What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Radeon R7 and Intel HD 630, covering their specifications, performance, features, and more, to help you make an informed decision.
- In terms of performance, the Radeon R7 series generally outperforms the Intel HD 630 in both synthetic benchmarks and real-world gaming tests.
- The R7 250 and R7 260 offer similar performance to the HD 630, while the R7 370 provides a significant boost.
When it comes to budget-friendly graphics cards, the Radeon R7 series from AMD and the Intel HD 630 integrated graphics from Intel are two popular options. Both offer decent performance at a low price point, but which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Radeon R7 and Intel HD 630, covering their specifications, performance, features, and more, to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications
The Radeon R7 series encompasses several models with varying specifications, including the R7 250, R7 260, and R7 370. The Intel HD 630, on the other hand, is an integrated graphics solution found in Intel’s 7th and 8th generation Core processors.
Radeon R7:
- Graphics Processor (GPU): GCN 1.0 or GCN 1.2 architecture
- Core Count: 384-1024
- Clock Speed: 925-1050 MHz
- Memory Interface: 128-bit GDDR5
- Memory Bandwidth: 96-160 GB/s
- VRAM: 1-4 GB
Intel HD 630:
- GPU: Intel Gen9 architecture
- Core Count: 24
- Clock Speed: 350-1100 MHz
- Memory Interface: 64-bit DDR3 or DDR4
- Memory Bandwidth: 28.8-88 GB/s
- VRAM: Shared with system memory
Performance
In terms of performance, the Radeon R7 series generally outperforms the Intel HD 630 in both synthetic benchmarks and real-world gaming tests. The R7 250 and R7 260 offer similar performance to the HD 630, while the R7 370 provides a significant boost.
Synthetic Benchmarks:
- 3DMark Fire Strike: Radeon R7 250: 1500; Radeon R7 260: 1800; Radeon R7 370: 2500; Intel HD 630: 1200
- Unigine Heaven 4.0: Radeon R7 250: 1000; Radeon R7 260: 1200; Radeon R7 370: 1600; Intel HD 630: 800
Gaming Performance:
- Overwatch (1080p, Medium): Radeon R7 250: 40 FPS; Radeon R7 260: 50 FPS; Radeon R7 370: 60 FPS; Intel HD 630: 30 FPS
- Fortnite (720p, Low): Radeon R7 250: 30 FPS; Radeon R7 260: 40 FPS; Radeon R7 370: 50 FPS; Intel HD 630: 20 FPS
Features
Both the Radeon R7 and Intel HD 630 support DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5, ensuring compatibility with modern games and applications. However, the Radeon R7 series offers additional features that the HD 630 lacks:
- AMD FreeSync: Variable refresh rate technology that eliminates screen tearing and stuttering
- AMD Eyefinity: Multi-monitor support for an immersive gaming experience
- AMD TrueAudio: Advanced audio processing technology for enhanced sound quality
Power Consumption and Cooling
The Radeon R7 series typically consumes more power than the Intel HD 630, ranging from 50-150 watts compared to 15-30 watts. As a result, Radeon R7 cards require dedicated cooling solutions, such as fans or heat sinks. The HD 630, on the other hand, relies on passive cooling, which is sufficient for its low power consumption.
Price
The Radeon R7 series is generally priced between $50-$150, while the Intel HD 630 is typically found in laptops and pre-built computers. The price of a laptop or desktop with an HD 630 will vary depending on other components and features.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Radeon R7 and Intel HD 630 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize performance and gaming, the Radeon R7 series offers better frame rates and additional features. However, if you value low power consumption, integrated graphics, and a more affordable option, the Intel HD 630 is a solid choice.
Recommendations: Making the Right Decision
Whether you choose the Radeon R7 or Intel HD 630, both options provide decent graphics performance for budget-conscious users. Consider your performance requirements, features, power consumption, and budget to make the right decision for your next computer or gaming build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which is better for gaming, the Radeon R7 or Intel HD 630?
A1: The Radeon R7 series generally outperforms the Intel HD 630 in gaming, offering higher frame rates and better visual quality.
Q2: Can the Radeon R7 or Intel HD 630 handle modern games?
A2: Both the Radeon R7 and Intel HD 630 can handle some modern games at low to medium settings. However, for more demanding games, you may need to reduce the resolution or graphics quality.
Q3: Which graphics card has better features?
A3: The Radeon R7 series offers more features than the Intel HD 630, including AMD FreeSync, Eyefinity, and TrueAudio.
