Intel HD Graphics 520 is an important part of Intel’s graphics lineup. Released in 2015 with Intel’s Skylake (6th Gen) CPUs, this GPU powers many thin laptops and ultrabooks. But how good is it in 2025? Can it still run today’s apps and games?If you own a laptop with Intel HD Graphics 520 or plan to buy one, you need to know what it can and can’t do. This guide will tell you everything from tech specs to real-world use. We’ll help you get the most from this common built-in GPU! Even in 2025, many budget laptops and older systems still use this GPU. For students, office workers, and casual users, it offers a balance of cost and function. While newer games push beyond its limits, the HD 520 remains a solid choice for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Technical Specs and Design
The tech inside Intel HD Graphics 520 shows its place in the laptop world. Though older now, this built-in GPU still serves many users well in 2025. Let’s look at what powers this common graphics chip and what makes it tick in today’s computing world.
The Intel HD Graphics 520 uses Intel’s Skylake GT2 design. It has many upgrades from older models while using less power.
- GPU Type: Built-in (Skylake GT2 design)
- Execution Units: 24
- Base Speed: 300 MHz
- Top Speed: 1.0 GHz (depends on CPU model)
- Chip Size: 14 nm
- Memory: Uses system RAM, up to 32 GB
- DirectX Support: DirectX 12
- OpenGL Support: OpenGL 4.4/4.5
- Vulkan Support: Yes
- Screen Support: Up to 3 screens via HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, or eDP
Key Features
- Intel Quick Sync Video – Faster video coding and playback
- Intel Clear Video HD – Better video with color fixes and less noise
- InTru 3D – Works with 3D content
- 4K Screen Support – 4K@60Hz with DisplayPort and 4K@30Hz with HDMI
- Hardware H.265/HEVC Decoding – Plays high-res videos better
Power Use
- Part of CPUs with about 15W total power use
- Made for saving battery in thin laptops
- Uses less power than add-on GPUs (15W vs. 23W+)
Also Read: Intel HD Graphics 530: Complete Guide to Performance & Features (2025)
Gaming Power and Abilities
Gaming on budget hardware can be a fun challenge. The Intel HD Graphics 520 has its place in the gaming world of 2025, mainly for older titles and less demanding games. With the right settings and games, you can still enjoy gaming on this aging but capable GPU.
The Intel HD Graphics 520 can run some games, but how well depends on the game and settings.
Best Gaming Screen Sizes
- 640×480 – For newer, heavy games
- 1280×720 – For medium games with low settings
- 1366×768 – For older or well-made games
Games That Run Well on Intel HD Graphics 520
Light and Well-Made Games:
- League of Legends
- Dota 2
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
- Rocket League (low settings)
Classic and Older Games:
- Portal series
- Half-Life series
- Left 4 Dead 2
- Rise of Nations
Indie and Art-Style Games:
- Stardew Valley
- The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
- Cuphead
- FTL: Faster Than Light
RPGs and Strategy Games:
- Divinity Original Sin (lower settings)
- Diablo 3 (smaller screen)
- World of Warcraft (low-medium settings)
Gaming Limits
- Struggles with new big-name games even at low settings
- Often runs below 30 FPS in heavy games
- Display issues with fancy graphics
- Poor results above 720p for modern games
- Can’t use new tech like ray tracing
Also Read: Intel HD Graphics 5500: A Complete Guide for 2025
Compared to Add-on GPUs
When looking at graphics options in 2025, it helps to know how the Intel HD Graphics 520 stacks up against other choices. Though it’s an older built-in GPU, seeing it next to add-on options helps you set the right hopes for what it can do.
The Intel HD Graphics 520 is built into your CPU, but isn’t as strong as add-on graphics like the NVIDIA GeForce 940MX.
Intel HD Graphics 520 vs. NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
| Feature | Intel HD Graphics 520 | NVIDIA GeForce 940MX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Speed | Base level | 82% faster |
| Gaming at 1080p | Base level | 64% faster |
| Math Speed | 912 Ops/Sec | 797 Ops/Sec |
| Design | Skylake Gen.9 | Maxwell |
| Speed Units | 24 | Up to 512 |
| Power Use | ~15W | ~23W |
| Memory | Uses System RAM | Own GDDR5/DDR3 (up to 4GB) |
Pros Over Add-on GPUs
- Uses less power (longer battery life)
- More modern chip size (14nm vs. 28nm)
- No extra cost (comes with CPU)
- Good enough for daily tasks
Also Read: Intel Arc B580 vs RTX 4060: Complete Performance Comparison (2025)
4K Video Playing Ability
Video watching is a key part of laptop use in 2025. The Intel HD Graphics 520 may be older, but it still handles many video tasks well. Let’s see what it can do with today’s high-res video content and where it might fall short.
The Intel HD Graphics 520 can play 4K videos with some limits:
- Shows 4K at 60Hz via DisplayPort 1.2 and 30Hz via HDMI 1.4
- Hardware help for H.265/HEVC and VP9 formats
- Smooth play for basic 4K videos with lower data rates (up to 15 Mbps at 24 fps)
Limits for 4K Content
- High data rate or HEVC 10-bit videos may lag
- Works better with certain RAM setups
- CPU power can slow down complex 4K videos
Getting Better Speed with RAM Setup
In 2025, even older hardware can get a boost with the right setup. The Intel HD Graphics 520 relies heavily on your system’s RAM, so how you set up your memory has a huge impact on how well it works. A few simple changes can make a big difference.
RAM setup greatly affects the Intel HD Graphics 520’s speed since it uses your system’s memory.
How RAM Types and Setups Matter
Single-Channel vs. Dual-Channel:
- Single-Channel RAM: Limits memory speed, cuts game speed by up to 35%
- Dual-Channel RAM: Doubles memory speed, makes games run much better
DDR3 vs. DDR4:
- DDR3 (1600 MHz): Lower speed, ok for older games
- DDR4 (2133 MHz): Higher speed, better for new apps and games
RAM Size:
- 8GB: Minimum for light gaming
- 16GB+: Best for doing more tasks and smoother games
Tips to Improve Speed
- Use dual-channel RAM when you can
- Pick faster DDR4 RAM if your system works with it
- Make sure you have enough RAM (8GB at least, 16GB is better)
- Keep your RAM free from extra running programs
Also Read: AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 GPU: Performance, Specs & Gaming Guide 2025
Driver Updates and Software Tips
Software makes a big difference for graphics hardware. In 2025, keeping your Intel HD Graphics 520 running at its best means staying up to date with drivers and using smart software tricks. These simple steps can help squeeze more life from this older GPU.
Keeping your Intel HD Graphics 520 drivers up to date is key for best speed and game support.
- Latest Drivers: Make sure you have the newest Intel graphics drivers
- Power Settings: Change Windows power plan to “High Performance” for gaming
- Game Settings: Use Intel Graphics Command Center to set up for each game
- Background Apps: Close extra apps to free up system power
Wrapping UP
The Intel HD Graphics 520 isn’t made for high-end gaming or heavy graphics work. Still, it’s a solid built-in GPU for daily use, light gaming, and watching videos on small laptops. It uses less power and works well enough for users with basic graphics needs.
For the best results with, use dual-channel RAM, keep drivers updated, and set realistic gaming goals. While it won’t match add-on GPUs for heavy tasks, it offers good speed for many daily apps and simple gaming.
Even in 2025, this older GPU can serve many users well, especially for office work, web browsing, and casual gaming. With the right setup and expectations, the Intel HD Graphics 520 remains a capable option for budget-conscious users and those with older laptops.
