Does processor play a role in graphics?

Hi, I previously owned a laptop with an i3-350m processor, and now own another one with i5-2520m. Both systems came with intel hd 3000, and I wonder if the latter computer, with a more powerful processor, would perform better in playing high definition videos.

With i3, I didn't have much problem with videos of the highest quality playing on the laptop screen with a resolution of 1377 x 768, but when I connected the laptop to a monitor or a tv with a higher resolution (at least 1920x1080), there was an unbearable lag that prevented me from watching on a big screen.

Now, I would like to put the newer laptop to such a test, but the circumstances don't allow me to do so, so I am asking.
Will i5 perform better, or would there be a minimal improvement that's barely noticeable, if at all?

I bought this particular laptop with an integrated graphics card thinking that this will more than suffice my needs since I don't play games.
If this computer is unable to handle as did the previous one, I'll consider returning it and buying a different one.

Thanks

 

It depends on the game.

Some games like Civilization V are very taxing on CPUs.

A number of other, more recent games like Skyrim are optimized in a way that if you have a good CPU it will result in improved frame rate.

 

The i3 was a first generation i-core [it can be determined by the numbers, it has 3 digits]. The i5 is a 2nd generation i-core [4 digits]; as a consequence the 2nd generation i-core has a better integrated graphics solution [HD 3000], but it is still lacking when compared to a dedicated graphics solution.

i3-350m: Intel Core i3 350M Notebook Processor - Notebookcheck.net Tech
i3-350m integrated graphics [Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) HD Graphics]: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) HD Graphics

i5-2520m : Intel Core i5 2520M Notebook Processor - Notebookcheck.net Tech
i5-2520m integrated graphics [Intel HD Graphics 3000]: Intel HD Graphics 3000 - Notebookcheck.net Tech


If you look at the above graphics solutions, I would take a guess and estimate that the HD 3000 has about double the performance capabilities of the older GMA HD. I would also take a guess that it can display at 1080p [I remember hearing Intel mentioning this would be a feature of HD 3000].
However, your best bet would be some type of dedicated graphics [even if a lowend dedication GPU].


**EDIT**
If this is a new laptop, perhaps get a 3rd generation i-core [Ivy Bridge] which just came out last month. It comes with the HD 4000 integrated graphics which is supposed to offer double the performance of HD 3000
Intel HD 4000 graphics: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-HD-Graphics-4000.69168.0.html
i5-3320m [Ivy Bridge; direct replacement to i5-2520m]: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Core-i5-3320M-Notebook-Processor.74457.0.html
Here's a sample thread on 1080p video playback: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1413131/true-or-false-the-intel-igpu-struggles-at-hd-playback
Another thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/gaming-software-graphics-cards/665361-intel-hd-4000-a.html


Hopefully others can chime in.
Good luck

 

What Alex said really. The gpu wether its integrated or dedicated is the thing that effects the visual quality so the hd 3000 in this case. The hd 3000 is capable of playing 3d games at low settings fairly well but the hd 4000 is again a lot better. I have yet to test the 4000's performance on my system but obviously no integrated solution compares with a proper gaming card like the gtx 560 and up.

 

What is your budget OP? Unfortunately there aren't (I think) any laptops out right now that only have HD 4000. If you inform us about your budget several individuals here will be able to help you decide which laptop will give you best bang for your buck.

 

Considering the graphics card you are looking at is integrated into the processor, then yes.

Also, the 1st gen i5-350M doesn't use HD 3000. HD 3000 is Sandy Bridge processors (your i5-2520M).

 

You may want to wait until the Ivy Bridge dual core equipped laptops start showing up for sale, which should be soon.

These are the processors:



The HD 4000 is a significant improvement over the HD 3000.

 

What program were you using for playing the videos?


I know that my relatively ancient Thinkpad X61 with a L7500 (1.6GHz) and Intel 965GM graphics (two generations older than OP's) is fine with playing most 1080p video on my LCD TV (1920x1080).

My current laptop hasn't experienced any issues at all playing 1080p video on it's 1080p screen and it has the same graphics card as OP's former laptop (nVIDIA card can be disabled to save power/reduce heat).

 

since we're talking about watching HD videos and not gaming, i'm rather surprised that your i3 is having lag while playing 1080p videos.

my old i3-370m and even my old Core 2 Duo T8300 had no problems playing 1080p videos so maybe its the codec that you're using?

in terms of videos, CPU does most of the work unless you tell the video player to use the video card to play the video, but most of the time its the CPU doing the work.

 

To answer the question.

The GPU requires the CPU to run, it uses cpu resources however the cpu has no actual effect or part of producing or effecting the graphics.

I have a analogy about a flip book that I wrote a few times that does well to explain it.

 

The short answer is that the CPU is involved but the GPU is doing all the grunt work.

The CPU basically tells the GPU what to draw, and the GPU draws that thing. Telling someone to draw is easier than drawing. Similar interaction exists between the CPU and GPU.

However, this interaction can vary per program. There's no rule that says programmers must use the GPU to draw all graphics. They could do everything manually on the CPU. Video can be handled by either, depending on the format of the video, the application being used to display the video, and the hardware capabilities of the graphics card.

Games are also complicated. Generally, 3d games render on the GPU, but there can also be a lot of stuff going on in the game that requires the CPU, and to get performance to increase, it depends on the game and your current hardware.