CPU graphics

[computernewb]

hi. Are the CPU graphics the same as their equivalent discrete graphics card? If i bought a AMD A8-3870k which has a Radeon HD 6550, will it produce the exact same quality as a discrete radeon HD 6550 graphics card?

thanks!

 

[tlmck]

Simply put, discreet is always faster. For one, integrated graphics have to share system memory which is much slower than the dedicated memory discreet graphics use. Additionally, integrated graphics processor themselves are slower than their discreet.

Of course it all depends on what you are doing. Integrated 6550 is better than most, and can even handle some light gaming which most integrated cannot.

 

[Boopoo]

If the A8 APU is all one can afford it plays WoW on low/med with decent 30+ frame rates but a proper discrete card is always going to be allot better.