Can integrated graphics play HD video on the laptop and external display?

[JJone16]

It's known that an integrated graphics card isn't suitable for high end gaming and a discrete graphics card is required. But what is required on a laptop that connects to a HD projector or HD screen, and plays HD video in duplicate mode (plays HD video on the laptop screen and on the external HD display)?

Will integrated graphics be suitable?

Is a laptop with discrete nvidia graphics required?

Were integrated graphics previously not suitable, but the new kaby lake systems are now suitable? For example, is the new Dell xps 13 (which only has in integrated graphics) suitable?

How does this change if the laptop needs to output 4K video to a 4K display?

[idata]

Hello JonIT:

In regard to your questions, it is all related to compatibility. In order to make sure you will be able to play an HD video on both the laptop screen and the HD external display, the best thing to do will be to get in contact with the manufacturer of the laptop and the manufacturer of the HD external display, to verify all the specifications on each of the components. We had cases where some customers were able to do that, we have other cases where the components are just not compatible, but in theory you should be able to it, also previous drivers allowed this type of configuration as well. So, if you are interested in the Dell® xps 13, then the next thing to do will be to get in contact directly with Dell, they might have a list of external displays that are fully compatible with the laptop and also all the requirements or specifications that are needed so you can make sure they will work just fine together. I saw that there are different versions for Dell® xps 13: http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/productdetails/xps-13-9360-laptop http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/productdetails/xps-13-9360-laptop All the processors showing in there work with Intel® HD graphics 620, and on the following chart you will be able to confirm the resolutions they support under "graphics specifications", and also you can confirm they support up to 3 displays, so the integrated graphics are suitable but it is up to the customer if he/she prefers a laptop with discrete Nvidia graphics, in that case in order to find out the information about those graphics you just need to check that with Nvidia directly. http://ark.intel.com/compare/95451,95443,95442 http://ark.intel.com/compare/95451,95443,95442 But remember, that the manufacturer has the option to customize their products, so they can enable or disable some features that is why is always better to check directly with them: Dell's phone number: 1 800-624-9897 Dell's support site: http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04 http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04 In regard to the 4K resolution, you just need to make sure the external display supports 4K resolution, as you can see on the chart above the Intel® HD Graphics 620 supports it, but depending on the processor there might be some limitations for dual display. On the following link you will see the technical product specifications for the processors listed on the link above, please check page 38 and 39 for multiple displays resolutions, look for U processor, as you can see it is also related to memory: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/core/7th-gen-core-family-mobile-u-y-processor-lines-datasheet-vol-1.html http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/core/7th-gen-core-family-mobile-u-y-processor-lines-datasheet-vol-1.html http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/core/7th-gen-core-family-mobile-u-y-processor-lines-datasheet-vol-2.html http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/core/7th-gen-core-family-mobile-u-y-processor-lines-datasheet-vol-2.html Any further questions, please let me know. Regards Alberto

[JJone16]

Alberto,

Thank you for your comprehensive and extremely helpful explanation. Very much appreciated.

[idata]

Hello JonIT:

You are welcome. We are here to help. Any other inquiry, do not hesitate in contact us again. Regards Alberto