Integrated vs discrete graphics

macmodder · 17 Jun 2011 at 11:35

Quick question about a build I'm considering - what gives me better game playing power? An i5 2500k and a low profile GPU (such as Gigabyte GeForce GT 430 OC) or an i7 2600k (with it's HD3000 graphics) and no GPU?

They're approximately the same price.

I realise that neither will give me 'by the seat of my pants' gameplay, but which would give me the best?

blasphemyweb · 17 Jun 2011 at 11:37

What kind of games are you planning on playing?

imb4tman · 17 Jun 2011 at 11:39

What motherboard do you intend on using?

shadow_boxer · 17 Jun 2011 at 11:40

The i5 2500K also has the Intel HD3000 IGP.

Get the i5 2500K and a second hand graphics card if your on a tight budget.

sk82jack · 17 Jun 2011 at 11:41

Well seeing as i7-2600K offers no gaming advantage over an i5-2500K, go with the 2500K with discrete graphics

macmodder · 17 Jun 2011 at 11:47

shadow_boxer said:
The i5 2500K also has the Intel HD3000 IGP.

so it does, I guess that's problem solved then, I'll stick with just the i5 for now

P.s. With z68, I don't fully understand the virtu GPU/IGP feature - does this simply switch between integrated and discrete graphics according to demand or does it combine their power?

IPAddis · 17 Jun 2011 at 13:09

I believe that the integrated graphics of the i5 is much better than the integrated graphics of old. However I would expect that even the lower-middle end discrete graphics would be better for gaming than integrated. I would expect (admittedly having done no research) that a 5570 would be considerably better than on-die graphics.

I'd definately save the money and go for an 2500k and spend the extra on discrete graphics.

Quadcore14 · 17 Jun 2011 at 15:12

As IPAddis said get a 2500k and a 5570 or higher(depending on budget). A friend has the same setup and it is great for everyday use and some gaming.