Integrated graphics sufficient for 4k?
 

As title, looking for new PC to do software development. Would integrated graphics handle a pair of 4k displays or just one? Windows performance is priority, 3d requirements negligible.


Is there an advantage between Windows 10 versions for running virtual machines and remote desktop features?

Short answer, barely adequate, and a dual-monitor setup would be a complete non-starter. Longer answer, the maximum amount of RAM any integrated graphics card I know of can be made to use is 1GB, and that simply won't be enough if your work is going to see you opening a large number of windows simultaneously, with more than a moderate amount of non-text content, even in 2D. That limitation will obviously be doubly acute with dual-monitors, but you would also run into a second problem whereby the chipset just can't sustain a usable refresh rate when trying to output to two screens at that resolution. In practice, the viewing experience would be very poor, if the card manages to output anything at all. Realistically, if you don't need 3D but have quite expansive screen real-estate requirements, your best bet is to go straight for something in the Nvidia Quadro Pro range. Relatively pricey, but purpose-designed for work-oriented, multi-monitor 2D setups, so guaranteed to do the job.

Can't comment on the Windows 10 stuff, but can easily look into it if noone else comes back with an answer.

Again, short answer no

Thanks. Looks like the Pro version of Windows needed for Remote Desktop which we use quite heavily on our network as the house is a separate building from where we work. I know there are alternatives, but you get used to tools you have.

John - are you wanting to run VMs "inside" windows 10, or build windows 10 VMs on a hypervisor?


It may be worth taking time to look at ProxMox a free bare metal hypervisor - I run dozens of VM's in my 'playground' at home for research and development, its one of the best pieces of software I use. Highly recommend it.

I run an Acer 4K monitor through a USB3 port replicator with a DP port from my Lenovo X1 carbon i7 8Gb laptop .. Windows 7 and now 10 . .been no problems for basic office and it support etc . .does struggle with full screen video tho' . ..just means I can have 6 rdp sessions open at work :)

Just FYI.

My 13" Macbook Pro uses Intel Iris 6100 Integrated graphics and can easily run 4k content
on an external 4k display while having windows open on the built in Retina display.

The 15" Macbook Pro uses Iris Pro Graphics that is even more powerful

But Macs are **** as everyone says.

Thanks. Got ripped off by ebay seller who disappeared so claiming for that and in the meantime have parts coming. Going to try i7 6700K integrated graphics on a board with DP 1.2. 4k monitor here, 43", looks good but has some image persistence that doesn't worry me as long as temporary as it seems so far. If it struggles the case, motherboard and PSU will handle a GPU.

John, as far as I am aware, there are no intergrated GPU's that can handle 4k graphics, most are there just to do a basic job, you would need a stand alone GPU like Nvidia's 1080 GTX for pure 4k, the 980GTX even has trouble running it on more than 1 monitor.
I should add the difference between the 980ti and 1080GTX price wise is 90 quid but the 1080GTX is 50% faster and more efficient (plus higher graphic resolution).

It is working great on Intel 530 integrated graphics for desktop use. 4k 43" flanked by 2 x 1080p 22" all at 60Hz. Using DP 1.2, HDMI and DVI-D. All at 100% scaling. The two 22" monitors don't have VESA mounts so need to work out how to get them portrait.