Explore Intel GMA Graphics: Generations, Specs, and Gaming Performance

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. History
3. Graphics Cores
   • Intel GPU based
     • Generation three based
       • GMA 900
       • GMA 950
     • Generation four based
       • GMA 3000
       • GMA X3000
       • GMA X3500
       • GMA X3100
       • GMA 4500
       • GMA X4500
       • GMA 4500MHD
       • GMA X4700MHD
   • PowerVR GPU based
     • PowerVR SGX 535 based
       • GMA 500
     • PowerVR SGX 545 based
       • GMA 3600
       • GMA 3650
4. Specifications
5. Protected Audio Video Path
6. Software support
   • Mac OS X
   • FreeBSD
   • Linux
   • Solaris
   • Microsoft Windows
7. Modern gaming
8. Microsoft Windows performance reviews
   • GMA X3000 review
   • GMA X3500 review
   • GMA X4500 review
9. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

The Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) is a series of integrated graphics processors introduced by Intel in 2004. They replaced the earlier Intel Extreme Graphics series and have been succeeded by the Intel HD and Iris Graphics series. The GMA series targets the market of low-cost graphics solutions and is commonly found on netbooks, low-priced laptops and desktop computers. These integrated graphics processors are integrated onto the motherboard and have limited graphics processing power. They use the computer's main memory for storage instead of a dedicated video memory. In this article, we will explore the different generations of the GMA series, their specifications, and software support.

History

The GMA line of GPUs was introduced as a replacement for the earlier Intel Extreme Graphics and Intel740 series. The original architecture of GMA systems supported only a few functions in hardware and relied on the host CPU to handle some of the graphics pipeline, resulting in decreased performance. However, with the introduction of Intel's 4th generation GMA architecture (GMA X3000) in 2006, many of the functions were built into the hardware, leading to an increase in performance. The 4th generation GMA combines fixed-function capabilities with a threaded array of programmable execution units, providing advantages to both graphics and video performance. Despite previous criticism regarding GMA performance in computer games, the latest GMA generation is expected to address those concerns.

Graphics Cores

Intel GPU based

Generation three based

GMA 900

The GMA 900 was the first graphics core produced under Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator product name. It was incorporated in the Intel 910G, 915G, and 915Gx chipsets. This 3D architecture was a significant upgrade from the previous extreme 3D graphics processors. It supported DirectX 9 pixel shader model 2.0 and had a peak pixel fill-rate of 1332 megapixels per Second.

GMA 950

The GMA 950 was the second graphics core produced under Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator product name. It was incorporated in the Intel 945G chipsets. It had an up to 400 MHz 256-bit core, supporting up to 10.6 GB/s memory bandwidth with DDR2-667 system RAM. The GMA 950 supported up to four pixels per clock rendering, DirectX 9.0, and Shader Model 3.0.

Generation four based

GMA 3000

The GMA 3000 graphics core was used in the 946GZ, Q963, and Q965 chipsets. It was closely related to the GMA 900 and GMA 950 graphics cores, supporting Shader Model 2.0b features. However, it did not support hardware video acceleration and lacked dual independent display support.

GMA X3000

The GMA X3000 for desktop was substantially redesigned compared to previous GMA iterations. It was used in the Intel G965 North bridge controller. The GMA X3000 supported DirectX 9.0 with vertex and pixel Shader Model 3.0 features. It had a unified shader processor consisting of eight scalar execution units.

GMA X3500

The GMA X3500 is an upgrade of the GMA X3000 and was used in the desktop G35. It had similar architecture running at 667 MHz but added hardware assistance for playback of VC-1 video. The major difference between the GMA X3500 and the X3000 is that the GMA X3500 supports Shader Model 4.0 and DirectX 10.

GMA X3100

The GMA X3100 is the mobile version of the GMA X3500. It was used in the Intel GL960/GM965 chipsets and also in the GS965 chipset. The X3100 supported hardware transform and lighting, up to eight programmable shader units, and up to 384 MB video memory.

GMA 4500

The GMA 4500 was found on B43, Q43, and Q45 chipsets. It provided integrated graphics for desktop platforms.

GMA X4500

The GMA X4500 and the GMA X4500HD were used in G43 and G45 chipsets. The GMA X4500HD was capable of "full 1080p high-definition video playback, including Blu-ray disc movies." The GMA X4500 was designed to be 200% faster than the GMA 3100 and 70% faster than the GMA X3500.

