What To Know
- In terms of performance, the AMD Radeon 520 typically holds a slight edge over the Intel UHD 630.
- If you’re looking for the best possible performance in a budget GPU, the AMD Radeon 520 is the clear winner.
- However, if you’re on a tight budget, the Intel UHD 630 is a solid choice that offers decent performance and low power consumption.
In the world of budget graphics cards, the AMD Radeon 520 and Intel UHD 630 stand as two of the most popular options. Both offer modest performance at a low price point, but which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the specifications, performance benchmarks, and key features of each GPU to help you make an informed decision.
Key Specifications
| Feature | AMD Radeon 520 | Intel UHD 630 |
| — | — | — |
| Architecture | Polaris 12 | Intel Gen9 |
| Process Size | 14nm | 14nm |
| CUDA Cores / EUs | 512 | 24 |
| Clock Speed | 1124 MHz | 1150 MHz |
| Memory Size | 2GB GDDR5 | 1-2GB Shared Memory |
| Memory Bus Width | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 72 GB/s | 102 GB/s |
| TDP | 50W | 25W |
Performance Benchmarks
In terms of performance, the AMD Radeon 520 typically holds a slight edge over the Intel UHD 630. Here are some key benchmark results:
3DMark Fire Strike:
| GPU | Score |
| — | — |
| AMD Radeon 520 | 2300 |
| Intel UHD 630 | 1800 |
Unigine Heaven:
| GPU | Score |
| — | — |
| AMD Radeon 520 | 1100 |
| Intel UHD 630 | 900 |
Fortnite (1080p, Low Settings):
| GPU | FPS |
| — | — |
| AMD Radeon 520 | 50-60 |
| Intel UHD 630 | 40-50 |
Key Features
AMD Radeon 520
- Dedicated GDDR5 memory
- Support for AMD FreeSync
- DirectX 12 and Vulkan support
Intel UHD 630
- Integrated into Intel processors
- No dedicated memory
- Low power consumption
- DirectX 12 and Vulkan support
Which GPU is Right for You?
The choice between the AMD Radeon 520 and Intel UHD 630 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown:
- Budget: Both GPUs are affordable options, but the Intel UHD 630 has a lower TDP and is more energy-efficient.
- Performance: The Radeon 520 offers slightly better performance than the UHD 630, especially in games.
- Dedicated Memory: The Radeon 520 has dedicated GDDR5 memory, which provides a performance boost over the UHD 630’s shared memory.
- Integrated Graphics: The UHD 630 is integrated into Intel processors, making it a good option for laptops and small form factor builds.
- FreeSync Support: The Radeon 520 supports AMD FreeSync, which can reduce screen tearing in compatible monitors.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for the best possible performance in a budget GPU, the AMD Radeon 520 is the clear winner. Its dedicated memory and slightly higher clock speed give it an edge in both synthetic benchmarks and real-world gaming. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the Intel UHD 630 is a solid choice that offers decent performance and low power consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which GPU is better for casual gaming?
A: The AMD Radeon 520 is the better choice for casual gaming, as it provides slightly better performance in most titles.
Q: Can the Intel UHD 630 handle 4K video playback?
A: Yes, the Intel UHD 630 supports 4K video playback at 60Hz refresh rate.
Q: Does the AMD Radeon 520 require a dedicated power connector?
A: No, the Radeon 520 draws power from the PCIe slot, so it does not require an additional power connector.
