The State of Integrated Graphics
For years, integrated graphics (iGPUs) were seen as a last resort — good enough for browsing, streaming, and maybe running Minecraft if you were lucky. But in 2025, things look very different. With AMD’s latest APUs, Intel’s Arc-based integrated solutions, and even Apple influencing the conversation with its M-series chips, iGPUs are no longer just filler. They are shaping up to be a real alternative for budget-conscious gamers and portable PCs.
AMD: Still Leading the Pack
AMD has long dominated the integrated graphics space with its APUs powered by RDNA architecture. The latest Ryzen 8000G series APUs continue that trend, offering performance levels close to entry-level discrete GPUs.
The standout feature is that these chips pack RDNA 3.5-based graphics cores directly into the CPU die, which means smoother performance at 1080p in esports titles and even some AAA games on medium settings.
Paired with fast DDR5 memory, AMD’s integrated solutions can push 60 FPS in games like Fortnite, Valorant, and Rocket League without breaking a sweat. They still struggle with heavier ray tracing workloads, but for budget builds, small form factor PCs, or HTPCs, they are an incredibly capable option.
Intel: Arc DNA Inside
Intel has been making steady progress with its integrated GPUs too. The Meteor Lake processors introduced in late 2023 brought Arc-based graphics to laptops and desktops, and now with Arrow Lake in 2025, the performance is even better.
The integrated Arc cores now support XeSS upscaling, DirectX 12 Ultimate, and hardware ray tracing. While they don’t match AMD’s raw gaming numbers in most titles, they’ve closed the gap significantly and are often more efficient.
Intel also benefits from broad driver support and strong media encoders, making their iGPUs excellent for streamers or creators who don’t need a dedicated graphics card.
The Real-World Gaming Experience
So what can you expect if you rely on integrated graphics today?
- Esports and Lighter Titles: 1080p gaming is fully achievable, often at 60 FPS or higher, especially with AMD’s latest APUs.
- AAA Games: Playable at 1080p with reduced settings. Upscaling tech like XeSS and FSR 3.1 helps smooth out performance.
- Ray Tracing: Still a stretch. Even with hardware acceleration, iGPUs are not yet powerful enough to handle ray-traced games comfortably.
- Memory Matters: iGPUs share system RAM, so pairing them with fast DDR5 makes a significant difference in performance.
Where Integrated Graphics Shine
- Budget Builds: Skip the GPU entirely and still enjoy decent gaming performance.
- Laptops and Portables: Modern iGPUs deliver strong performance while keeping power consumption reasonable.
- HTPCs and Casual Gaming Rigs: Perfect for living room PCs or family desktops that don’t need a discrete card.
Where They Still Fall Short
- High-End AAA Gaming: Demanding games at 1440p or 4K are outside the reach of iGPUs.
- Future-Proofing: As games grow more complex, dedicated GPUs still have a clear advantage.
- Ray Tracing and AI Workloads: iGPUs simply do not have the horsepower of dedicated hardware in these areas.
Final Thoughts
Integrated graphics in 2025 are no longer a joke. With AMD and Intel pushing iGPU performance to new heights, gamers on a budget or those who don’t need a dedicated card can still enjoy smooth gameplay at 1080p. They won’t replace discrete GPUs anytime soon, but they are making PC gaming more accessible than ever.
If you’re building a new system, it’s worth considering whether you really need a dedicated GPU at all — especially if your gaming habits are focused on esports, indie titles, or lighter workloads.
Tarl @ Gamertech