Mini PC: Discreet or Integrated Graphics?

[JesseM]

I'm currently shopping for a mini PC to replace my 9-year-old gaming laptop-turned desktop. After lots of research I've narrowed my choices down to two options. I know both systems are fully capable for general computing and playing/streaming HD media which is what I do 60% of the time, but the ability to run demanding Photoshop projects is also a high priority (30%) and occasional gaming (ex Fallout 4) is a low priority (10%), but would be nice. That said, which system (or another?) would you recommend? I have no experience with integrated graphics, is that a deal killer? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

ASUS VC66-B016Z

$799
i7-7700
16GB DDR4
Integrated graphics
512GB SSD
​

ASUS VM65N-G063Z

$529
i5-7200U
8GB DDR4
GeForce GT930M
1TB HDD​

 

[DelJo63]

Unless you are doing high-end Photoshop image manipulation, the integrated approach is fine. The kicker here IMO is how demanding you are when gaming, which really stress the GPU with all the Fill-ins. Going Integrated will save big bucks so consider what "Needs vs Wants" means to you and are you willing to pay for it.

 

[MaikuTech]

Having your own dedicated gpu will help you in the long run especially if you are gaming and doing video work along with photo editing.
ASUS VM65N-G063Z
This would do for your current needs if you can oc this cpu in the bios it will 3.0ghz so it will run games at medium high or medium low settings.
If you want something compact easy to pick up and move around with you this case would be a great way to start.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139041
I have seen these in person and they are small, it almost looks like it takes micro atx mobos only thankfully thats not the case.
Using this website here will help you especially if you don't understand the new technical wonders of todays hardware.
https://pcpartpicker.com/
Also check him out and look at his archive videos most of it will bring you up to speed of what works great and what really doesn't.
https://www.youtube.com/user/techtomorrow