GeForce GT 540 vs Intel HD Graphics 530 (integrated)

Speed and memory

The GeForce GT 540 and the Intel HD Graphics 530 (integrated) are within a few percent of each other for gaming in our model, so you will not see a difference in play.

The GeForce GT 540 has 1 GB of video memory and the Intel HD Graphics 530 (integrated) has shared GB. That is a small difference and unlikely to decide anything.

In our estimates for popular games at 1080p on High, the biggest gap is in Red Dead Redemption 2 (2 against 4 fps), and the smallest is in Grand Theft Auto V Legacy (13 against 18 fps). Games that are light enough to run above 200 fps on both cards show little difference at all.

Power and value

The GeForce GT 540 is rated at 50 W and the Intel HD Graphics 530 (integrated) at 15 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 GT 540 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 530 (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.