Best Integrated Graphics 2015

[olsenblane]

I am building a Mini-ITX computer and haven't quite chosen AMD/Intel, but I am leading toward Intel Skylake. I am no gamer by any means, nor do I do any video, etc. I am trying to find the best CPU/Mobo combo for the best integrated graphics. No budget limit. What I am building is overkill (32GB RAM, Best CPU, etc), but I really dont need or want a dedicated GPU. Is there an integrated Graphics that is better than the others? I remember when integrated graphics were on motherboard only, and now that CPU's carry them, I am confused on what to even look for.
Again, this needs to be a Mini-ITX board. Thank you, and sorry for the dumb questions.

Side Question - Should I use DDR4 or DDR3. I know this is a loaded question.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

The i7 5775C is the answer to your question. Desktop Broadwell is a bit rare, but it is very stout. Review incase you are not familiar with the CPU http://www.anandtech.com/show/9320/intel-broadwell-review-i7-5775c-i5-5675c

This is good enough PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5775C 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($388.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($121.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $510.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-05 13:35 EST-0500

DDR3 system far outperforms Skylake with iGPU, and AMD APUs too.

I use that motherboard.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5775C 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($388.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Silverstone AR06 40.2 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($121.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($97.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $648.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-05 13:40 EST-0500

 

[olsenblane]

Thanks for the input. With the cost of Broadwell close to Skylake, I am feel Skylake has more features and GPU performance is lower but in the same ballpark. The Skylake is supposed to be able to do 4k I believe. All the other features packed into Skylake don't mean a whole lot to me, but I am a sucker for shiny new toys.

You answer helped a bunch, since I didn't know if AMD had something comparable, but it sounds like intel is still King in this. I assume I need a motherboard that has the 1151 socket and no integrated graphics (Since the CPU has it)? Or do I need a motherboard with integrated graphics as well?

My final question (I Promise), does Skylake or Broadwell have any motherboards that have three (3) monitor connections? I assume if I get some monitors, those video connections will need to be DisplayPort 1.2 or HDMI 2.0?

 

[DonkeyOatie]

The graphics performance difference between Broadwell and Skylake is HUGE. Broadwell is vastly better. It is not merely outside the ball park, they are playing ice hockey : a completely different sport, when it comes to integrated GPU comparisons. Skylake was a huge step backwards in that area. Now if Skylake will do what you need, fine, but Broadwell is much, much, much better.



1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI, and 1 x VGA is very common on Broadwell compatible motherboards. This http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z97E-ITXac/?cat=Specifications is the motherboard I suggested and ahs HDMI, DVI-I and Displayport 1.2 and an HDMI in for pass-though.

This Skylake board http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z170M-ITXac/?cat=Specifications has a similar output set.

 

[olsenblane]

DonkeyOatie, you have been SO much help!
What would I love feature-wise by going to Broadwell? I am OK with DDR3 (32GB), I plan on using an M.2 NVMe (Samsung 950 Pro), 2 or3 - 4k monitors, and a bunch of USB 3 peripherals. Integrated Wifi/Bluetooh is optional since I can get additional components if needed.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

love - lose???

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/feature/pc-components/broadwell-vs-skylake-3588631/ general intro on differences. for the rest Haswell is very similar to boradwell because the difference is not in the CPU chip but the motherboard chipset.


http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/08/intel-skylake-core-i7-6700k-reviewed/

Z97 vs Z170 http://www.techspot.com/news/61682-intel-z170-vs-z97-chipset-difference.html more reading