Intel Iris vs. 1GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M

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Which is better?
 

vansmith

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You're going to have to ask a whole lot more than just "which is better?" Better how?
 
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Can you name one way in which the Intel Iris outperforms the other one? Or, put another way, If a guy walked up to you and said you can have the Intel Iris in your computer, or that other one, which would you take (as an Administrator, I assume you are at least a near expert on these things).
 

vansmith

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What works for me is going to be different from what someone else needs. Since I don't do 3D, I'd go with the integrated solution. However, both "outperform" what I need from a graphics chip.
 

pigoo3

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Can you name one way in which the Intel Iris outperforms the other one?

Generally or historically speaking…when comparing the same generation computer...dedicated graphics outperform integrated graphics.

Current MacBook Pro's with dedicated graphics have a GT750…thus the GT650 is slightly older (previous generation) dedicated graphics hardware. Iris Pro graphics (integrated) in MacBook Pro's has come in a couple different versions. So you would have to specify which version of Iris Pro graphics you are referring to.

Since integrated graphics hardware gets better & better with each generation…things can get complicated comparing the newest model integrated graphics against an older generation dedicated graphics.

Bottom line. If comparing the same generation MacBook Pro models…the dedicated graphics hardware will almost always outperform the integrated graphics options. This is why the higher end (or top end) MacBook Pro's have dedicated graphics hardware….and the lower end models don't.

If you know the exact model Iris Pro graphics you are interested in. Then do an internet search for reviews/benchmark tests for GT650 vs. the Iris Pro graphics version you are interested in.

- Nick
 

vansmith

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Ultimately, it comes down to whether you want performance (go with a discrete card) or battery life (integrated without question).
 

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