GeForce 8500 GT vs Intel HD Graphics 3000 (integrated)

Speed and memory

The GeForce 8500 GT and the Intel HD Graphics 3000 (integrated) are within a few percent of each other for gaming in our model, so you will not see a difference in play.

Both cards have shared GB of video memory, so memory will not separate them.

In our estimates for popular games at 1080p on High, the biggest gap is in Fortnite (5 against 5 fps), and the smallest is in ELDEN RING (2 against 2 fps). Games that are light enough to run above 200 fps on both cards show little difference at all.

Power and value

The GeForce 8500 GT is rated at 40 W and the Intel HD Graphics 3000 (integrated) at 35 W. With a mid-range processor that means a power supply of about 450 W for the first and 450 W for the second. The power draw is close enough that cooling and noise will be similar.

We do not have launch prices for both cards, so we cannot compare value. Check current listings for both.

Which one to buy

Choose the GeForce 8500 GT if you want the faster card, and it also has at least as much memory. It makes the most sense at 1440p and above, or on a monitor with a high refresh rate.

Choose the Intel HD Graphics 3000 (integrated) if the price gap matters more than the small speed difference, or if you want lower power draw and a quieter PC. Whichever you pick, check reviews for the games you play, because two cards with similar scores can differ in individual titles.