The world of computer graphics has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, with Intel playing a pivotal role in shaping the landscape. The company’s HD Graphics series has been a staple in the integrated graphics market, offering a viable alternative to discrete graphics cards. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between two popular models: Intel HD Graphics 520 and 620. By the end of this comprehensive comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which graphics processing unit (GPU) is best suited for your needs.
Understanding Intel HD Graphics
Before we dive into the specifics of HD 520 and 620, it’s essential to grasp the basics of Intel HD Graphics. Integrated into the CPU, these GPUs share system RAM, eliminating the need for dedicated video memory. This design approach allows for a more compact and power-efficient solution, making it ideal for laptops, ultrabooks, and low-power desktops.
Intel HD Graphics are built using the Gen graphics architecture, which has undergone significant improvements over the years. The Gen architecture is designed to provide a balance between performance and power consumption, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from general computing to gaming and video playback.
Intel HD Graphics 520: An Overview
Released in 2015, the Intel HD Graphics 520 is a mid-range GPU built on the 14nm process node. It features 24 execution units (EUs) and a maximum clock speed of 1.05 GHz. The HD 520 is commonly found in 6th-generation Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, including the popular Skylake series.
Some key features of the Intel HD Graphics 520 include:
- 24 EUs for improved graphics performance
- 1.05 GHz maximum clock speed for enhanced gaming and video playback
- Support for DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.4
- 4K video playback at 60 Hz
Intel HD Graphics 620: An Overview
The Intel HD Graphics 620 is a more recent GPU, launched in 2016 as part of the 7th-generation Kaby Lake processors. It boasts 24 EUs, just like the HD 520, but with a higher maximum clock speed of 1.1 GHz. The HD 620 is commonly found in Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, including the popular Kaby Lake series.
Some key features of the Intel HD Graphics 620 include:
- 24 EUs for improved graphics performance
- 1.1 GHz maximum clock speed for enhanced gaming and video playback
- Support for DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.4
- 4K video playback at 60 Hz
- Improved power management for reduced power consumption
Key Differences Between HD 520 and 620
Now that we’ve explored the individual features of each GPU, let’s dive into the key differences between the Intel HD Graphics 520 and 620.
- Clock Speed: The HD 620 has a higher maximum clock speed of 1.1 GHz, compared to the HD 520’s 1.05 GHz. This results in a slight performance boost for the HD 620.
- Power Consumption: The HD 620 has improved power management, leading to reduced power consumption and heat generation.
- Process Node: The HD 620 is built on the 14nm+ process node, which offers improved efficiency and performance compared to the 14nm process node used in the HD 520.
- GPU Architecture: Although both GPUs use the Gen graphics architecture, the HD 620 has some minor improvements, including better texture mapping and improved pixel rendering.
Performance Comparison
To give you a better understanding of the performance difference between the Intel HD Graphics 520 and 620, let’s look at some benchmarks.
| Benchmark | HD 520 | HD 620 |
| — | — | — |
| 3DMark Fire Strike | 740 | 820 |
| 3DMark Sky Diver | 2,400 | 2,600 |
| Cinebench R15 (OpenGL) | 30.4 | 33.5 |
As you can see, the Intel HD Graphics 620 outperforms the HD 520 in all three benchmarks. However, the performance difference is relatively small, indicating that both GPUs are suitable for general computing and casual gaming.
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, both the Intel HD Graphics 520 and 620 can handle modern titles at low to medium settings. However, the HD 620’s higher clock speed and improved power management give it a slight edge.
Some popular games that can be played on both GPUs include:
- Minecraft (60 FPS at 1080p, low settings)
- League of Legends (60 FPS at 1080p, medium settings)
- Dota 2 (60 FPS at 1080p, medium settings)
Keep in mind that gaming performance can vary depending on the specific game, settings, and system configuration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Intel HD Graphics 520 and 620 are both capable GPUs that offer a balance between performance and power consumption. While the HD 620 has a slight edge in terms of clock speed and power management, the performance difference between the two GPUs is relatively small.
If you’re in the market for a new laptop or desktop and are deciding between a system with HD 520 or 620, consider the following:
- If you prioritize gaming performance, the HD 620 might be the better choice.
- If you’re looking for a more power-efficient solution, the HD 620 is a better option.
- If you’re on a budget and can find a system with HD 520 at a lower price point, it’s still a viable option for general computing and casual gaming.
Ultimately, the choice between Intel HD Graphics 520 and 620 depends on your specific needs and preferences.
What are Intel HD Graphics, and how do they differ from dedicated graphics cards?
