Best CPU with Integrated Graphics in 2024 – our top picks
Today we will explore the best CPUs that contain an integrated graphical component. Perfect for building on a budget.
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What’s the best CPU with integrated graphics? You might assume that all modern PC builds need a powerful dedicated GPU to chew through the most demanding triple-A titles, you wouldn’t be wrong. But just as good of an experience can be had with an iGPU, playing the same games with a similar FPS, only with less visual fidelity. We here at WePC have tested many CPUs over the years, including those with integrated graphics, we we believe we have the expertise to guide you through the best CPU with integrated graphics.
iGPUs have been around for the better part of 27 years with the first iGPU being released in June 1995, when Taiwan-based Silicon Integrated Systems introduced the SiS6204 into the world. This was the first-ever desktop IGC (integrated graphics controller). Speaking of time, we keep this article constantly updated, and have taken into consideration the 14th-generation CPUs from Intel, however, the disappointments they bring mean we have excluded them from this guide. This is because they have the same iGPU as the 13th-generation processors.
Whilst the 7000 series from AMD also have integrated graphics, they aren’t made for gaming in any meaningful way, but fantastic options if you’re just looking for a CPU to drive a display for everyday use.
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Best CPU with integrated graphics in 2024
Here we will list off our best CPU with integrated graphics. We have taken care and consideration for every use case when compiling this list, so we hope you find something of use to you. If you don’t have time to sift through this article, we can save you some time. You should consider the Core i5-13600K for the best CPU with Integrated graphics as the best all-around pick. If you want an AMD option, you should consider the Ryzen 7 5700G, they both perform similarly whilst achieving that brilliant price-to-performance ratio.
Intel Core i5-13600K
Intel Core i5-13600K
Cores
14
Threads
20
Base speed
P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz
Cache
20MB
TDP
125 W / 181 W boost.
- High core count for an entry level CPU
- High base and boost speeds
- Efficient
- backwards compatible with 12th gen motherboards
- Runs very warm
The Intel i5-13600K emerges as a standout CPU with integrated graphics, primarily due to its exceptional price-to-performance ratio and impressive efficiency. With 14 cores and 20 threads under its hood, boasting a clock speed that exceeds 5GHz, this CPU showcases Intel’s prowess in delivering both power and efficiency.
One remarkable feature of the 13600K is its ability to operate at significantly lower temperatures compared to its larger counterpart, the 13600K. This underscores Intel’s commitment to providing top-notch performance across the spectrum while maintaining energy efficiency.
When it comes to cost-effectiveness, the 13600K finds itself in a sweet spot, falling between AMD’s 7600X and 7700X in terms of pricing. Yet, it outperforms the former and comes remarkably close to the latter, firmly establishing Intel as a formidable competitor in the market.
The 13600K proves to be the ideal choice for budget-conscious gamers looking to upgrade their CPU without breaking the bank. It offers a generous 20 threads, making it well-suited for multi-core-based workloads.
Ryzen 7 5700G
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
Speed
3.8GHz – 4.6GHz
Core (threads)
8 (16)
Socket
AM4
Graphics
Vega 8
- Powerful
- High-performance GPU
- Lots of compatability
- High multi-core performance
- Less value for money than 5600G
The Ryzen 7 5700G emerges as a strong contender in the realm of AMD APUs, representing an impressive step up from its sibling, the Ryzen 5 5600G. This powerhouse of a CPU takes things up a notch, featuring eight multithreaded CPU cores that deliver a staggering total of 16 threads. While the larger core count doesn’t increase the L3 cache size, maintaining it at 16MB, it still provides ample cache per core to handle tasks effectively.
Clock speeds are where the Ryzen 7 5700G truly shines, with boosts reaching an impressive 4.6GHz under AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive. Even the base frequencies are commendable, starting at 3.8GHz. Remarkably, all this performance is seamlessly packed into a configurable TDP range of 45-65W.