GMA 4500MHD

The GMA 4500MHD was designed for laptops. It was used in the GL40, GS40, GM45, and GS45 chipsets.

GMA X4700MHD

The GMA X4700MHD was used in laptops and was the last product of Intel GMA. It had increased frequency and 80 shading units.

PowerVR GPU based

PowerVR SGX 535 based

GMA 500

The GMA 500, also known as Poulsbo, was the System Controller Hub for the Atom processor Z5xx series. It featured a PowerVR SGX 535 core licensed from Imagination Technologies. It supported shader-based technology, high-definition video decode, and other advanced features.

PowerVR SGX 545 based

GMA 3600

The GMA 3600 was a PowerVR-based integrated graphics system. It was used in Intel Atom (Cedar Trail, 32 nm) and based on PowerVR SGX545. It provided 2D acceleration but lacked 3D acceleration.

GMA 3650

The GMA 3650 was similar to the GMA 3600 but had a higher clock speed of 640 MHz. It was used in Atom N2800, Atom D2550, Atom D2500, Atom D2600, and Atom D2700 models.

Specifications

The specifications of each GMA GPU vary depending on the generation and specific model. Generally, they are integrated graphics processors with limited graphics processing power and use the computer's main memory for storage. The clock speeds, shader model support, and memory configurations also differ among the different models. The GMA series is known for its low cost and power-efficient design.

Protected Audio Video Path

The GMA series supports the Protected Audio Video Path (PAVP) feature, which restricts the data path within a computer during video playback, such as Blu-ray discs. This feature is supported by newer chipsets and operating systems. Different modes of PAVP, including disabled, PAVP Lite, and Paranoid PAVP, can be configured in the BIOS.

Software Support

The GMA series receives software support from various operating systems.

Mac OS X

Different versions of Mac OS X, such as 10.4 and 10.5, support specific GMA GPUs. For example, Mac OS X 10.4 supports the GMA 950, while Mac OS X 10.5 supports the GMA X3100. Mac OS X 10.6 does not include 64-bit X3100 drivers. Mac OS X 10.6.2 update ships with 64-bit X3100 drivers, but Apple later removed them. Intel GMA GPUs do not have native support in OS X Lion and later versions.

FreeBSD

FreeBSD 8.0 supports a wide range of Intel graphic chipsets, including various GMA models. The support includes DRM and 3D capabilities, which are continuously improving for earlier chipsets.

Linux

Linux provides support for Intel GMA GPUs through open-source X.org/XFree86 drivers. Various versions of the driver have been released, supporting different chipsets and features. Linux also offers hardware acceleration for H.264 video playback and has experimental support for PowerVR-based GMA chips.

Solaris

Oracle Solaris 11 provides 64-bit video driver support for Intel GMA chipsets. The support includes OpenGL 3.0/GLSL 1.30 and the libva/va-api library for hardware-accelerated video decoding.

Microsoft Windows

Intel provides drivers for GMA GPUs on Microsoft Windows platforms. The availability of drivers and their support for features like Aero interface and DirectX versions depend on the specific GMA generation and the operating system version. For example, GMA 900 is not supported by Windows Vista's Aero interface, while GMA 950 supports Aero in Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Modern Gaming

The performance and functionality of GMA processors are limited, making them suitable for low-cost systems and less demanding games. They are often compared to low-cost discrete GPUs or older DirectX 6 GPUs. Some modern games may not be supported or run with acceptable frame rates on GMA processors. However, for less graphically demanding games, GMA GPUs can provide satisfactory performance.

Microsoft Windows Performance Reviews

Reviews of GMA GPUs on Microsoft Windows platforms have shown mixed results. The GMA X3000 was comparable to the Nvidia GeForce 6150 in terms of performance. However, it struggled to run games like Battlefield 2 and Oblivion. The GMA X3500 made minimal advances over the GMA X3000 and was unable to run games like Crysis and F.E.A.R. Extraction Point with acceptable frame rates. The GMA X4500 showed better game performance compared to low-end graphics cards, but still had limitations in running demanding games.

Conclusion

The Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) series is a line of integrated graphics processors that provide low-cost graphics solutions for various computer systems. While they have limitations in terms of performance and gaming capabilities, they offer power-efficient design and cost-effective solutions for many applications. The GMA GPUs have seen improvements in each generation, but their performance in modern gaming remains limited. It is important to consider the specific requirements of a system and its intended use when choosing a GMA GPU.