Integrated graphics have become a key feature for many users when selecting a CPU, eliminating the need for a dedicated graphics card in certain scenarios. CPUs with integrated graphics are commonly used in laptops but are also a budget-friendly option for those looking to save money and space when building their own PC.
If you don’t require the absolute most in graphic capabilities and buying separate components for your PC sounds like and expensive task, then purchasing a CPU with integrated graphics may just be the option for you. Luckily, this guide will delve into the world of CPUs with the best-integrated graphics, exploring their potential and identifying the right choice for varied user needs. We’ll be looking at the best overall, Intel, budget, and high-end options, in the hope of helping you find the best CPU for your setup.
Products at a glance
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Best budget CPU with integrated graphicsIntel Core i5-12600K
- Cores: 10 (6P + 4E)
- Threads: 16
- Boost Clock Speed: 4.9 GHz P / 3.6 GHz E
- Base Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz P / 2.8 GHz E
- L3 Cache: 20 MB (shared)
- TDP: 125W
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Best Intel CPU with integrated graphicsIntel Core i7-13700K
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 24
- Platform: Raptor Lake-S
- Base Clock Speed: 100 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 5.4 GHz
- L3 Cache: 30 MB (shared)
- Best high-end CPU with integrasted graphics
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
- Cores: 12
- Threads : 24
- Boost speed : up to 5.6 GHz
- Base speed: 4.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 64 MB
- TDP: 170 W
How we picked the best
Selecting the best CPU for integrated graphics isn’t solely about determining which one has the highest specs on paper. Real-world performance, user reviews, and compatibility with a wide range of systems play a massive role. We analyze benchmark tests across various scenarios to determine how these computer processors perform not just in gaming, but in everyday tasks, multimedia consumption, and basic content creation.
Moreover, value for money is a defining factor when it comes to PC hardware. Not every user requires the flagship model, and often, mid-range CPUs offer the best balance of performance and price. By comparing the performance metrics with the price point and the target user base’s requirements, we can make well-informed recommendations suitable for a spectrum of needs and budgets. If budget is a top priority, then check out our handy best budget CPUs guide, where we discuss some of the best options for those looking to keep the price low.
Our top picks
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost speed: 5.1GHz
- Base speed: 4.2GHz
- L3 Cache: 16MB
- TDP: 65W
- Platform: AMD (AM5)
- iGPU: Radeon 780M
- Cooler included
- Impressive 1080p performance
- Low heat
- No PCle 5.0
- Just 16MB of L3 cache
When deciding on what CPU with integrated graphics will be best suited for your system, the Ryzen 7 8700G is definitely an option to consider. This impressive APU demonstrates the advancements AMD has made to its APU lineup and offers the best in AMD CPU/GPU architecture for a single, low-price product.
This APU features advanced AMD Zen 4 architecture, 8 cores, and 16 threads. On top of this, it boasts a base clock of 4.2 GHz and a boost clock of 5.1 GHz, making it a powerful product that is perfectly capable of handling a range of casual and demanding tasks, from gaming to content creation.
The Ryzen 7 8700G also comes with a reasonable price point that makes it all the more attractive to users who are trying to save while building their perfect rig. It comes in around the $300-$350 price range and also includes a wraith spire cooler. This price-to-performance ratio is a leading factor in our decision to put it at the top spot on our list.
The iGPU used in this APU is the Radeon 780M, which is perfect for casual gaming, but unfortunately can’t push 60+ FPS on high resolution. If you require something more powerful then you’ll have to use a separate graphics card, here’s our list of the best GPUs under $200, so you’ll still be able to keep that price down. The Ryzen 7 8700G has a low TDP of 65W, this means that temperatures should stay relatively low. If keeping the temperature of your system down is a top priority, and you’re unsatisfied with the included 7 8700G cooler then you may want to consider looking at some alternative cooling solutions.