AMD continues to demonstrate its mastery in delivering efficiency without compromising on performance. As a runner-up CPU with integrated graphics, the Ryzen 7 5700G stands as a formidable choice, offering enhanced capabilities and the power to handle demanding tasks with ease.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
Cores
6
Threads
12
Base speed
4.7GHz
Boost speed
5.3GHz
Cache
L3 32MB
Socket
AM5
If your focus centers on gaming workloads, the Ryzen 5 7600X proves surprisingly capable, despite its iGPU being labeled as not for gaming. The key factor lies in its impressive boost clock, which can reach up to 5.3GHz. Whilst the 13600K is generally a better choice, the 7600X is one to watch for that multithreaded performance.
One advantage of the Ryzen 5 7600X is its overclocking potential, and AMD CPUs have steadily improved their overclocking capabilities over the years. In most scenarios, the Ryzen 5 7600X outperforms the Intel Core i5 13600K.
The 6-core and 12-thread configuration does put it a little behind the Intel chip at the top of the list, but the 7600X can certainly still hold its own in the realm of multi-core performance. and as we mentioned before, once overclocked, it really is a force to be reckoned with.
Core i7-12700K
Intel Core i7-12700K
Boost clock speed (single core)
4.9 GHz
Total Cores / Threads
12/20
P-cores
8
E-cores
4
Socket
LGA 1700
Overclockable
Yes
- Great single-core performance
- Cost effective
- LGA 1700
- not as powerful as later models
The Core i7-12700K stands as an excellent high/mid-level processor, earning its place as the finest CPU with integrated graphics in its class. What sets it apart is its impressive core boost speed coupled with Intel’s innovative LITTLE.big architecture.
LITTLE.big represents Intel’s adaptation of ARM technologies, incorporating two distinct core types within the CPU: efficiency cores and performance cores, each catering to specific tasks. This approach optimizes efficiency by utilizing the speedy performance cores only when necessary, conserving power and enhancing performance where it counts.
The Core i7-12700K’s core boost speed is nothing short of remarkable, delivering an astonishing 4.9GHz per CPU performance core. This speed proves more than capable of delivering high frame rates in demanding games, making it a gaming powerhouse.
While the 12700K may come with a slightly higher price tag compared to lower-end CPUs, its unparalleled performance justifies the investment. Notably, it exhibits an impressive 5% bottleneck when paired with a 3060 Ti graphics card, a score widely regarded as excellent. In contrast, the 5700X, for instance, faces a more significant bottleneck of around 10%. In summary, the Core i7-12700K excels in both performance and efficiency, making it the ultimate choice for a CPU with integrated graphics in its class.
Ryzen 5 5600G
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Speed
3.9GHz – 4.4GHz
Core (threads)
6 (12)
Socket
AM4
Graphics
Vega 7
- Inexpensive
- Powerful
- Wide range of compatibility
- GPU component means CPU components get less resources
The Ryzen 5 5600G unquestionably ranks as one of the best budget APUs available in the current market, and its distinction lies not only in its affordability but also in the remarkable CPU technology it offers.
At the heart of this budget-friendly APU is a potent six-core processor with the capability of multithreading. This configuration results in a total of 12 threads, allowing the CPU to tackle a diverse array of computing tasks efficiently. The inclusion of a generous 16MB L3 cache further bolsters its computational prowess by providing ample space to store instructions and calculations, which, in turn, ensures rapid and efficient processing of tasks.
When it comes to clock speeds, the Ryzen 5 5600G truly shines. With the ability to reach an impressive 4.4GHz when boosted, it’s well-equipped to handle demanding workloads and offer snappy performance. Even its base frequency of around 3.9GHz is respectable, ensuring reliable performance in everyday computing tasks. What’s particularly remarkable is that it accomplishes all of this while maintaining power efficiency, operating within a configurable TDP range of 45-65W. This not only reduces power consumption but also helps manage heat generation, making it suitable for a wide range of systems.
