Integrated Graphics

This is in regard to the “Generation Game” article’s multiple calls for Intel to remove integrated graphics from future i7/ i5 CPUs.

There is an important aspect of integrated graphics that the author may not be aware of: Intel’s Quick Sync Video. There are many software packages that make excellent use of these encoders/decoders. One example is Blue Iris’s security camera software. I have seen a four- core CPU utilization completely pegged without Quick Sync, but enable QS, and utilization drops massively. The software is unusable without QS. There’s a number of popular uses of Quick Sync, such as Handbrake transcoding and video streaming. There is also the complete lack of UHD Blu- ray playback from Nvidia. Intel’s integrated graphics are simply required for certain HTPC duties.

Granted, the rest of integrated graphics is of no use to power gamers, but Quick Sync plus dedicated graphics is a very powerful combination for a multipurpose PC.

For those who understand the value of Quick Sync, the article comes across as either ignorant or simply whining that more than six cores are not available for $ 400. If you want more cores, you have to pay for it. So, let’s please stop with the calls to remove integrated graphics— just buy a higher spec CPU if you don’t want it.

– Sam Chitwood

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ALAN DEXTER RESPONDS: We don’t have a problem with the integrated graphics in the more entry-to-mainstream chips, it’s more the fact that they’re in chips where the integrated 3D graphics capabilities are never used. That’s a waste of silicon that we are paying for. Having said that, you’re right: There is plenty of goodness in Quick Sync, although getting it working alongside a discrete graphics card can be clunky.