Overall the price and performance of the Ryzen 7 8700G make it one of the best CPUs with integrated graphics on the market right now. According to AMD, this iGPU is capable of playing any PC game at 1080p and is the best option out there if you’re interested in using a desktop APU in your system.
What users say
Users who have purchased the Ryzen 7 8700G have taken to Amazon to share their thoughts, mainly voicing their opinions on the performance, value, and speed of the product.
One customer wrote in their review, “A fast processor would definitely encourage anybody interested in building a PC to purchase this.” demonstrating the great performance of the product and outlining their satisfaction with the installation. Another customer writes, “Where this APU stands out above the rest is that with a power draw at only 65 watts you can play most games at 1080P on low to mid settings and with a range of 32 to 65FPS.”
- Cores: 10 (6P + 4E)
- Threads: 16
- Boost Clock Speed: 4.9 GHz P / 3.6 GHz E
- Base Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz P / 2.8 GHz E
- L3 Cache: 20 MB (shared)
- TDP: 125W
- Platform: Intel (LGA 1700)
- Good processing capabilities
- Low price point
- Low power consumption
- Lower graphics quality
- No cooler included
- Runs hot in intensive tasks
The Intel Core i5-12600K sports 10 cores with 6 performance and 4 efficiency cores and 16 threads. It’s a part of the Alder Lake lineup and, while it’s got a new architecture on its side, its integrated graphics are reflected in its low cost. This integrated graphics desktop CPU averages at the $200 price mark, making it a great option for those trying to keep the cost of building a system at the lower end of the spectrum.
This Intel CPU uses Intel UHD Graphics 770 and represents an excellent balance between computational performance and value, making it an attractive choice for many users. The integrated graphics are good for light gaming and basic graphic tasks, ensuring that users don’t immediately need to invest in a separate GPU.
However, if gaming at high resolutions or taking on graphic-intensive tasks is in your daily itinerary, then you might want to consider pairing this with a separate dedicated graphics card. In short, for its price, you’re getting a robust CPU performance with satisfactorily integrated graphics.
If you need a relatively cheap CPU that will work across multiple chipsets with both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, then this CPU might be for you.
PC Guide
What users say
When deciding on what CPU is best for you, it’s important to take into account users reviews. The Intel Core i5-12600k has received many user reviews on Amazon, that demonstrate customer satisfaction with the product’s ease of installation, value, and cool temperatures.
One customer states “I highly recommend this processor. Can’t beat the performance at this price”, this demonstrates user satisfaction with the value of the product. Another customer states “It runs cool (64 degrees) during stress tests and gaming, and it is stable to 5.1 GHz”, showing how the cooling system is another aspect of this cheap CPU that makes it a valuable purchase.
- High Core/Thread count
- Capable graphics
- Efficient at lighter loads
- Runs hot
- No cooler included
- Power-hungry
Intel’s Core i7-13700K offers the best in processing power at a reasonable price. This CPU boasts 16 cores and 24 threads making it a powerhouse for more demanding computational tasks. On top of this, the i7-13700K, based on the Raptor Lake-S architecture offers a base clock of 100 MHz and an impressive boost clock of 5.4 GHz. The i7-13700K features integrated UHD 770 graphics, which offer suitable performance for less demanding tasks like older games and office work.
The 13700K is a fantastic CPU that is often overlooked in the CPU market, this is likely because, at the price it is, it just makes sense to save up a little more to opt for something more powerful.
PC guide
This CPU does have its downsides, however. It is quite a power-hungry product that can run hot under heavy loads. Unfortunately, there is no stock cooler included so in order to keep temperatures low with this product you may need to purchase an alternative cooling solution.
Despite its apparent prowess in processing tasks, the Intel Core i7-13700K can’t offer the best in graphic capabilities, and for its price coming in at around $340, you may want to consider purchasing a separate dedicated graphics card for your setup. This is certainly not the most powerful CPU option but if purchasing a CPU with integrated graphics is your goal then the Intel Core i7-13700K will definitely do the trick.
