In the ever-evolving landscape of laptop graphics, the competition among integrated graphics processors (IGPs) is heating up, particularly among major players: Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. As gaming continues to gain traction on portable devices, understanding which IGP can deliver the best performance is essential for consumers. With the rising costs and power demands of discrete GPUs, many users find themselves relying on integrated solutions. This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of five laptops, each equipped with different IGPs, to determine which can hold its own in the gaming arena.
The laptops we tested, and how we tested them
Our testing involved five laptops, each showcasing a unique integrated graphics solution:
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 13 7th-gen with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Qualcomm Adreno integrated graphics
- Dell Inspiron 14 Plus with Intel Core Series 7 155H and Intel Arc integrated graphics (featuring eight Intel Xe cores)
- Acer Swift Edge 16 with AMD Ryzen 7 8840U and AMD Radeon 780M integrated graphics (RDNA 3, 12 compute units)
- Asus Zenbook S 16 with AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 and AMD Radeon 880M integrated graphics (RDNA 3.5, 12 compute units)
- Asus ProArt P16 with AMD Ryzen AI 9 370HX and AMD Radeon 890M integrated graphics (RDNA 3.5, 16 compute units)
These models were chosen for their popularity and representativeness of mainstream configurations. It is important to note that performance can vary based on the specific configurations set by manufacturers. Our tests were conducted under consistent conditions, utilizing external power with default performance profiles.
The games
To evaluate the performance of these integrated graphics solutions, we employed a mix of synthetic benchmarks and popular PC games. The games selected span various genres, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of each IGP’s capabilities.
- 3DMark Time Spy and Night Raid
Utilizing 3DMark’s Night Raid and Time Spy benchmarks, we observed a competitive landscape. Night Raid, being less demanding, features an Arm-native version, while Time Spy presents a more rigorous challenge without Arm support. The results indicated a close race, particularly between Intel Arc and AMD Radeon 890M, with the latter excelling in Night Raid. - Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
This classic title remains a favorite, and its requirements align well with integrated graphics capabilities. All tested IGPs, except for Qualcomm’s Adreno, achieved frame rates exceeding 60 FPS, with AMD’s Radeon 890M leading the pack at over 120 FPS. - DOTA 2
Despite its age, DOTA 2 continues to attract a massive player base. Performance across the board was commendable, with AMD’s Radeon 880M and 890M slightly outpacing Intel Arc. Qualcomm’s Adreno, however, lagged significantly behind. - Final Fantasy XIV
The latest expansion for this MMORPG introduced new graphics updates, posing a challenge for integrated graphics. AMD’s Radeon 890M and 880M, along with Intel Arc, managed playable frame rates, while Qualcomm’s Adreno struggled to keep up. - Total War: Warhammer III
This strategy game proved demanding, with both Qualcomm Adreno and AMD Radeon 780M failing to deliver a satisfactory experience. Intel Arc performed slightly better, but it was the AMD Radeon 880M and 890M that provided a more stable gameplay experience. - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Despite its age, Skyrim’s special edition continues to be a benchmark for many gamers. Here again, AMD’s Radeon solutions shined, particularly the Radeon 890M which delivered smooth gameplay even at higher settings.
This comprehensive comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each IGP in various gaming scenarios. As technology advances, the gap between integrated and discrete graphics continues to narrow, offering consumers more viable options for gaming on the go.