Intel HD Graphics are integrated graphics processing units (GPUs) designed by Intel, built into their Core series processors. Unlike dedicated graphics cards, which are separate components with their own memory and cooling systems, integrated GPUs share system resources, such as RAM and CPU cooling. This design allows for a more compact and power-efficient solution, making it suitable for laptops, ultrabooks, and low-power desktops.
While integrated GPUs have improved significantly over the years, they still lag behind dedicated graphics cards in terms of performance, especially in demanding games and graphics-intensive applications. However, for general use, such as web browsing, office work, and streaming media, Intel HD Graphics are more than sufficient, offering a balance between performance and power efficiency.
What is the main difference between Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics?
The primary difference between Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics lies in their architecture and performance. The HD 520 is based on the Skylake architecture, while the HD 620 is based on the Kaby Lake architecture. The HD 620 offers improved performance, thanks to its increased clock speed, enhanced media encoding and decoding capabilities, and support for newer graphics APIs.
In terms of real-world performance, the HD 620 generally outperforms the HD 520 in games and graphics-intensive applications, although the difference may not be dramatic. However, for users who want the latest features and better performance, the HD 620 is the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with still-decent performance, the HD 520 might be sufficient.
How do Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics compare in terms of gaming performance?
In terms of gaming performance, both Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics are capable of running modern games, but with some limitations. The HD 620 generally offers better frame rates and higher resolutions, especially in less demanding games. However, in more demanding titles, both GPUs may struggle to maintain smooth performance, and you may need to reduce graphics settings or resolution to achieve playable frame rates.
That being said, the HD 620 has a slight edge over the HD 520 in gaming performance, thanks to its improved architecture and increased clock speed. However, if you’re a serious gamer, you may still want to consider a dedicated graphics card for the best possible performance. For casual gaming, though, both the HD 520 and HD 620 can provide a decent experience.
Can Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics handle 4K video playback and editing?
Both Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics are capable of handling 4K video playback, thanks to their support for HEVC (H.265) and VP9 codecs. However, when it comes to 4K video editing, the HD 620 has a slight advantage due to its improved media encoding and decoding capabilities. The HD 620 also supports newer graphics APIs, such as DirectX 12 and Vulkan, which can help with video editing and other graphics-intensive tasks.
That being said, 4K video editing can still be a challenging task for both GPUs, especially if you’re working with multiple streams or applying complex effects. If you’re a professional video editor, you may want to consider a dedicated graphics card or a more powerful system for the best possible performance. For casual video editing, though, both the HD 520 and HD 620 can provide a decent experience.
How do Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics compare in terms of power consumption?
Both Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics are designed to be power-efficient, with a typical power consumption of around 15-20 watts. However, the HD 620 has a slightly higher power consumption due to its increased clock speed and improved performance. Despite this, the HD 620 is still a relatively low-power GPU, making it suitable for laptops and other mobile devices.
In terms of real-world power consumption, the difference between the HD 520 and HD 620 is relatively small. However, if you’re looking for the most power-efficient option, the HD 520 might be a slightly better choice. On the other hand, if you’re willing to trade off a bit of power efficiency for improved performance, the HD 620 is the better option.
Are Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics compatible with the latest graphics APIs and technologies?
Both Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics support the latest graphics APIs, including DirectX 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL 4.5. However, the HD 620 has a slight advantage due to its support for newer graphics technologies, such as Intel’s SpeedShift and Hyper-Threading. The HD 620 also supports newer display technologies, such as HDR and Wide Color Gamut.
In terms of real-world compatibility, both GPUs can run the latest games and applications, although you may need to reduce graphics settings or resolution to achieve smooth performance. However, if you’re looking for the latest features and technologies, the HD 620 is the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with still-decent compatibility, the HD 520 might be sufficient.
Can I upgrade or replace Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics with a dedicated graphics card?
Unfortunately, Intel HD 520 and HD 620 graphics are integrated GPUs, which means they are built into the processor and cannot be upgraded or replaced with a dedicated graphics card. However, if you’re looking to improve your system’s graphics performance, you can consider adding a dedicated graphics card to your system, either through a PCIe slot or an external graphics dock.
That being said, adding a dedicated graphics card may require a more powerful power supply, a compatible motherboard, and sufficient cooling. Additionally, you may need to disable the integrated GPU to use the dedicated graphics card, which can be done through the system’s BIOS settings or graphics control panel. If you’re not comfortable with upgrading your system’s hardware, you may want to consider consulting a professional or purchasing a new system with a dedicated graphics card.