The Ryzen 5 5600G effectively debunks the myth that you need a large and power-hungry CPU to attain exceptional performance. It offers the ideal solution for users seeking a budget CPU with integrated graphics. This APU combines affordability, potent CPU performance, and integrated graphics to deliver an excellent computing experience. Whether you’re building a budget-friendly system for everyday tasks or light gaming, the Ryzen 5 5600G is undoubtedly a compelling choice.
Core i5-11400
Intel Core i5-11400 Desktop Processor
Clock speed (boost)
4.4GHz
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
Socket
LGA 1200
- High boost speed
- High single core performance
- powerful
- Power-hungry
The i5-11400 is a CPU with integrated graphics that offers a reasonable level of performance, making it a viable choice for certain computing needs. It’s often compared to the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G, as both processors share similarities in terms of core count and performance.
The i5-11400 boasts six CPU cores with hyperthreading, resulting in a total of 12 threads. This configuration allows the CPU to handle various computing tasks with relative ease. However, when compared to the Ryzen 5 5600G, the i5-11400 has a smaller cache size with only 12MB of L3 cache. While this might impact performance in certain scenarios, it remains acceptable for many common applications and tasks.
In terms of clock speeds, the i5-11400 shares a similar peak performance with the Ryzen 5 5600G, topping out at 4.4GHz. However, it has a lower base frequency of 2.6GHz, which can contribute to improved power efficiency during idle periods. The balance between idle efficiency and peak performance is important for users who want their CPU to adapt to different workloads. Moreover, the i5-11400 maintains a respectable TDP of 65W, aligning with the Ryzen 5 5600G in terms of power consumption.
One noteworthy distinction is that the TDP of the i5-11400 is not configurable, which means it operates at a fixed power consumption level. While this may limit its adaptability to power-sensitive scenarios, it still offers efficient performance for a range of computing tasks.
Core i7-11700
Intel Core i7-11700
Core count
8
Thread count
16
Base speed
2.5 GHz
Boost speed
Up to 4.9 GHz
TDP
65W
- High clock speed
- High core boost speed
- Great value for money
- Power-hungry
The 11700 is a beast in its own right, featuring eight hyperthreaded CPU cores totaling 16 threads, this CPU is exactly on par with the 5700G in terms of raw resources. This CPU has plenty of cache capacity, boasting 16MB on the L3 stack. This cache capacity is pretty standard in an 8C/16T configuration.
The core speed of the 11700 almost touches the 5GHz mark coming in at a massive 4.9GHz. That’s the highest clock speed of any CPU on today’s list. The base frequency is a little less impressive coming in at 2.5GHz but we’ll cut it some slack. All of this is packed inside a 65W TDP, just as efficient as the 5700G.
What is an iGPU?
The iGPU inside a desktop CPU is a graphics processing unit that is built into the same die as the CPU. This allows for more efficient use of space and power, as well as better communication between the CPU and GPU. The iGPU is used to handle tasks such as displaying graphics on a monitor, video playback, and gaming. It is not as powerful as a dedicated GPU, but it is sufficient for most everyday tasks such as web browsing, video playback, and basic gaming. It can also be used as a secondary GPU when paired with a dedicated one, to offload some of the workloads and enhance the overall performance.
This means that there’s no room for any VRAM, so the iGPU shares memory resources with the CPU and uses standard system memory as VRAM. The amount of VRAM can be set or can be dynamically allocated based on the current needs of the iGPU. If you want to know more about how CPUs work, check out our What is a CPU article.
How We Test
Testing forms a big part of our validation process and forms a central pillar of the top picks found in our best guides. By doing the testing in-house, we can formulate a hands-on take on how well a component performs and compare it side by side with competitor models.
While testing, we look for our best performers based on performance in tests, features that will appeal to readers, and any benefits they may have over the competition.
The overwhelming majority of the products we recommend here at WePC have undergone this strict vetting process, which includes factors such as quality, efficiency, design, performance, and, of course, price.
By abiding by this strict process, we can produce the most accurate review of a product and determine whether it is worth the money. Check out our How we test CPUs page to learn more.
