STACK #265 November 2026

TECH FEATURE

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battery, yet they still end up delivering shorter battery life. In contrast, a laptop powered solely by a strong Intel CPU with integrated

graphics can be slimmer, quieter, and significantly more affordable. Battery life is one of the biggest wins. Dedicated GPUs draw lots of power, even when you’re not gaming. Turn them off, and suddenly your laptop can last up to twice as long on a charge. For anyone who uses their laptop for work, study, or travel as well as gaming, that’s a major advantage, as you’re not lugging around a machine that conks out after a couple of hours of web browsing. What other advantages does an integrated GPU provide? Without a dedicated GPU, there’s less that can go wrong – fewer drivers to update, fewer compatibility quirks, and less heat to manage. Your laptop stays cooler on your lap and quieter on your desk. Because the graphics are built right into the CPU, they automatically get better every time Intel improves its chips. So, integrated graphics keep getting faster and more efficient with each new generation. So, are dedicated GPUs a thing of the past? Not at all! The rise in power of integrated GPUs doesn’t mean that dedicated graphics cards are obsolete. If you want to play the latest AAA titles at peak settings, or if you’re into VR or power-hungry creative pursuits like 3D rendering, a GPU still makes sense. But for many everyday gamers, the “must-have a GPU” rule is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Ultimately, gaming laptops are becoming more efficient and more affordable. And, thanks to the advances in powerful onboard graphics, you may not need an expensive graphics card after all.

For years, investing in a gaming laptop meant that you also needed a dedicated graphics card.These chunky, power-hungry components were pretty much essential for running anything more demanding than Solitaire . But the landscape is shifting… Words Bec Summer DO YOU REALLY NEED A DEDICATED GRAPHICS CARD? GAMING LAPTOPS

GPU, and they’re exactly the kinds of games that most people are actually playing. For casual and mid-range gaming, the CPU alone can now do the heavy lifting. This matters, because dedicated graphics cards add cost, weight, heat, and complexity to a laptop, when most people today demand smaller, lighter, but more powerful. How does a GPU affect battery life? A laptop with a standalone GPU often needs beefier cooling, a larger chassis, and a bigger

Lenovo’s LOQ Essential is perfect for those who want smooth, modern gaming without the expense of a bulky graphics card. It uses Intel’s new Core Ultra X7 processor, which includes integrated Arc graphics, and is powerful enough for popular games and everyday tasks alike. The 15.3-inch WUXGA Consider this...

R ecently we’ve seen big leaps in the capability of onboard graphics – particularly from Intel’s latest high-end CPUs - and the idea of what defines a gaming laptop is changing. Can onboard graphics run the big games? Modern Intel processors now come with integrated graphics that can run many popular games smoothly at 1080p. Titles such as Fortnite , Minecraft , Rocket League , and Valorant don’t require the massive oomph of a dedicated

(1920x1200) screen runs at a zippy 165Hz and covers the full sRGB colour range, so games and videos look vivid and crisp. With 16GB of speedy memory and a 512GB SSD inside, it’s designed to be super-responsive, and there’s room for another SSD to add extra storage. At just over 2kg, it’s

portable enough for work, study, or travel, and the 60Wh battery benefits from the efficiency gains in Intel’s latest chip. Add Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.3, Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, ethernet, and a sharp 5MP camera, and this is one well-rounded laptop.

38 NOVEMBER 2026

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