If I say "integrated graphics" to you, what do you think? Games that won't load? Or, in the unlikely event they do, frame rates so pathetic they render your favourite FPS unplayable? Or a resolution so feeble you struggle to make out friend from foe?

If you think integrated graphics are lightweight weaklings that are too puny to support quality games, you may be surprised to see that they can now kick a lot more than sand in your face. In fact, the soon-to-be-released, next-generation integrated graphics cards from Intel have beefed up considerably. They deliver a much faster frame rate than their predecessors, and swiftly suck you into a more realistic, textured world, woven with weather patterns, smoke and shadows.

Admittedly, if you pit an integrated graphics card from Intel against a discrete graphics card, the discrete graphics card will still win. But this time Intel is putting up a fight. Soon you'll have enough muscle to play games like Hellgate London* or Call of Duty* 4.

This is some performance when you consider the integrated graphics card comes with your PC, and costs considerably less than a high-end graphics card. Suddenly this credit-crunch option looks like it could be enough for your little bro – or your nephew – who's just started out gaming.

Obviously you might require a bit more brawn. But, in the future, who knows, Intel integrated graphics cards might pack enough of a punch to satisfy even you.

See how Hellgate London* plays using an integrated graphics card