When it comes to integrated graphics processing units (GPUs), Intel has been a dominant force in the market for years. Two of their most popular offerings, Intel Iris and Intel HD 4000, have been widely used in laptops and desktops alike. But the question remains: is Intel Iris better than Intel HD 4000? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and benchmarks of both GPUs to give you a clear answer.
Understanding Integrated Graphics
Before we begin, it’s essential to understand what integrated graphics are and how they differ from dedicated graphics cards. Integrated graphics are built into the CPU and share system memory (RAM) to process graphics. They’re designed to provide a balance between power efficiency and graphics performance, making them ideal for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and casual gaming.
Dedicated graphics cards, on the other hand, are separate components that have their own memory (VRAM) and are specifically designed for high-performance graphics rendering. They’re typically used in gaming laptops and desktops that require intense graphics processing.
Intel Iris: A New Era Of Integrated Graphics
Launched in 2013, Intel Iris was a significant departure from the traditional Intel HD graphics series. It was designed to provide a more substantial boost in graphics performance while maintaining power efficiency. The Iris series is divided into three sub-brands: Iris, Iris Pro, and Iris Xe.
The key features of Intel Iris include:
- Improved thread efficiency, allowing for better multitasking and thread utilization
- Enhanced pixel and vertex performance, resulting in smoother graphics
- Support for DirectX 11.2 and OpenCL 1.2, enabling more complex graphics and compute tasks
- Power gating, which reduces power consumption when the GPU is idle
Intel HD 4000: A Tried And Tested GPU
Released in 2012, Intel HD 4000 was a significant upgrade to the previous HD 3000 series. It was designed to provide a balance between graphics performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for mainstream laptops and desktops.
The key features of Intel HD 4000 include:
- Support for DirectX 11 and OpenCL 1.1, enabling decent graphics and compute performance
- Improved pixel and vertex performance, resulting in better graphics rendering
- Power-saving features, such as dynamic voltage and frequency scaling
Performance Comparison: Intel Iris Vs Intel HD 4000
Now that we’ve covered the features of both GPUs, let’s dive into the performance comparison. We’ll look at 3D graphics performance, gaming, and compute performance to give you a comprehensive view of which GPU comes out on top.
3D Graphics Performance
In terms of 3D graphics performance, Intel Iris outshines Intel HD 4000. The Iris GPU has a higher clock speed (up to 1.1 GHz) and more execution units (EU) than the HD 4000 (up to 650 MHz and 16 EUs). This results in better performance in 3D graphics-intensive tasks.
| GPU | Clock Speed (MHz) | Execution Units | Performance (GFLOPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Iris | Up to 1100 | 40 | Up to 384 |
| Intel HD 4000 | Up to 650 | 16 | Up to 164 |
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, Intel Iris has a distinct advantage over Intel HD 4000. The Iris GPU is capable of handling more demanding games at higher resolutions and frame rates.
For example, in the popular game FIFA 14, the Intel Iris can handle 1080p resolution at 30 FPS, while the Intel HD 4000 struggles to reach 20 FPS at the same resolution.
Compute Performance
In terms of compute performance, Intel Iris again outperforms Intel HD 4000. The Iris GPU has better support for OpenCL and DirectX, enabling faster execution of compute-intensive tasks.
For instance, in the LuxMark 2.0 benchmark, which measures compute performance, Intel Iris scores around 1500 points, while Intel HD 4000 scores around 800 points.
Power Consumption And Thermal Design
One of the critical aspects of integrated graphics is power consumption and thermal design. Both Intel Iris and Intel HD 4000 are designed to be power-efficient, but the Iris GPU has a slightly higher TDP (thermal design power) than the HD 4000.
The Intel Iris has a TDP of up to 28W, while the Intel HD 4000 has a TDP of up to 17W. However, the Iris GPU’s improved power gating and dynamic voltage and frequency scaling help reduce power consumption when the GPU is idle.
Conclusion: Intel Iris Vs Intel HD 4000
In conclusion, the Intel Iris is a clear winner when compared to the Intel HD 4000. Its improved 3D graphics performance, gaming capabilities, and compute performance make it a better choice for users who need a balance between power efficiency and graphics performance.
While the Intel HD 4000 is still a decent GPU, it’s clear that it’s been surpassed by the Iris series. If you’re in the market for a new laptop or desktop, it’s worth opting for a system with an Intel Iris GPU for better overall performance and future-proofing.
So, is Intel Iris better than Intel HD 4000? The answer is a resounding yes.
Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or just a heavy user, the Intel Iris is the better choice for those who need a reliable and efficient integrated graphics solution.
What Is The Main Difference Between Intel Iris And Intel HD 4000 Graphics?
