intel 2nd and 3rd Gen. processors with built in graphics vs 1st gen.

[p5200]

I have an intel core i5 750 2.66GHZ Lynfield for socket LGA 1156 and a HIS hd 4850 graphics card. I was curious if the newer cpus with the on board graphics were as good or better, than using a decent graphics card? I was thinking about buying a motherboard/cpu combo from New EGG wanting to uppgrade not because I need to, just one of those want to type projects. I wanted to check here first with more experienced people who are familiar with the new intel processors etc. I have a Gigabyte P55M-UD2 Motherboard, 8 Gigs of G Skill ddr3 memory and a Corsair tx 850 power supply. I was just mainly wanting to get a processor/Motherboard combo but, was wondering about the onboard cpu graphics vs. add on graphics cards. I get all my parts from new EGG and any combo suggestions from there that would be a decent upgrade would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DeaconFrost]

It depends on what you do with your computer. For general usage, the new, onboard graphics chips would be more than adequate. If you do any 3D work or play any games outside of Facebook, etc, you will want to keep your 4850, or upgrade your card as well.

 

[pparks1]

If you are just a PC user who uses productivity style applications, then the onboard graphics options are the way to go. They reduce clutter in your case, reduce heat, reduce power consumption and most importantly reduce your cost.

If you are a gamer though, plan to stick with a dedicated graphics card. The onboard options can handle graphics to an extent, but they cannot in any way replace the functionality of a $200-$500 dedicated GPU.

 

[p5200]

This pc is used for burning DVD's, FaceBook games, and web browsing and that's about it.

 

[pparks1]

onboard video would be ideal for that type of usage.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I agree. I'm using a Dell Optiplex 790 with an i5-2400 processor in it right now. I am the IT Director for the company, so I do everything from manage the servers to edit/prep video for presentations. I am only using the onboard graphics, and I have no issues.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

This pc is used for burning DVD's, FaceBook games, and web browsing and that's about it.

I've got an Intel i5-2500 processor, which uses Intel 2000 graphics. I have no separate video card and haven't yet seen a need to get one.

I think I read that the 2000 graphics were roughly equivalent to a 5450 video card?

The newer Intel CPUs have Intel 2500, 3000, and I think even 4000 graphics and are "better", but the 2000 is plenty good enough for general use.

Put the saved money into an SSD.

 

[pparks1]

I'm running a Core i3-2100t in a new machine destined to be a file server at my house and it's got the Intel HD 2000 graphics. I've been using this machine for the past couple of weeks more or less as a desktop getting things setup, hardware tested, etc. I'm completely satisfied with the onboard video for everything I have thrown at this box.

 

[p5200]

A SSD. wouldn't really be of extra benefit for my case since we don't do a lot of file searching on our pc and would not be beneficial for internet browsing or would it? I'm not familiar with the new solid state drives.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

A SSD. wouldn't really be of extra benefit for my case since we don't do a lot of file searching on our pc and would not be beneficial for internet browsing or would it? I'm not familiar with the new solid state drives.

You can certainly do fine without one, but they increase the overall "snappiness" of your PC and are a better investment than more RAM or a faster processor in many cases.

Most people just put the operating system and applications on the SSD, with all data remaining on a regular drive. You wouldn't have to spend over about $100.

 

[DeaconFrost]

An SSD benefits everything you might do. The system boot faster, apps load faster, and the system itself is much more responsive. It won't speed up your web-browsing, per se, though, as that's more of a function of your network connection.

 

[p5200]

I may try one on my main tower which I have a second drive in with a backup image in case of a crash. Then I would have a second drive for my second backup tower so that I could keep a backup image on it also.

 

[p5200]

I was just looking at this drive and was wondering if someone could tell me if this would be compatible with my current processor/ motherboard etc? Thanks!
Newegg.com - Intel 510 Series (Elm Crest) SSDSC2MH120A2K5 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

 

[ignatzatsonic]

The Gigabyte p55M-UD2 has a bunch of SATA slots, so that Intel drive should work fine. The processor doesn't much matter.

 

[p5200]

Thanks very much! I think I've talked the wife into splitting the cost for one.