NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M vs. Intel 5500 graphics

So my current Sony Vaio (VPCZ1290X) is running a GeForce GT 330M. I'm looking to purchase a new laptop in the coming months and debating whether I need one with a discrete graphics card. I do a good amount of Photoshop work with some large files (around 300-500mb) and this definitely pushes the current laptop (sometimes there is some lag and even freezing). So my question: how does my current GeForce GT 330M compare to the new integrated Intel graphics (5500)? My current laptop has an i7 (from 2010!), SSD, 8gb ram. I still love this laptop but it's time for something new. I'd greatly appreciate any input. Thanks!

 

Yes the HD 5500 is better than the GT 330M, but I'd consider a discrete GPU, even a low-end one from the current gen ( 920M for instance ) is better than the HD 5500.

 

Thanks for the prompt reply. Ideally I would love a discrete GPU but unfortunately there doesn't seem to be anything out there with the same/better form factor/specs as my current Sony Vaio Z to serve as a replacement. The Dell XPS 13 is nice but capped at 8gb ram and no discrete GPU.

 

HD 5500 will blow away the 330m, it's twice as powerful, so will the HD 4400 and HD 4600. If you want to game, a discrete GPU is best but if you've been fine with 330m, then any integrated GPU with a modern CPU will be fine.

There are plenty of options out there for 13-14"
Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-NP940X3G-K04US-13-3-Inch-Touchscreen-Mineral/dp/B00F6EOB8C (HD 4400 IGP)
Aorus X3 Plus v3: http://www.xoticpc.com/aorus-x3plus-v3cf1-p-7880.html (GTX 970m)
Asus UX303LA: http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX303LA-DS52T-13-3-Inch-Touchscreen-Windows/dp/B00X4099OG (HD 4400 IGP)
Asus UX303LN: http://www.amazon.com/Zenbook-UX303LN-DB71T-Quad-HD-Display-Touchscreen/dp/B00KTL21RA (GT 840m)
Lenovo Y40: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/lenovo/y-series/y40-80/#tab-customize (AMD Radeon R9 M275)
Gigabyte P34W: http://www.xoticpc.com/gigabyte-p34wv3cf2-p-7617.html (GT 970M)
MSI GS30 Shadow: http://www.xoticpc.com/msi-gs30-shadow045-p-8034.html (Iris Pro 5200)
Razer Blade: http://www.razerzone.com/store/razer-blade (GTX 970m)
Alienware 13: http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-13/pd?ref=PD_OC&ndlvid=348-13ae (GTX 960m)
Sager NP7339/Clevo W230SD: http://www.lpc-digital.com/sager-np7339-features.html (GTX 960m)

 

Nufo, GT330M roughly equals HD4000, and, as others already stated, anything newer by Intel destroys both of them, performance-wise. I suggest creating a thread in What notebook should I buy? section.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone! Judging from what everyone has said, I think I'll be fine with a modern CPU with integrated graphics. I don't do any gaming so I wasn't sure if I would need a discrete GPU for editing figures/photos since my current GT330M has been lagging a little. But with current integrated GPUs being twice as powerful, I'm sure that is more than sufficient! I also put a What notebook should I buy? thread. Thanks again!

 

Yes. HD5500 is better.