John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
Russel Collins
Intel UHD Graphics 630 is an integrated graphics card that comes with the latest generation of Intel CPUs.The Intel Core series processors have been known to be powerful CPUs that offer great processing capabilities. But they’re not exactly meant for video editing or graphic design workflows. That’s where an integrated graphics solution comes into play. While these GPUs don’t feature as beefy hardware as dedicated ones do, they provide enough resources to support most casual users’ needs without breaking your bank account.
One such popular option from Intel is its latest generation of integrated graphics solutions called “Intel HD” which includes the likes of the 610 Series, 750 Series, 620 Series, 550 Series, etc. The newest one in the line is “UHD Graphics 630.” In this article, you’ll learn all about the performance of the new Integrated GPU.
What is Intel UHD Graphics 630 Integrated GPU?
Integrated GPUs come with their own dedicated memory blocks (also referred to as L2 cache) so they aren’t dependent upon system RAM. They also have access to system BIOS instead of relying only on software drivers installed by manufacturers. This means that, unlike traditional GPUs, they don’t need any chipset-specific drivers provided by motherboard vendors to function properly.
However, there is some downside to using them because while they may perform well under moderate workloads, they usually fall short of the demands of more resource-intensive applications like 3D rendering—which require higher frame rates of up to 60 frames per second (FPS). Also, since they rely heavily on other components within the same CPU package itself, they tend to suffer in terms of overall efficiency. For example, even though the processor has six cores running 16 threads apiece, if the rest of the chip isn’t configured properly, then the whole thing could bottleneck down. Lastly, since integrated GPUs operate on lower voltage levels than regular ones, they often experience thermal throttling due to heat buildup. All things considered, they might seem unsuitable for gamers who demand top-notch visual acuity and fluid gameplay.
On the flip side, compared to older generations of integrated solutions, newer models like this one boast improved performance thanks to additional features like Turbo Boost Technology which lets them dynamically adjust clock speeds based on application requirements. Another perk is Thunderbolt integration which allows faster data transfer via DisplayPort 1.4 technology. Additionally, Intel supports Gen11 graphics chipsets starting with 11th Generation i3, i5, i7 Skylake, Kaby Lake R H-series, and CoffeeLake Y-Series processors. These include features like DDR6 VRAM, PCIe 4.0, Quick Path Interconnect, Hyper-Threading, Smart Access Memory, Precision Boost 2, Iris Plus Graphics, HyperDrive, Direct Media Interface, vPro, TPM, Secure Boot, and Intel Optane Memory Support among others.
Now let’s look at what kind of performance can be expected out of the Intel UHD Graphics 630 Integrated GPU.
How many fps can it deliver in a game & what resolutions to use?
When it comes to gaming, the first question people ask themselves is how fast the GPU runs & how many FPS can I get with it. The results depend on the type of game you choose to play and how sharp the resolution settings are set. The higher the resolution setting, the higher the resulting amount of pixels displayed on the screen. Therefore, you won’t get anything close to 60 FPS output on most games while playing at 1080p in maximum settings, however, if you’re willing to sacrifice video quality and turn settings down to low you should be able to play most games.
Since the display size determines the number of pixels being shown on the screen, having a larger display gives you the ability to run games at higher resolutions at the cost of frame rate. On average, 1080p displays generally range between 30 and 40 FPS depending on the complexity of the scene & game. At 1440p, however, you shouldn’t go beyond 30 FPS even if you’re playing something really simple like Fortnite Battle Royale.
As such we recommend you go with 1080p resolution while playing in low settings when using an integrated graphics card.
Which games are playable on the UHD Graphics 630?
There are plenty of games that you can play if you’re willing to do put the graphics on minimum, although don’t expect all of them to be super fluid and at 60 FPS. Some examples include Shadow of Mordor, Hitman 3, Call of Duty Ghosts, Battlefield Hardline, Need for Speed Most Wanted 14, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Far Cry 5, Total War Warhammer II, FIFA 22, Middle Earth: Shadows of Mordor, Wolfenstein Youngblood, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, Grand Theft Auto V, Overwatch, Watch Dogs 2, Madden NFL 21, NBA 2K21, Just Cause 3, Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, SimCity BuildIt, Minecraft, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. There are also lots of free options that allow you to enjoy content in high resolutions like YouTube, Netflix, Steam, Google Drive, Twitch.tv, Hulu, Facebook Live, Twitter Live, Instagram Video Live Streaming, Discord, TikTok, and many more.
For optimal results, stick to1080p or 720p resolutions, and rather than maxing out everything in the graphical settings try playing around with low & medium settings. Otherwise, you’ll end up with extremely low FPS which makes most games unplayable.
Also, if you decide to buy a new computer, consider upgrading to a dedicated GPU with a higher base core frequency. Higher frequencies typically result in smoother gameplay.
How to improve FPS / Performance
If you want to squeeze maximum performance from your system, you should focus on boosting the framerate whenever possible. Fortunately, increasing FPS usually requires minimal effort. You can accomplish this task through proper optimization of driver settings. Alternatively, you can try overclocking your components. Both methods rely on manual configuration and may occasionally cause damage to your hardware. Please carefully follow the instructions provided by vendors if you decide to pursue either approach.
For additional information regarding overclocking, please refer to proper overclocking guides.
Also, remember that you can always reduce your resolution & graphic settings in games to improve your framerate!
Have questions concerning specific topics addressed in this article? Feel free to leave comments below!