Gpu VS integrated graphics... Kind of(?)

(I didn't post this in the gaming section as I wish to focus more on practical applications of graphics processing, and will not be doing any gaming on this hypothetical laptop)

For starters, I know a gpu is superior to integrated graphics... I think... Maybe... Yes? Lol

My question is, are integrated graphics ever better than a designated card/chip?

I want to get a custom laptop, and don't intend to do much graphics intensive work with it, but I am not entirely oblivious to their benefits. So my plan is, along side my i7 7700hq or i7 8550u,to get a low or mid range gpu. I'm wondering if I get a lower end gpu, will it wind up hindering more than helping?

Bonus:Any suggestions on a decent low-mid tier gpu?

Thank you for your time and insights.

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If you aren't going to use the GPU - all it does is add another potential point of failure to the system. Generally, Intel's iGPUs are horrible. AMD's iGPUs go from decent to good.

 

I mean, I will be doing moderate photo editing and light video editing. I also read that a gpu would help the cpu perform better as it helps to distribute the workload

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Only if the software can benefit from CUDA/OpenCL acceleration. Generally, an 8250U or 8550U is enough and there is no real need for a dGPU.

 

I'm not entirely familiar with these terms. The heaviest things i believe id be doing with my laptop are moderate music production, light video editing, and moderate photo editing/amateur art creation(i.e. just drawing random stuff in MS paint or paint.net).

I mean, i feel like the latter 2 would benefit--but by how much and at what fiscal cost is what perplexes me. I feel like the cost to function ratio isn't substantial enough to invest in a gpu. would you agree?

 

From that, it doesn't sound like you'd benefit much from a dGPU. Might as well save some cash and go integrated.

 

Any current Intel or AMD igpu isn't horrible, even if AMD's offerings are better for gaming...

I specifically look for non dGPU mobile platforms for the reasons mentioned above: another point of failure, increased cost, potentially; increased heat/throttling issues of the gpu and/or the other main components in the system (CPU & storage subsystem) and also for the marked decrease in battery life vs. an igpu...

Rather than waste $$$, space, heat and battery life on a dGPU - spend it instead on maxing out the RAM of the system. 32GB RAM is not too much. Even for browsing/replying to these forums here...

I would not be looking at anything below the i7-8550U today (the scarcer i7-8650U would be even better).

I would also specify a setup that included a 1TB or larger 2.5" SATAIII SSD along with an 32GB Optane Memory module to make the most of the latest Kaby Lake R platforms...

My workloads are far more intense than your stated workloads; "The heaviest things i believe id be doing with my laptop are moderate music production, light video editing, and moderate photo editing/amateur art creation(i.e. just drawing random stuff in MS paint or paint.net)", there is nothing you state that would benefit from a dGPU when all tradeoffs are considered (even at the highest end 1080 GTX range...).

Buy the latest platform available and the highest CPU/igpu combo you can afford (even if you have to wait a few weeks to get one in stock. Max out the RAM - (16GB is entry level for a few years now...) if you want the fastest and most responsive multitasking system. Put in the biggest 2.5" SATAIII SSD you can find and if possible; pair it with Optane Memory (32GB or larger - if they become available). This is what will give you the most productive system today. Longest battery life and fastest response and highest performance/productivity ever offered on a notebook platform that is actually portable, quiet (enough) and lasts for more than a few minutes away from a wall plug.


Good luck.

 

I personally favor iGPU vs dGPU since I don't ever want to mess with Optimus/Switchable Graphics/whatever driver issues again like those that plagued such designs in the past, and still do in Linux AFAIK.

 

I would have to agree with this. I built an MSI AMD barebones with switchable graphics, getting any official driver updates and poking around switchable graphics settings was always a pain. Hence all my systems and what I recommend to people is either full dGPU or integrated graphics. Hybrid in theory is good, in actual practice is a headache at best, and a nightmare at worst.

 

If you're comparing between a 45W 7th gen chip and a 15/25W 8th gen chip, that's not really apples to oranges. I would recommend the higher wattage chip, if you plan to do anything that will load the CPU for more than 30 seconds at a time.

 

I like where your head is at. Currently I'm eyeing up 2 Clevos. Both would have a 256gb pcie/nvme ssd, 16gb 2 DIMM ram, and a 2tb SSHD. They say I'm crazy--but I just enjoy a bit of overkill every now and again lol. I WISH I could get my hands on a laptop with an i8650u. I am honestly considering waiting for the option since the 2 laptops im looking at now arent even on sale for black fri/cyber mon. However, I also dont have a laptop atm and it is making my life a bit complicated lol. Any guesses as to when the 8650U will be mainstreamed?

 

See:
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-book-2

The only problem right now? Can't configure it with more than 16GB..., nor get the more desireable 15" version...

But...

an 15" model configured with 16GB RAM, an i7, along with an 1TB SSD is where I would start saying we're in 'overkill' territory (~$4K). Not that I wouldn't do it - just that you can buy a car or put a down payment on a home with that kind of $$$$.