Radeon X1800 vs Intel HD Graphics 2500 (integrated)

Speed and memory

In our performance index the Radeon X1800 scores 0.5 and the Intel HD Graphics 2500 (integrated) scores 0.4, which makes the Radeon X1800 about 25% faster. That is a visible but modest gap, usually 5 to 10 fps in a game that runs at 60.

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 Red Dead Redemption 2 (3 against 2 fps), and the smallest is in Grand Theft Auto V Legacy (10 against 9 fps). Games that are light enough to run above 200 fps on both cards show little difference at all.

Power and value

The Radeon X1800 is rated at 70 W and the Intel HD Graphics 2500 (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 Radeon X1800 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 2500 (integrated) if the price gap matters more than the 25% 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.