The entry-level graphics segment belongs to the Intel HD Graphics 5500. This is an integrated video card and this fact alone indicates its poor performance. This material will be dedicated to this decision.
Positioning
The integrated video core Intel R HD Graphics 5500 shows very low test results. In the 3DMark11 test, it scores 1265 relative points in HD resolution and loses out to discrete graphics cards that are morally obsolete today, such as Radeon HD5570 from AMD and NVS5200 from NVidia . We will also give the test results in the game Anno 2070. The picture is displayed in 1366x768 format, and the processor part of the computing system is based on the Core i3 model 5005 CPUs. As a result, this number of fps depends on the image quality level:
- Ultra-high - 10.
- High - 22.
- The average is 41.
- Low - 71.
That is, the graphic solution in question is perfect for solving the most simple tasks (office suites, surfing Internet portals, the most simple games, playing multimedia content and reading books). But such an accelerator is not capable of performing resource-intensive tasks. That is, it is an entry-level device.
Accelerator Specifications
The code designation for Intel HD Graphics 5500 according to Intel's nomenclature is GT2. That is, the youngest graphics card, which is labeled GT1. Its main destiny is ultra-budget computing systems with low speed and maximum energy efficiency and autonomy. But there are also the most productive integrated accelerators with the GT3 designation.
The crystal for this GPU is manufactured to 14nm tolerance standards using TriGATE technology. That is, the semiconductor elements on the surface of the plate, the number of which is 1300 million pieces, have a three-dimensional layout, and due to this, the crystal size is reduced. The thermal package of all CPUs with such an accelerator does not exceed 35 watts. That is, it is a fairly energy-efficient solution. But the presence of an active cooling system based on a cooler is mandatory in this case.
The number of video processors of this adapter is 24 pieces. Their clock frequency can vary from 350 MHz (reference frequency) to 950 MHz (in automatic overclocking mode). When solving the simplest tasks with a low level of complexity, the video card runs at 350 MHz. If a resource-intensive application is launched, the computer system activates the TurboBoost function, and the frequency of the accelerator starts to increase gradually. Again, the temperature of the semiconductor base is controlled and if it starts to approach 105 ° C, the degree of acceleration of the video subsystem decreases.
Memory subsystem
The memory controller is common for the Intel HD Graphics 5500 accelerator in question and for the processor part of the computing system. All of these components are located on the same semiconductor wafer. The RAM controller is two-channel, and can work with memory types DDR3 or LPDDR3. Their clock frequencies can be 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz. The total volume in the composition of the computing system can reach 16 GB. But only up to 4 GB can such an accelerator be reserved from it for its own needs. The last value is set in the BIOS.
In addition to the RAM controller, the third level of the cache is also common for the processor and graphics parts. This feature significantly increases the speed of the integrated video subsystem.
The capacity for connecting to memory chips is 128 bits.
Processors
The most affordable microprocessor with HD Graphics 5500 is the Intel Core i3-5005U. Also, such an accelerator can be found in three other representatives of this family, which include 5010U, 5015U and 5020U. In addition to this, such a video core can be found in i5 series chips. Their indices are 5200U and 5300U. Some representatives of the i7 series are also equipped with such an accelerator. These are 5500U and 5600U. Labeling of these chips indicates that they belong to the 5th generation of Intel's microprocessor architecture Core. Its code name is Broadwell. But the presence of the letter U at the end of the designation suggests that these CPUs can be used in laptops. All representatives of this series have only 2 computing modules, but the support of NT technology allows them to work in 4 logical streams.
Setting procedure
A very simple procedure for setting up such a graphics subsystem. It is part of the central processor, and the ports built into the system board are used to output video information. Therefore, it is enough to connect a monitor to the latter and the switching is over. It’s slightly more difficult to configure the Intel HD Graphics 5500 software. The driver that controls it is located on the system board CD. But the manufacturer himself recommends installing the latest version of such software. Therefore, it is most correct in this case to download the latest updates from the Intel website and use them during installation.
Finally
The graphics card of the Intel HD Graphics 5500 model is quite suitable for creating entry-level and even mid-range mobile computers. Its characteristics correspond to this application. But for premium-level laptops, its capabilities will already be insufficient, and in this case it is more correct to use a discrete graphics card with the corresponding speed.