Can You Play Video Games with Intel HD 620 Graphics?

The Intel HD 620 is a commonly found integrated graphics solution in laptops and low-power devices. Despite its limitations, it can still be used for gaming. However, the gaming experience is significantly influenced by the games you choose and their system requirements. In this article, we will explore the suitability of various games for Intel HD 620, performance tips, and the limitations you might encounter.

Suitable Games

The Intel HD 620 is not designed for high-performance gaming, but it can handle some indie, older, and casual games that require minimal graphical power. Here are some examples:

Indie Games

Celeste: A challenging side-scrolling platformer that can run well with minimal settings. Stardew Valley: A farming and lifestyle simulation that benefits from its 2D presentation.

Older Games

Many classic titles can be played on low settings with the Intel HD 620:

Half-Life 2 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Team Fortress 2

Casual Games

Easily playable at medium-low settings:

The Sims Among Us

Performance Tips

To get the best out of your Intel HD 620, consider these performance-enhancing techniques:

Lower Settings

Adjusting in-game settings to lower levels can greatly improve performance. Try lowering:

Anti-aliasing Motion blur Texture quality Shadow detail

Resolution

Playing at a lower resolution can also help maintain smooth gameplay. Start with 720p or 1080p low settings.

Update Drivers

Maintaining the latest drivers can improve compatibility and performance. Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date through your laptop manufacturer's updates or Intel's official website.

Limitations and Real-World Examples

While Intel HD 620 can handle some games, it falls short when it comes to modern AAA titles and higher frame rates required for competitive play. Here are some examples of games and their performance on an Intel HD 620:

Modern Games

APEX Legends: At low settings, and often needs configuration changes. CS: GO: Stable performance at low settings. Minecraft: Runs well at maximum settings. Watch Dogs 2: Requires low settings for stable performance. GTA 5: Stays generally stable with low settings. Valorant: Very limited with low settings.

According to personal experience and benchmarks, the Intel HD 620 can manage some modern games at lower settings:

My Personal Experience

Battletech: At medium-low settings, and 720p resolution. Kerbal Space Program: Works well at low to high settings, but requires some adjustments. Civilization V (DX9 mode): Stable performance at medium-low settings. Civilization V (DX11 mode): Requires high settings and often needs config changes. Minecraft: Runs smoothly at maximum settings. Stardew Valley: Stays stable at maximum settings. Total War Shogun II: Low settings, 1080p resolution. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: Medium-high settings, 1080p resolution. Towns v14e: Maximum settings, 1080p resolution.

More modern AAA games like Battletech run at 720p on medium-low settings but windowed mode is preferred for visual comfort.

Comparison with NVIDIA 8800 GTX

According to UserBenchmark, the Intel HD 620 is slightly better than an NVIDIA 8800 GTX. However, my personal observations with a single-channel RAM and bad cooling in an ultrabook indicate the Intel HD 620 performs slightly worse than the 8800 GTX.

Game TitleSettingsResolutionFrames per Second (FPS) Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimMed-high1080p30fps Fallout New VegasMed-high1080p50fps Crysis 1High1080p40fps 7 Days to DieLow1080p25fps Space EngineersLow1080p20fps War ThunderMed-low1080p25fps World of TanksMed-low1080p40fps World of WarshipsMed1080p25fps

While Intel HD 620 can run older AAA games and less demanding indie games, it is important to keep your expectations low regarding modern games and high frame rates.

Conclusion

Intel HD 620, while capable of supporting some games, is not designed for high-performance gaming. If gaming is prioritized, consider investing in a dedicated graphics card for a significantly better experience.