What users say
Many customers have taken to Amazon to share their thoughts on the Intel Core i7-13700K, with the majority of the feedback being positive, demonstrating that this product has been well received. Many users mention their satisfaction with the ease of installation, and its future-proofing abilities.
One customer discusses the features of the product in relation to its future-proofing capabilities, stating “This future-proofs your build and ensures you’re ready for the latest tech as it emerges.” Another user mentions some of the downsides of the product, “remember that this comes at the cost of increased power consumption and heat generation.”
- Cores: 12
- Threads : 24
- Boost speed : up to 5.6 GHz
- Base speed: 4.7 GHz
- L3 Cache: 64 MB
- TDP: 170 W
- Platform: AMD (AM5)
- Future proof (AM5)
- Can frequently be found on sale
- Strong multi-core performance
- Does not come with a cooler
- Runs hot
- Power hungry
AMD’s Ryzen 9 7900X is the perfect option for those willing to spend a little more and get high quality in return. The 9 7900X comes loaded with 12 cores and 24 threads. On top of this, it boasts a base speed of 4.7 GHz and a boost speed of up to 5.6 GHz, making it perfect for complex tasks that require efficiency and power. This chip utilizes AMD Radeon graphics making it suitable to play games on low settings that don’t require the best in graphic quality. This CPU comes in at a price of around $355, making it on the more expensive end of our list.
To cut a long review short, if you’re looking for a high-end CPU that is just as comfortable gaming as it is navigating complex workstation tasks, then this CPU is absolutely for you.
PC Guide
Like most of these CPU options, if you’re gunning for ultra-settings on the latest AAA titles or diving into intensive 3D rendering, this iGPU, will have its limits. The processing capabilities of this CPU are outstanding, however, if you’re looking for something to play high-end games on then you may want to consider purchasing a separate dedicated GPU to take your setup to the next level. Still, as high-end CPUs with integrated graphics go, the Ryzen 7 9700X is certainly up there, making it a good choice if you’re looking to revamp your system with something that’s cheaper and requires less space.
What users say
Customers have taken to Amazon to share their thoughts on the Ryzen 9 7900X, expressing their satisfaction with its ease of installation and overall power.
One user states, “Destroys everything I throw at it with ease. An excellent purchase.” Like this comment, the majority of the feedback on Amazon is positive, however, it is important to also shed light on some of the more negative comments made on this product. For example, this customer states “This specific CPU doesn’t really have great integrated graphics but it can still run VALORANT on the lowest settings at 100-150fps with no discrete GPU without lagging”, this demonstrates that the Ryzen 7 9700X doesn’t offer the absolute best in graphics but can still provide a decent option for those looking to play less demanding games.
Features and considerations
A CPU with integrated graphics essentially combines the power of a central processing unit with the capabilities of a graphics processing unit. This amalgamation is a boon for users who don’t require the heavy lifting of a dedicated GPU, such as casual gamers, office workers, and those who mostly surf the web or watch videos
Furthermore, compatibility is paramount. Ensuring that the CPU, with or without an integrated graphics processor, is compatible with your motherboard, RAM, and other components is crucial. Another consideration is future-proofing. Technology evolves rapidly, and opting for a CPU that supports newer technologies and can handle upcoming software updates will ensure longevity and a smoother user experience down the line.
Is it better to have a CPU with integrated graphics?
No, not necessarily. If you’re looking for the best in graphic performance for your PC then purchasing both a dedicated GPU and CPU is the best option. Having a CPU with integrated graphics on its own will help you save on cost and space, however, you will be sacrificing on the quality of graphics.
Having a CPU with integrated graphics and a dedicated GPU, does also have it’s benefits. Mainly being that if there are issues with the graphics card the CPU can serve as a backup and help diagnose problems.
Does IGPU slow CPU?
The iGPU doesn’t inherently slow down the CPU. They operate as separate units within the same chip. However, they do share the same thermal envelope. This means that if the iGPU is under heavy load and generates a lot of heat, the CPU might throttle down to keep temperatures in check.
