The Intel HD Graphics 515 (GT2) is a low-end integrated graphics unit, which can be found in the Core m-series of the Skylake generation. This "GT2" version of the Skylake GPU offers 24 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at up to 1000 MHz (depending on the CPU model). Due to its lack of dedicated graphics memory or eDRAM cache, the HD 515 has to access the main memory (2x 64bit DDR3L-1600 / LPDDR3-1866).
Performance
According to Intel, the HD Graphics 515 is up to 41 percent faster than the previous HD Graphics 5300 (Broadwell). Nevertheless, the GPU will handle only simple games like Counter-Strike or Dota with decent frame rates. Depending on the specific CPU model, memory configuration and TDP (4.5 W, configurable), performance may vary substantially.
Features
The revised video engine now decodes H.265/HEVC completely in hardware and thereby much more efficiently than before. Displays can be connected via DP 1.2 / eDP 1.3 (max. 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz), whereas HDMI is limited to the older version 1.4a (max. 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz). However, HDMI 2.0 can be added using a DisplayPort converter. Up to three displays can be controlled simultaneously.
Power Consumption
The HD Graphics 515 can be found in Core m processors with 4.5 W TDP (3.5/3.8 W cTDP down, 7 W cTDP up) and is therefore suited for very thin, mostly passively cooled 2-in-1 notebooks and tablets.
The Intel HD Graphics 520 (GT2) is an integrated graphics unit, which can be found in various ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processors of the Skylake generation. This "GT2" version of the Skylake GPU offers 24 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at up to 1050 MHz (depending on the CPU model). Due to its lack of dedicated graphics memory or eDRAM cache, the HD 520 has to access the main memory (2x 64bit DDR3L-1600 / DDR4-2133).
Performance
The exact performance of the HD Graphics 520 depends on various factors like L3 cache size, memory configuration (DDR3/DDR4) and maximum clock rate of the specific model. The fastest versions (Core i7-6600U) should perform similar to a dedicated GeForce 820M and will handle modern games (as of 2015) in low settings.
Features
The revised video engine now decodes H.265/HEVC completely in hardware and thereby much more efficiently than before. Displays can be connected via DP 1.2 / eDP 1.3 (max. 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz), whereas HDMI is limited to the older version 1.4a (max. 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz). However, HDMI 2.0 can be added using a DisplayPort converter. Up to three displays can be controlled simultaneously.
Power Consumption
The HD Graphics 520 can be found in mobile processors specified at 15 W TDP and is therefore suited for compact laptops and ultrabooks.
The Intel UHD Graphics 610 (GT1) is an integrated graphics unit, which can be found in low-end ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processors of the Whisky-Lake generation. This "GT1" version of the Skylake GPU offers 12 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at up to 950 MHz (depending on the CPU model). Due to its lack of dedicated graphics memory or eDRAM cache, the HD 610 has to access the main memory (2x 64bit DDR3L-1600 / DDR4-2133).
Performance
Depending on various factors like memory configuration, the UHD Graphics 610 should offer a similar performance as the similar Intel HD Graphics 610 and the old Skylake HD Graphics 510 and therefore can only handle non demanding games. E.g. Farming Simulator 17, World of Warships or Dota 2 Reborn can be played on low settings.
Features
The revised video engine now supports H.265/HEVC Main10 profile in hardware with 10 bit colors. Furthermore, Googles VP9 codec can also be hardware decoded. The Pentium chips should already support HDCP 2.2 and therefore Netflix 4K. HDMI 2.0 however is still only supported with an external converter chip (LSPCon).
Power Consumption
The UHD Graphics 610 can be found in mobile processors specified at 15 W TDP and is therefore suited for compact laptops and ultrabooks.