When building a PC, one of the most common questions is: Should you get a CPU with onboard graphics? This decision depends on your use case, budget, and long-term goals. In this article, we break down what onboard graphics (also known as integrated graphics) are, who should consider them, and the best options available in India in 2025.
What Are Onboard Graphics?
Onboard or integrated graphics are GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) components embedded within the CPU. These allow your PC to output video to a monitor without requiring a separate graphics card (GPU). While they’re not as powerful as discrete GPUs, they are sufficient for everyday tasks, light gaming, and media consumption.
Should You Get a CPU with Onboard Graphics?
The answer to this depends on what you want to do with your PC:
| Use Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Office Work/Browsing | Yes – Integrated graphics are more than sufficient. |
| Casual/Indie Gaming | Yes – Capable iGPUs can handle light gaming. |
| Video Editing/Rendering | No – Better to use a CPU + discrete GPU combo. |
| AAA Gaming | No – Discrete GPU required for high-end games. |
| Budget PC Builds | Yes – Save money without buying a separate GPU. |
| Future GPU Upgrade Planned | Yes – Good temporary option until you get a GPU. |
Advantages of CPUs with Onboard Graphics
Cost Savings: Eliminates the need for a discrete GPU in basic setups.
Energy Efficiency: Lower power consumption and heat generation.
Compact Builds: Ideal for small form factor PCs.
Backup GPU: Useful in case your discrete GPU fails.
Disadvantages
Limited Gaming Performance: Not suitable for high-end or competitive gaming.
Not Ideal for Creative Workloads: Tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and streaming need a more powerful GPU.
Shared Memory: Uses system RAM instead of dedicated VRAM, reducing performance.
Best CPUs with Onboard Graphics in IndiaÂ
If you decide that integrated graphics are right for your build, here are the best CPU options available in India:
| CPU Model | iGPU Model | Cores/Threads | Approx. Price (INR) | Best For |
| AMD Ryzen 5 8600G | Radeon 760M | 6/12 | ₹18,000 – ₹20,000 | Budget gaming, everyday tasks |
| AMD Ryzen 7 8700G | Radeon 780M | 8/16 | ₹27,000 – ₹30,000 | Light creative work, 1080p gaming |
| Intel Core i5 14500 | UHD 770 | 14 (6P+8E)/20 | ₹25,000 – ₹28,000 | Productivity, office, light gaming |
| Intel Core i7 14700 | UHD 770 | 20 (8P+12E)/28 | ₹38,000 – ₹42,000 | High-end multitasking |
| AMD Ryzen 5 5600G | Radeon Vega 7 | 6/12 | ₹12,000 – ₹14,000 | Entry-level and budget builds |
Things to Consider Before Buying
Check Display Outputs: Make sure the motherboard has HDMI or DisplayPort.
RAM is Crucial: Faster RAM (DDR5 or high-speed DDR4) improves iGPU performance.
Upgrade Plans: Consider if you’ll add a discrete GPU later.
Conclusion: Should You Get a CPU with Onboard Graphics?
If you’re a casual user, student, or on a tight budget, the answer to Should you get a CPU with onboard graphics? is a strong yes. These CPUs offer solid performance for daily tasks and allow you to build a PC without breaking the bank. However, for gaming enthusiasts, streamers, or professionals, onboard graphics won’t cut it. In those cases, a discrete GPU is essential.
Ultimately, CPUs with integrated graphics are ideal for flexible, cost-effective, and efficient PC builds—especially in the Indian market, where budget considerations are key.
Additional Considerations for Indian Users
Another factor to consider when choosing a CPU with onboard graphics in India is the fluctuating availability and pricing of discrete GPUs. Due to demand and import costs, GPU prices can spike, making integrated graphics a practical alternative during shortages. Additionally, the rising cost of electricity and a growing interest in energy-efficient systems make iGPUs more appealing for long-term savings.
For students and remote workers, integrated graphics offer all the necessary capabilities for virtual meetings, document handling, and online research. Combined with SSD storage and adequate RAM, these systems feel snappy and reliable without needing a GPU upgrade.
Moreover, integrated graphics have improved significantly in recent years. AMD’s latest Radeon 700M series and Intel’s UHD graphics support hardware-accelerated media encoding, 4K video playback, and even entry-level gaming. This is ideal for users who want a smooth multimedia experience without additional investment.
For professionals who don’t require GPU-intensive workflows, such as software developers, digital marketers, or data entry personnel, a CPU with onboard graphics provides excellent value, reliability, and efficiency.
Conclusion: Should You Get a CPU with Onboard Graphics?
If you’re a casual user, student, or on a tight budget, the answer to Should you get a CPU with onboard graphics? is a strong yes. These CPUs offer solid performance for daily tasks and allow you to build a PC without breaking the bank. However, for gaming enthusiasts, streamers, or professionals, onboard graphics won’t cut it. In those cases, a discrete GPU is essential.
Ultimately, CPUs with integrated graphics are ideal for flexible, cost-effective, and efficient PC builds—especially in the Indian market, where budget considerations are key.
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