Laptop GPU Ranking
The graphics processing unit, or GPU, is one of the most important components to consider when buying a laptop for gaming, video editing, 3D work, CAD, or other graphics intensive tasks.
A GPU handles the rendering of images, games, videos, 3D models, and other visual workloads. Some laptops use integrated graphics, which are built into the processor, while others use a dedicated GPU, which has its own graphics memory and is designed for much heavier workloads.
The ranking below is a general guide to laptop GPU performance, moving from lower performance to higher performance. Actual performance can vary between laptops because manufacturers use different power limits and cooling systems.
Integrated / Entry-Level GPUs 😔
Intel HD Graphics → Intel UHD Graphics → Qualcomm Adreno GPU → Radeon 610M → Vega 7 → Intel Iris Xe → Intel Graphics → Radeon 680M → Radeon 780M → Intel Arc Graphics → Intel Arc 140V
Integrated graphics share system resources with the CPU rather than having their own dedicated graphics memory.
These GPUs are generally designed for everyday computing such as web browsing, office applications, streaming, schoolwork, and light creative work. The stronger integrated GPUs, such as the Radeon 780M and Intel Arc 140V, can also handle some lighter gaming without requiring a dedicated graphics card.
For a basic laptop, integrated graphics can be perfectly adequate. However, gamers and people working with demanding 3D applications will generally benefit from a dedicated GPU.
Entry to Lower-Mid Dedicated GPUs 👉
MX450 → GTX 1650 → RTX 2050 → RTX 3050 → RTX 3050 Ti → RX 5500M → Radeon RX 6550M → RTX 4050 → RTX 5050
Dedicated GPUs have their own graphics resources and are designed for workloads that require substantially more graphical performance.
GPUs in this range can be found in affordable gaming laptops and performance focused laptops. They are suitable for 1080p gaming, photo editing, video editing, and many creative applications.
The newer RTX GPUs also provide access to technologies such as hardware accelerated ray tracing and AI based features.
Mid-Range GPUs 🎨
RTX 3060 → RTX 4060 → RTX 5060 → RTX 3070
Mid range GPUs provide a significant step up for gaming and creative workloads.
These GPUs are particularly useful for people who want stronger 1080p or 1440p gaming performance, video editing, 3D modeling, CAD, or other GPU intensive applications.
The RTX 4060 and RTX 5060 also benefit from newer GPU architectures and features compared with older generations.
Upper Mid to High-End 💎
RTX 4070 → RTX 5070 → RTX 5070 Ti → RTX 4080 → RTX 5080
This tier is aimed at demanding users who want substantially more graphics performance.
These GPUs are commonly found in higher end gaming and workstation style laptops. They are appropriate for high refresh rate gaming, demanding video editing, 3D rendering, advanced CAD workloads, and other applications that can take advantage of a powerful dedicated GPU.
Enthusiast / Flagship 🤯
RTX 4090 → RTX 5090 → RX 7900M → RX 7900 XTX
The enthusiast class represents the highest level of graphics performance available in high performance laptops and desktop hardware.
These GPUs are intended for users who regularly run demanding games, high resolution creative workloads, 3D rendering, simulation, AI workloads, or other applications that benefit from substantial GPU performance.
What GPU Should You Look For?
For everyday use, integrated graphics can be enough.
For casual gaming and light creative work, an entry level dedicated GPU can provide a noticeable improvement.
For serious gaming, video editing, 3D modeling, CAD, and other demanding workloads, a mid range or higher dedicated GPU is generally more appropriate.
Keep in mind that the GPU model alone does not tell the entire story. Laptop GPUs can have different power limits, and two laptops using the same GPU can therefore deliver different levels of performance.
The higher you move on this list, the more graphics performance you generally get, but the price, power consumption, and size of the laptop can also increase.