An integrated graphics processor shares physical space and memory resources with the main processor, rather than existing on a discrete card. It typically relies on system RAM instead of dedicated VRAM, making it cheaper and more power-efficient but less capable of handling high-end rendering tasks.
The new office machines just use the IGP, so don't expect them to run any heavy 3D modeling software.
Do not mix it up with
- dGPU: An IGP shares system memory and is built-in, whereas a dGPU has its own dedicated memory and sits on a separate board.
Related terms
iGPU
An integrated graphics processing unit is a graphics core embedded directly inside the central processing unit.
Graphics processing unit
A specialized processor designed to rapidly manipulate memory to accelerate image creation.
dGPU
A discrete graphics processing unit that has its own dedicated memory and power delivery.
Motherboard
The main printed circuit board in a computer or complex electronic system routes power and data between major components.