Best CPU with integrated graphics: Things To Consider
Here’s what you need to consider when eyeing up a new CPU with integrated graphics. These should help get a firm idea of what a particular model can offer.
Gaming or non-intensive tasks
Initially, iGPUs were designed to be the bare minimum. Allowing a display output for office and word processing machines doesn’t require a lot of power. It’s only recently that CPU manufacturers have decided to develop iGPUs more focused on gaming and more intensive workloads.
Any modern iGPU will work for video streaming, word processing, web browsing, or any other day-to-day tasks. If you’re looking for an iGPU that can handle gaming, then there are some tricks you can deploy to get the most out of your iGPU. These tricks will also have a bearing on the CPU manufacturer you choose, more on this later.
Budget
As with anything, there’s a budget. Both AMD and Intel have created CPUs with iGPUs to fit most price points on the market, however. We’d always recommend saving up to get the better component than cheap out now and end up stuck with a component you aren’t completely happy with.
Core speed and IPC
Just because a CPU from 4 years ago has a higher clock speed, does not mean it will be faster than a modern CPU with a lower clock speed. Here’s why.
Core speed is defined by how many cycles per second a CPU can perform. A full CPU cycle is referred to as the instruction cycle, which follows three actions. The actions of the instruction cycle run in the order of fetch, decode and execute. These three actions comprise the instruction cycle.
Not surprisingly, a higher clock speed is superior. However, not all clock speeds are created equal.
Many factors can affect the metrics of clock speed. One of these is the ‘nm process’ a CPU is built on, which refers to the size of the transistors that make up the logical components of a CPU. There are billions of these microscopic transistors all capable of very simple yes/no outputs, which together equate to more complex logical executions.
7nm transistors are much smaller than 12nm transistors, for example. And this is what we mean when we say that not all clock speed is created equal. Clock speed refers to how many cycles a CPU can perform per second, not how many instructions can be executed per second. This is another measurement known as IPC (instructions per clock).
IPC and clock speed are somewhat intertwined. People are easily fooled into thinking that a CPU with a better clock speed, no matter how old, will always be faster than a new CPU with a lower clock speed. And this simply isn’t true.
Best CPU with integrated graphics: Final word
When seeking the best CPU with integrated graphics, it’s crucial to weigh several factors to make an informed choice. Integrated graphics have come a long way since their inception in 1995, with modern iGPUs offering an impressive balance of performance and efficiency. In this dynamic landscape, we’ve considered various CPUs with integrated graphics, including the Intel Core i5-13600K, AMD Ryzen 7 5700G, and Ryzen 5 7600X.
The Intel Core i5-13600K stands out as an excellent all-around choice, delivering exceptional price-to-performance and efficiency with 14 cores and 20 threads, clocked at over 5GHz. It strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness and top-tier performance.
On the AMD side, the Ryzen 7 5700G presents a compelling alternative, with eight multithreaded CPU cores and impressive clock speeds, all within a configurable TDP range of 45-65W. It’s a powerhouse capable of handling demanding tasks with ease.
The Ryzen 5 7600X, though not primarily designed for gaming, surprises with its impressive boost clock, offering remarkable multithreaded performance and overclocking potential. In most scenarios, it outperforms the Intel Core i5-13600K, making it a competitive option.
For those looking to invest in a higher-end previous-generation CPU, the Core i7-12700K is a wise choice, featuring Intel’s LITTLE.big architecture, high-core boost speeds, and exceptional performance efficiency. While it comes at a higher price, the investment pays off in outstanding gaming performance.
Additionally, budget and specific use cases, such as gaming or non-intensive tasks, play a significant role in choosing the right CPU with integrated graphics. The core speed and IPC of the CPU are also critical considerations, as they determine the CPU’s overall performance. When making your decision, keep in mind that the best CPU with integrated graphics depends on your individual needs and preferences, and there are options available to suit a range of budgets and requirements.