The main difference between Intel Iris and Intel HD 4000 graphics lies in their architecture and performance. Intel Iris is a newer and more powerful integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for ultrabooks and other thin-and-light laptops. It offers better performance and power efficiency compared to the older Intel HD 4000 GPU. Intel Iris is built using a 22nm process, which allows it to consume less power while delivering faster graphics performance.
In contrast, the Intel HD 4000 GPU is an older model built using a 32nm process. While it’s still a capable GPU, it’s not as powerful as the Intel Iris and consumes more power. The Intel HD 4000 is found in older laptops and is generally considered a mid-range integrated GPU. Overall, the Intel Iris offers better performance, power efficiency, and features compared to the Intel HD 4000.
Which Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Is More Suitable For Gaming?
When it comes to gaming, the Intel Iris GPU is the clear winner. It offers better performance, higher frame rates, and supports more advanced graphics features like DirectX 11 and OpenCL 1.2. The Intel Iris can handle more demanding games at higher resolutions and detail settings, making it a better choice for gamers. Additionally, the Intel Iris has a higher clock speed and more execution units, which helps to improve its gaming performance.
The Intel HD 4000, on the other hand, is more suited for casual gaming and less demanding games. While it can handle some modern games at lower resolutions and detail settings, it’s not designed for serious gaming. The Intel HD 4000 has a lower clock speed and fewer execution units, which limits its gaming performance. If you’re serious about gaming, the Intel Iris is the better choice, but if you’re only interested in casual gaming, the Intel HD 4000 might be sufficient.
What Is The Power Consumption Of Intel Iris And Intel HD 4000 GPUs?
The Intel Iris GPU has a lower power consumption compared to the Intel HD 4000. The Iris GPU has a TDP (thermal design power) of around 28W, which is relatively low for an integrated GPU. This lower power consumption helps to improve battery life and reduce heat generation, making it a great choice for ultrabooks and other thin-and-light laptops.
In contrast, the Intel HD 4000 GPU has a higher TDP of around 35W. This increased power consumption can lead to higher temperatures, shorter battery life, and increased noise levels from the cooling system. While the Intel HD 4000 is still a relatively low-power GPU, its higher power consumption makes it less suitable for ultra-portable laptops and devices.
What Are The Advantages Of Intel Iris Over Intel HD 4000?
The Intel Iris GPU has several advantages over the Intel HD 4000. One of the main advantages is its better performance, which makes it suitable for more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Iris GPU also has better power efficiency, which helps to improve battery life and reduce heat generation. Additionally, the Intel Iris supports more advanced graphics features like DirectX 11 and OpenCL 1.2, which makes it a better choice for users who need these features.
Another advantage of the Intel Iris is its support for higher resolutions and display configurations. The Iris GPU can support up to three displays at resolutions of up to 4K, making it a great choice for users who need multiple displays. The Intel HD 4000, on the other hand, has limited display capabilities and can only support up to two displays at lower resolutions.
Can Intel Iris And Intel HD 4000 Graphics Be Used For Video Editing?
Both the Intel Iris and Intel HD 4000 GPUs can be used for video editing, but the Intel Iris is a better choice for this task. The Iris GPU has faster video encoding and decoding capabilities, which makes it better suited for video editing. The Intel Iris also has better performance and supports more advanced graphics features, which makes it a better choice for users who need to edit video footage.
However, even the Intel Iris has its limitations when it comes to video editing. While it can handle video editing tasks, it’s not designed for heavy-duty video editing or 3D modeling. If you need to do serious video editing or 3D modeling, a dedicated graphics card is still a better choice.
Which GPU Is More Suitable For 3D Modeling And CAD Work?
Neither the Intel Iris nor the Intel HD 4000 is suitable for heavy-duty 3D modeling and CAD work. Both GPUs are designed for general-purpose computing and are not optimized for demanding tasks like 3D modeling and CAD.
However, if you need to do some light 3D modeling or CAD work, the Intel Iris might be a better choice. The Iris GPU has better performance and supports more advanced graphics features, which makes it a better choice for these tasks. But for serious 3D modeling and CAD work, a dedicated graphics card is still a better choice.
Can I Upgrade My Intel HD 4000 To An Intel Iris GPU?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to upgrade your Intel HD 4000 to an Intel Iris GPU. The Intel Iris is a newer and more powerful GPU that requires a specific motherboard and chipset to function. The Intel HD 4000 is an older GPU that’s designed for older laptops and motherboards.
Upgrading your GPU would require a complete motherboard and system upgrade, which is not feasible or cost-effective. If you need the improved performance and features of the Intel Iris, it’s better to purchase a new laptop or system that comes with the Intel Iris GPU pre-installed.