Intel HD Graphics 515 vs Intel Iris Graphics 6100

Intel HD Graphics 515

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.

Intel Iris Graphics 6100

The Intel Iris Graphics 6100 (GT3) is an integrated Broadwell graphics card revealed in Q1 2015. It can be found in several low-voltage SoCs (28 W TDP) such as the Core i5-5257U or i7-5557U. While Core i5 and Core i7 chips feature 48 EUs, the Core i3 version offers just 47 EUs. Depending on the specific CPU, the maximum GPU frequency varies between 1000 and 1100 MHz.

Architecture and Features

Broadwell features a GPU based on the Intel Gen8 architecture, which has been optimized in various aspects compared to the previous Gen7.5 (Haswell). Inter alia, the shader arrays called "subslice" have been reorganized and now offer 8 Execution Units (EUs) each. Three subslices form a "slice" for a total of 24 EUs. Combined with other improvements such as larger L1 caches and an optimized frontend, the integrated GPU has become faster and more efficient than its predecessor.

The Iris Graphics 6100 represents the top-end version of the Broadwell GPU family and consists of two slices with 48 EUs. Beyond that, there is also a low-end (GT1, 12 EUs), a mid-range (GT2, 24 EUs) and a high-end variant (GT3e, 48 EUs + eDRAM).

All Broadwell GPUs support OpenCL 2.0 and DirectX 12 (FL 11_1). The video engine can now decode H.265 using both fixed function hardware as well as available GPU shaders. Up to three displays can be connected via DP 1.2/eDP 1.3 (max. 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz) or HDMI 1.4a (max. 3840 x 2160 @ 24 Hz). HDMI 2.0, however, is not supported.

Performance

Depending on the specific CPU, the maximum GPU frequency varies between 1000 and 1100 MHz. Even though the Iris Graphics 6100 is technically identical to the HD Graphics 6000, the higher TDP (28 W instead of 15 W) leads to a better utilization of the Turbo Boost and therefore a superior performance. Overall, the Iris 6100 is about as fast as a dedicated GeForce 820M and outperforms the former Iris Graphics 5100 by 20 - 25 percent.

Older and less demanding games such as Diablo III, Counter-Strike: GO oder Dota 2 can be played fluently in 1366 x 768 pixels and high settings. More demanding titles, however, may require lower settings or won't run at a decent framerate at all.

Power Consumption

Utilizing a new 14 nm process, the Broadwell LV chips are specified at 28 W TDP and therefore suited for medium-sized ultrabooks. The TDP is flexible and can be further reduced (23 W), which has a significant impact on performance.