Does Intel Core i7 has an integrated GPU?

Question

Level 1

47 points

Does Intel Core i7 has an integrated GPU?

1. Isn't Intel Core i7 an Quad Core where as the Intel Core i5 a Dual Core processor?

2. Intel's site *seem to suggest* i7 series does not have a built-in Graphic Processor Unit to allow switching between the dedicated graphic and the integrated graphics.
But this is not the case with the Core i5 which is a *dual core* processor where the switching is not an issue.

Am I correct? or Intel produces special Core i7 Quad Core processors with a built in integrated GPU for Apple MBP, that can switch between depending on the demand?

Thanking you in advance for explaining and answering to my question.

Regards

Dell Dimension 9200-Windows7 Ultimate x64, MBA, iPod Touch 16GB, Canon EOS 40D, Mac OS X (10.6.4), Aperture 2.1.4

Posted on Dec 5, 2010 8:01 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Dec 5, 2010 8:19 AM in response to snowshine

"*Discrete graphics for everyone*.

Every iMac includes powerful discrete graphics, meaning the graphics processor is separate from the CPU. So whether you’re an amateur filmmaker or an avid gamer, iMac gives you faster, smoother, crisper graphics no matter which model you choose."

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Dec 5, 2010 8:48 AM in response to snowshine

That is a quote from Apple's description of new iMac graphics. There is no "integrated" Intel graphics processor. The GPU is "integrated" on the motherboard meaning the GPU is not replaceable. I was under the impression you were asking about an iMac. If you are asking about your MBP model then that's different. Some MBP from Late 2008 onward have two GPUs - Nvidia 9400M and 9600M - one of which uses shared RAM and one with separate VRAM. They are on the motherboard. Some 2010 models have a discrete GPU and an Intel integrated GPU. However, without knowing a specific model I can't tell you what your model has.

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Answer 3

snowshine Author

Level 1

47 points

Dec 5, 2010 9:15 AM in response to Kappy

MBP: 15-inch: 2.66GHz Intel Core i7, Intel HD Graphics, NVIDIA Geforce GT 330M with 512 MB.

This does suggests there is switchable graphics between an Intel integrated graphic and Nvidia Geforce GT 330M.

But the Intel site as I understand no built in graphic in the i7. See: http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=49024

I would like to know if Intel makes different for Apple MBP that has integrated graphic?
Regards

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Answer 4

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Dec 5, 2010 9:17 AM in response to snowshine

MacBook Pros contain dual core i7s. The have integrated GPUs and discrete GPUs.

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Answer 5

snowshine Author

Level 1

47 points

Dec 5, 2010 8:28 AM in response to Kappy

Hello Kappy,

By every iMac, do you mean any MBP with an Intel core i processor?

So that means the i7 has an integrated gpu?

Thank you for your attention and answer.
Regards

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Answer 6

BSteely

Level 5

7,643 points

Dec 5, 2010 8:43 AM in response to snowshine

The mobile version of the i7 has two cores. All of the MBP i5s and i7s have integrated Intel HD Graphics GPUs.

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