphics moved onto the processor package itself with Intel's Clarkdale chips in 2010 and Sandy Bridge in 2011, while AMD launched its combined 'APU' chips in 2011 after buying graphics maker ATI in 2006. Game consoles such as the PlayStation 4 in 2013 used powerful combined chips. Apple's M1 in 2020 showed how capable integrated graphics could be, and handheld gaming PCs such as Valve's Steam Deck in 2022 relied on them entirely. In my view, integrated graphics are good enough for most people, which is why separate graphics cards have become a specialist purchase.