What To Know
- The AMD Radeon R7 200 series is based on the Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture, while the Intel HD 4600 uses the Haswell architecture.
- However, if you’re on a tight budget or you need a graphics card for a laptop or other mobile device, then the Intel HD 4600 is a good option.
- However, the Intel HD 4600 is a good option for users who are on a tight budget or who need a graphics card for a laptop or other mobile device.
When it comes to budget-friendly graphics cards, the AMD Radeon R7 200 series and the Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics processor are two popular options. Both offer decent performance for basic gaming and everyday tasks. However, there are some key differences between the two that can help you make an informed decision.
Architecture and Performance
The AMD Radeon R7 200 series is based on the Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture, while the Intel HD 4600 uses the Haswell architecture. GCN is designed for high-performance gaming, while Haswell is optimized for power efficiency.
In terms of performance, the Radeon R7 200 series generally outperforms the Intel HD 4600 in gaming benchmarks. The R7 200 series cards have more stream processors and a higher clock speed, which gives them an edge in graphics-intensive applications.
Power Consumption
The Intel HD 4600 has a significant advantage over the Radeon R7 200 series in terms of power consumption. As an integrated graphics processor, the HD 4600 consumes very little power, which makes it ideal for laptops and other mobile devices.
The Radeon R7 200 series cards, on the other hand, are dedicated graphics cards that require their own power supply. This means that they consume more power than the HD 4600, but they also offer better performance.
Features
Both the Radeon R7 200 series and the Intel HD 4600 support DirectX 11.2, which is the latest version of Microsoft’s graphics API. However, the Radeon R7 200 series cards also support AMD’s proprietary Mantle API, which can provide a performance boost in some games.
In terms of other features, the Radeon R7 200 series cards offer more video output options than the HD 4600. The R7 200 series cards have DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort outputs, while the HD 4600 only has HDMI and DisplayPort outputs.
Price
The Radeon R7 200 series cards are typically more expensive than the Intel HD 4600. This is because the R7 200 series cards offer better performance and more features.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best graphics card for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for the best possible gaming performance, then the Radeon R7 200 series is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget or you need a graphics card for a laptop or other mobile device, then the Intel HD 4600 is a good option.
Benchmark Comparisons
To give you a better idea of the performance difference between the Radeon R7 200 series and the Intel HD 4600, here are some benchmark comparisons:
- 3DMark Fire Strike: The Radeon R7 260X scores an average of 3,500 points, while the Intel HD 4600 scores an average of 1,200 points.
- Unigine Heaven 4.0: The Radeon R7 260X scores an average of 1,200 points, while the Intel HD 4600 scores an average of 400 points.
- Tomb Raider (2013): The Radeon R7 260X averages 40 FPS at 1080p on high settings, while the Intel HD 4600 averages 25 FPS at 1080p on low settings.
Pros and Cons
AMD Radeon R7 200 Series:
- Pros:
- Better gaming performance
- More features
- More video output options
- Cons:
- Higher power consumption
- More expensive
Intel HD 4600:
- Pros:
- Lower power consumption
- More affordable
- Integrated into the motherboard
- Cons:
- Lower gaming performance
- Fewer features
- Fewer video output options
The Verdict
The AMD Radeon R7 200 series is the better choice for gamers and users who need the best possible graphics performance. However, the Intel HD 4600 is a good option for users who are on a tight budget or who need a graphics card for a laptop or other mobile device.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which graphics card is better for gaming, the Radeon R7 200 series or the Intel HD 4600?
A: The Radeon R7 200 series is better for gaming due to its higher performance.
Q: Which graphics card is more power efficient, the Radeon R7 200 series or the Intel HD 4600?
A: The Intel HD 4600 is more power efficient due to its integrated design.
Q: Which graphics card is more expensive, the Radeon R7 200 series or the Intel HD 4600?
A: The Radeon R7 200 series is more expensive due to its higher performance and features.
